Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Once again, we’re at the end of a whole year. Starting a New year. Whew!
Although there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start, a new beginning, a clean slate. It’s a place or a foundation to start new.
I use the beginning of a new year as a template for a new story. I get to choose the characters I allow in my story, I get to choose the direction I want to go in, although God is leading and directing my life, I do have a say on what I allow.
This year, I resolve to get closer to God, to pray more, to read and memorize scripture more and to spend more time with my family.
These are things I should be doing anyway, right?
But, what usually happens is that I allow other things to get in the way of what is really important. I believe that is sin.
Anything that takes the place of God or comes before God, is wrong.
That’s where my list comes in. And every month I can assess how it’s going. Where I’m at with this list.
I can also make changes and juggle what’s needed. I can eliminate anything standing in the way of my spiritual walk.
One step at a time. That’s the key. If I try to do everything all at once, I’ll eventually get tired or bored with it and then, I’ll shelf it. That does no one any good.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1&2
As we start a fresh year, I pray that God leads you to new places, fresh starts, a different vision than you’ve ever had.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Sometimes, we need a fresh start because we are tired, worn out and discouraged. That’s where Christ comes in, who better to restore hope to us than the One with all the resources we could ever need.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Here, God is telling Isaiah, “I am working on something new in you” That’s absolutely amazing!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
I pray that God unleashes his anointing on you this next year.
Happy New Year, May it be prosperous!
Connie
