Looking Ahead
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As we come toward the end of another year, it is good to spend a little time reflecting back on the things that took place during the last 9 to 10 months. Good or bad, though, we cannot do anything about the past. Therefore, we should spend most of our time looking ahead and making plans for the future. This is a great time to ponder a few "new year’s resolutions", early.
The apostle Paul, while he was in prison for serving the Lord, wrote several letters of encouragement to the newly established first century churches. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote:
"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)
Paul had every reason to quit – but he never did quit. He was always looking ahead. He was always pushing on to do God’s will. Paul continued to fight the good fight to the very end. He knew some things are worth fighting for – and worth dying for. Paul never did consider retirement. While he was still on this earth, he knew he had work to do. He was driven to share the good news about Jesus Christ to a lost world.
We should have the same passion and the same drive that Paul had. Many, many people die and go to hell every day. Time is of the essence. We don’t have time to take it easy. Folks, let’s resolve to make a difference in 2008. Let’s resolve to make our own salvation sure – and then let’s resolve to do our part in bringing others to a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)
Let’s resolve to spend more time reading and studying God’s Word. Let’s resolve to fellowship on a weekly basis with other born-again, bible-believing Christians.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
May God's Will be Done
on Earth as it is in Heaven
