The promises of a new year and the turning of a calendar always brings us a restart of new hope. People look at the change in the calendar as a restart, fresh hope, clean slate and resolutions for change. There is a lot of looking back over the previous year and reflection. All of this is great but I want to talk to you today about the word God put in my heart today. He said press forward.
Isaiah 43:19
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.
Philippians 3:13-14
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.
I want you to yes learn from the previous year but do not get stuck in the past and looking back. You can not get where you need to if you are walking backwards. Try it in the physical. Turn your head looking behind you and walk without turning around and looking in front of you. You might walk this way a short distance but at some point you will run into something and you will hit a road block. This is why yes look behind you learn then turn around and keep going.
As you press forward reach for the things the Lord has for you because they will always be in front of you. The prize is in front of you. Marathon runners run forward not backwards. The same is with life. We made it through the holidays this year. They were different without my mother-in-love. We definitely felt her void but we also felt the love we have for each other. Her presence and memory was there cheering us on.
Hebrews 12:1
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
We are told in Hebrews that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses and to continue in this race....Jesus is our reward.....Heaven is our reward so keep running, keep going, do not give up! I promise you it is worth it!
So, what are your goals for this year? Make one of those goals spending time with our Heavenly savior and if you do not know Jesus, if he is not in your heart lets change that today. Do not wait another second start this year washed clean of all that has hindered you and run this race freely.
Lets Pray:
Prayer of acceptance: Father I come before you and confess that I am a sinner. I repent of doing things my own way and for always looking back. I repent of not believing in you and not living this life you gave me in a way that honored you. I confess today that I believe that you come from Heaven was born as a baby from the virgin Mary. I believe that Jesus is perfect and that he is the only way to you. Jesus please come into my heart, I believe you died on the cross, went into hell took the keys of authority from Satan, you rose again on the 3rd day. Thank you Lord for saving me. Amen.
Prayer for the new year: Father God we thank you for the promise of a new year that we can hope in you. Help us Lord to press toward the mark and to run our race. We thank you Lord that we can believe you and trust you to be with us in all we do. Lord go before us this year make a way where there is no way and keep us safe in your arms. Comfort those that are hurting today Lord and fill them with your warm love. Let the holy spirit fall on them this day Lord and its in Jesus name we pray Amen!
Lets worship:
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