It’s December 2nd, 23 days before Christmas, and 29 days until January 1st, 2017; you have 696 hours left in the year. Can you believe that 2016 is already coming to a close?
When you think about it, 696 hours seems like a very long time. However, as the days pass and the end of the year draws closer you realize that 696 hours will come and go at light speed. 
What are you going to accomplish for the Lord in the next 29 days or 696 hours?
Here are a five things to consider:
1. Win more souls to Christ: Matthew 28:19-20. As believers, we have been given a mandate to win others to Christ. Evangelism is not just for missionaries; it’s for all Christians. We have a ministry in which we are to reconcile others to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
2. Give a little extra: Proverbs 3:9. There are many ways to honor God; however, giving to those in need is considered wise and prudent. Luke 6:38 tells us that giving to others is one of the ways we receive our blessings, therefore give, not because we will receive back; but because we love people and want to see others blessed. It is obedience to these things which causes us to receive blessings in return.
3. Spend time with those less fortunate: Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5. Jesus was anointed to preach the good news to the poor. He was full of love for those who were needy. The Christmas season is a time when many are in great need. They may need food, money, or just someone to talk to. We are all busy, but take some time to share some love with someone who needs it.
4. Start a new business: Proverbs 31: 10-31. We hear a lot about the Proverbs 31 women. This story has been waxed eloquently to us for many years. We want to be like her. Starting a business is not an easy task; however, with God on your side you can and should start a business, if this is something you feel in your heart is from God. Do not hesitate; procrastination is not part of God’s plan.
5. Write a book: Habakkuk 2:2; Daniel 5. When God wrote anything; He had a reason. When you begin writing your book; you too should have a God-given reason for writing. Luke wrote in Acts and the Gospel of Luke that he wrote these things for a reason:
“In as much as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, ..that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed” (Luke 1:1-4).
At the end of my book, Hey, Don’t be that Girl!, I concluded with the reason I write: “2 Timothy 1 (NCV): God sent me to tell about the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. God saved us and made us his holy people. That was not because of anything we did ourselves but because of God’s purpose and grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began, but it is now shown to us by the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus. Follow the pattern of true teachings that you heard from me in faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus. Protect the truth that you were given; protect it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
You have been given 24 hours in each day to live for Christ. Use the next six hundred ninety-six (696) hours to accomplish some great things for God. Not only is He counting on you; there are people out there who are waiting for you to obey God. They are waiting on the other side of your obedience.
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