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 2024 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 2024 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 2024. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Take some time to read this week’s scriptures. Meditate on the verses and allow God to lead you as you prepare for the week ahead.

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.

Spend some time preparing for our week together by listening to the following songs.

Finish Strong by Danny Gokey

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey

God’s Not Done With You by Tauren Wells

Isaiah 40:31 KJV — but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

The last way God strengthens me is through His Holy Word. To receive His power and be ready to face my day ahead, I get up early enough to have quiet devotion and prayer time with God. Each morning I read several devotions and it never fails that at least one out of those devotions speaks directly to whatever may be on my mind or whatever battle I am facing. Scripture can encourage and strengthen me when I feel weak. 

Today’s featured scripture is what I call my life verse. This verse has been important to me from early in my adult life. My husband Clark and I both gain strength and comfort from this verse and when we were married we had it inscribed in our wedding bands. It is a verse that I call on when I feel weak or need His power. Do you have a life verse? Do you have a verse that you keep closely tucked in your heart to recall in times that you need His strength? I encourage you to spend some time reflecting and discovering what scripture verse could be called your life verse. Write it down on a note card or in a place you can see when you need a dose of encouragement or strength from God. We would love it if you would share your life verses in the comments so we can all gain strength and power from His word.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for Your Holy Word. May I always hold on to Your promises for strength in my times of weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalms 150:1-5 NIV — Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

One of the most intimate ways I have experienced God comforting me and giving me strength is through music. When I am truly focused on Christian music I am able to be engulfed by the words and allow God to use those words to speak directly to my heart. Often, I walk into church on Sunday morning or turn the radio on in my car and just the right song is playing to comfort or strengthen me. How does music affect you? Has music been a source of comfort and strength for you? Do you have a favorite Christian song?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of music. May my ears, heart, and mind be open to the messages of strength and comfort that You speak to me through music. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Philippians 4:13 KJV — I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Another way God gives us strength is through other people. God may speak to us and strengthen us through the words of a sermon delivered by a pastor. He also may use the words from a friend’s text, card, blog post, or conversation to give you the power you need in a particular situation. Just this week God strengthened me through a friend’s text and a note card from another friend. How has God used your friends, family, or pastor to give you strength? How have you been used to strengthen someone else? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for those You put in my path to strengthen me. May my eyes and ears be open to those You send and may I be receptive to the message they share with me on Your behalf. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Luke 24:49 NLT — And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven. 

When we need strength God sends just what we need. How does our Maker send us strength? This week I will share some ways God strengthens me.

The most obvious way I gain strength from God is from the Holy Spirit. Today’s featured scripture occurs when Jesus arose from the dead. He appeared to His disciples and gave them a wonderful promise before His ascension. When we are struggling with difficult times the Holy Spirit will comfort and strengthen us to continue on our journey. As Christians we all have access to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

How does the Holy Spirit strengthen you? Examine how closely you are in tune to the Holy Spirit. Are you allowing the Spirit to guide you?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and strengthen me. Open my heart and mind to receive Your strength and guidance. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.