End of Month Check In

I press on toward the goal for the prize

Hello friend and welcome back to the blog posts. I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of the first month of this year. So much is happening in our world, in the US, around us... So I just wanted to check in.

How is 2026 going so far? How are you doing - in your prayer life? Bible reading? Service? How have you been showing up for family? Friends? How is your relationship with God? Is it growing? Is it getting stale already? Or you stagnant?

Statistics from a quick google search tells us that approximately 43% of individuals who make New Year’s resolution abandon them by the end of January.

The reality is, we are all affected by what is going on around us, and as a Christian, I do not think we should ignore it either. However, we have an opportunity to rise above all the noise and chaos and seek His face, be a witness; be a light in this dark world.

Matthew 5:16 states: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [ESV‬‬]

We are called to also press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14 states: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” [‭ESV‬‬].

Pressing toward the prize is a daily goal if you want to make it to heaven. I believe there are days when pressing might look different for you, but the desire to make heaven is one that should be with us each day.

And not just barely making it to heaven, but also by getting the prize or rewards God has in store for us. What would that look like for you? Perhaps putting more effort in your relationship with God. Perhaps being bold as a witness for Christ. Perhaps stepping up and serving in areas that might be out of your comfort zone.

Let me be the first to admit that I am not great at any of these areas. And if I honest, I might be preaching to myself as well.

However, I believe that a true desire to serve the Lord, should match your effort of service to Him. So like you, I'll take the next few days to go over my goals for 2026 especially January, pray about ways I can make some improvement espt in February.

So as I conclude today's post, let me encourage you to not become a statistic. Don't give up on the things that God has placed on your heart to accomplish in 2026. Forget or let go of the things that don't serve you and strain or reach forward for what's in front of you. Go for that dream, be bold in your faith, volunteer in that part of town that scares you, talk to that weird neighbor, pray with your co-workers... whatever you do obey Christ!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word and the encouragement it brings. Lord, January is almost over. I place February in your hands. Please help me to lean in and draw closer to you. Help me to let go of the things that are behind me and to reach forward for the opportunities you have in store for me. Lord, help me be a light in whatever surrounding I am found whether that may be work, school, home, w/ family or friends. Help me press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call. In jesus name. Amen.

Stay Blessed,

G