We have no guarantee of a tomorrow (Jas. 4:13-16). But if the Lord wills that we continue on throughout 2004, there are some things we can do to make it a good year. Consider a few:
1. Be nice to everybody. As Paul encouraged the Romans, so we need to "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10).
2. Have a receptive heart to the truth. Strive to be that good ground, who will "hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit..." (Mk. 4:20). Just as preachers need to preach it "in season and out," (2 Tim. 4:2) so listeners need to receive it.
3. Be sorry for sin. No one should ever plan on sinning, but the fact is we all do. When that’s the case, the thing for the Christian to do is "repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22).
4. Put the Lord first. Jesus made it plain, "but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;..." (Mt. 6:33). If we will do this, #’s 1, 2, and 3 (as well as everything else) will fall in order. Let’s put the Lord first. Let’s have a good year!
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