Good morning,
We have completed another year. For some it has been a wonderful prosperous year. For others it has been wrought with trials, tribulations, and heartache. Whichever circumstance we find ourselves in, this year is over. We cannot change the past, but must look forward to the future.
Paul was being harassed by the Judaizers and made this statement in Philippians 3:8-15, “8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
Paul was not going to live in the past, but was going to “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That should be our goal in 2016.
We should determine to move forward for Jesus Christ. Bible reading and study is a good start. If you have never read the entire Bible, challenge yourself to read it this year. Prioritize church attendance. Get involved in ministries in your church. Tell someone that you are a Christian and how that happened. If God is calling you to full time ministry, step out in faith.
Then watch God work in your life. It will be SO exciting!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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