The new year is a time for resolutions and goal setting. We celebrate the accomplishments of the past. We let go of those things where we fell short. We treasure the memories we shared. But with the new year, we look forward to setting and accomplishing some new goals with renewed strength. Strengthened by our faith in Christ, we press forward to use our gifts and talents to accomplish some goals that will honor God and bless others. The Apostle Paul shared all these experiences and expresses it beautifully in this passage written from a prison cell to people facing challenge and adversity, yet it rings with a positive note:
(scripture of the week)
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12–14 NIV11)
(prayer of the week)
Loving God, thank you for a new year! Thank you for the blessings of the past, and thank you for your grace for the shortcomings of the past. Bless our life with goals that honor you and bless others, and renewed strength to serve you and others. Grant us a fresh vision of life as you intend it, guided by your Word and empowered by your Spirit, through Christ Our Lord, amen.
(quote of the week)
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man--Benjamin Franklin
(scripture of the week)
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12–14 NIV11)
(prayer of the week)
Loving God, thank you for a new year! Thank you for the blessings of the past, and thank you for your grace for the shortcomings of the past. Bless our life with goals that honor you and bless others, and renewed strength to serve you and others. Grant us a fresh vision of life as you intend it, guided by your Word and empowered by your Spirit, through Christ Our Lord, amen.
(quote of the week)
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man--Benjamin Franklin
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