We must have a proper goal and vision in order to have focus. In our pursuit of life, we are surrounded by negative circumstances that constantly stand up and call for our attention. We as Christian believers read again the words of Paul in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Our daily walk/run brings us closer to a dynamic devotion to our Lord. Our devotion will cause us to focus on the prize.

We have this awesome privilege of an intimate eternity with our Lord. As we yield to the life and person of the Holy Spirit, we will have the strength and patience to press toward the goal.

What is your focus? Is it to know Christ? Do you want to become deeply acquainted with Him, and know the power that flows out from His life!

1. Are you still in the race God has put before you?

2. Are you thinking of quitting and letting someone else wear your shoes?

3. Have you finished the course and completed all the Lord has spoken?

Our focus must be on the prize, our Lord Jesus Christ.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, READY, GO!

Have you found your purpose for living? Do your goals and vision line up with the principals in the Bible? I like what God thinks about purposes. He shared His eternal plan with the world in Ephesians 3:11, "...according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord..."

Also 2 Timothy 1:9 gives the heart of the gospel message, "...who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,..."

I believe God gave guidelines for determining our purpose for living. He gave His only Son for the good of mankind. He had a goal, purpose, and vision to bring light and peace to the world.

Jesus Christ the Son, showed us the way in 1 John 3:8b and Acts 10:30,"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil; and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil." In all of our goals, we can be like our Lord who went about doing good.

God is ready to send His Happy New Year letter for 2023. You can download it 24/7. This letter comes straight from His heart, the Holy Bible. He reminds you of His indescribable greatness!

He will tell you that you can renew your thought life which will change your actions. His ways and thoughts are higher and better (Isaiah 55:8,9).

In this New Year, we can reach past the stars right into the throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16). Through prayer and study of the Word, we find in His presence we have His kindness, generosity, boldness, gratefulness, and compassion. As we daily seek His heart, we find the ability to have forbearance, patience, self-control, and to lead a sober life (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Romans 15:1-7).

The Lord wants us to know that all of our needs are covered in Him. He is already into the New Year. "Your steps formed a highway through the seas and footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there (Psalm 77:19 The Passion Translation).

He is one step ahead of us. So, let's get going!