Welcome to day 13 of 21 Days of Prayer.

In John 13:35, Jesus said,

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another."

We also learn this from Galatians 5:13.

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

These two scriptures explain why we should build our goals and aspirations in 2018 on the foundation of love.

When we, as Christian men and women, choose to look beyond ourselves and to the well being of others, it demonstrates an uncommon strength. I should say, common among believers but uncommon among unbelievers. When Jesus said "by this" and later defined it as loving one another, he was pointing to the power of demonstrated love. Saying we love others is not as effective as demonstrating, taking action, that shows love to others.

Think of it ~ all men will recognize your genuine care for others, your choice to voluntarily spend your personal freedom on the well being of others and in that moment, they will join you and help you reach your goals.

Let's make 2018 a year of intestinal fortitude, marked by the kind of love described in the Bible verses above. We're talking about genuine love that reaches far beyond the limitations of race, education, financial status or any other socioeconomic differences.

With that in mind, the next time you find yourself struggling with sticking to your commitment to reach your goals, ask yourself if those goals will benefit anyone else in your circle of influence. If not, consider modifying the goal with a loving and kind disposition. If there's more on the line than just your own personal benefit but someone else will also benefit from your accomplishments, there, you will find additional strength and motivation to hold on and not quit. As you fight the good fight of faith, calling to remembrance how your victories will be victory for others too, others will then come along side and assist you. What a formula! And to think it's all the Lord's doing.

Come on and Pray!

Father of Heaven and Earth, I ask You to steady me as I understand how and why it is so important to be motivated by love. Lord, keep my foot from being moved from the path of success this year. My desire is to make 2018 a year of servant - leadership, a year where I focus the bandwidth of my goals and energy on all people within my circle of influence. Help me to see how I can modify my goals so when I am blessed, I am also a blessing.

As Your word says, in Proverbs 11:25, "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; and those who help others are helped." That is my prayer today. I will not give in to the "when-then syndrome" from day 7 of our prayers. Quicken me to use what I already have, right now, to bless others and by doing so, please see my good works and bless me too! I use my freedom today, to take action now, and by faith, I believe that the dreams, plans and passions You have placed within me, will come to pass.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

~Inspiring hope and seasoning faith, Pastor Sean