Choose 1. One day. One hour. One meal.

It is a new year with all that brings. Some are making resolutions. Some are planning for changes or challenges. All the while we have an opportunity to keep on living. For Christians we choose to renew our faith and strengthen what we know already.

I challenged our church yesterday to make some specific choices that bring us closer to God. In fact I believe that when we choose to discipline ourselves and put God first, the outcome will bring great results.

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

I asked the church to think about 1. Three specific things to do. All three will remind us that we mean business with God and our faith.

Choose 1. One meal. One hour. One day.

Choose 1 meal to forgo, to fast and spend that time focusing on God and praying.

Choose 1 hour. That is one hour to focus on God and pray. Set your attention on God alone.

Choose 1 day or parts of a specific day. One day that through the day you will spend time with God and seek God.

It will make a difference. It is a few simple choices. Choose 1.

There are many other things you can commit to that will help your faith grow stronger. Do something as the new year is off to a start. Spend time with God. Read the Bible using a plan, maybe through the Bible in the year or Proverbs every day. Those are some things that I do.

Make 2026 count and let God stretch your faith and draw you closer to God.

James 4:8 NLT

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

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