this, we are saying to ourselves, I had better make sure that next year goes like that. Before it is too late. One text in the Bible that brings into sharp focus that sense of living with the end in mind is 1 Peter 4:7-11.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Peter gives us five goals that come from a CLEAR focus upon the end: Consistent prayer life. “… for the sake of your prayers.” Focus on prayer this year! Get up early! Pray, pray, pray! Love each other by forgiving each other. We pay lip service to love easily enough, but Peter urges the kind of love that “… covers a multitude of sins.” Begin this year by loving someone with the kind of love that coves over a multitude of sins! Entertain guests for ministry purpose. Hospitality is more than just food. It is an open heart and house. It is hard to do; it is harder to do it “without grumbling”! This year don’t hold on to your life, your time, your personal space; give it away for the benefit of others and the glory of God! Ambitious serving. Serving and ambition only go together when the purpose is others’ benefit and God’s glory. We are to make the most of the gifts we have been given to serve others, whether those gifts are financial, practical, or speaking God’s Word. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” This year put away moderate commitment to serving, speaking, and giving, and be abundant as a good steward of all God’s resources given to you to serve others. Radical God-centeredness. “…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” This year focus all on glorifying God, honoring God, centering everything upon God! Make 2013 a year when your life is radically God-centered.]]>