Philippians 2:3 NIV — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Julie and I usually refer to Thursdays as Thankful Thursday. Years ago, when my children were younger, we would take time on Thursdays to somehow thank someone for their presence in our lives. Sometimes we would simply write a thank you note. Other times we would take time to bake cookies or buy a small token of appreciation and deliver it on Thursday. This habit was a small gesture of thinking of others and practicing gratitude. Including today, there are 13 Thursdays left in 2025. What habit could you incorporate to show appreciation of others on Thankful Thursdays?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2025. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG — You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

We have started the last 90 days of 2025. Are you on the path to finish the year strong? How are you improving your mental, emotional, and spiritual life? Are you stepping out of your boat of comfort and taking steps to move closer to Christ? 

Take a few moments to read this article titled Self-improvement, 1 Percent At A Time by Duke Corporate Education. This article explains the “aggregate of marginal gains” theory. 

Spend some time examining yourself. What are you doing for the final push of the year to improve yourself and become 1% better each day?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2025. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Colossians 3:2 NIV — Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Later this week we begin the last 90 days of the year. How is 2025 going for you? Are you finishing the year strong? Often we start the year with a list of goals and intentions but quickly lose resolve. Rachel Hollis, author and motivational speaker, chooses to look at the last 90 days of the year as a time to reflect, refocus, and reset in order to end the year the best way possible. Years ago Hollis created a Last 90 Days Challenge and suggests habits to help the last of the year be successful. She calls these habits “5 to Thrive.” Below is the list of the 5 to Thrive habits. Which of these habits are you willing to commit to as you finish out 2025 strong?

• Wake up earlier
• Practice gratitude
• Drink water
• Exercise
• Release something (such as a bad habit)

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2025. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week we will focus on the last 90 days of 2025. As you prepare for our week ahead, take some time to read and meditate on this week’s featured scripture.

Colossians 3:2 NIV — Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG — You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Philippians 2:3 NIV — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

@biblegateway @youversion

We are nearing the last 90 days of 2025. How will you finish strong? Take a moment to listen to Finish Strong by Danny Gokey and His Strength Is Perfect by Steven Curtis Chapman. Begin our week together by praying for God to open your eyes to the ways you can finish 2025 being the best you can be.

This week my precious father-in-law passed away peacefully. We are all so thankful that he is completely healed and in the arms of Jesus. Today I am reflecting on all the stories that have been shared this week and I am savoring all of my sweet memories of Larry. 

The first time I pulled into his and Pansy’s driveway, Larry was under the carport reading his Bible. That image embodied the way he lived. Larry lived a humble, Christ-centered life. Larry fiercely loved the Lord and his family. He and Pansy were married for nearly 61 years and raised three sons who have learned from his example the value of a relationship with Jesus and the importance of family. Larry was known for giving loved ones a nickname. Some of the names he assigned include Doodle, Halfback, Shortstop, Sweat Pea, Sweet Girl, and Squeaky Poo. His nicknames were a symbol of his love and affection. 

Larry sat at the kitchen table and read his Bible every morning before he started his day. He was a long time usher and custodian at his church. I remember his diligence of going to the church monthly to check the fire extinguishers. My children were excited when they were around to go with him to help. 

Larry was a pipe fitter. At the visitation this week one of his coworkers told me about what a good man Larry was at work. He shared that Larry never said a bad word, even when things didn’t go well at work. I don’t believe I have ever heard him raise his voice or say a cross word. Larry’s life was a Christian example for all of us. He was a Christian influencer and I will savor his influence on me!

Take a moment to read someone else’s words about Larry.

Obituary for Larry Clark Ard

Take some time to read about some current Christian influencers as defined by social media in this article titled 20 Christian Influencers Inspiring Millions On Social Media in 2025. Are you familiar with any of them? If so, how have they influenced you?

Next, read this blog by Shayla Asselin titled How To Be An Influencer. What steps can you take now to be intentional about your Christian influence?

@biblegateway @youversion