"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
That sounds like a wonderful goal.
We have a reminder that there are some changes that need to be made in our new year and sin that needs to be forsaken, bad habits that ought to be replaced with good ones, and good habits that ought to be replaced with better ones. The grace of God helps us in change. We have the opportunity for new commitments and renewed efforts to keep on that which is good and right. When we have fallen, the courage to get up again and remind ourselves of progress is never easy.
Let us seek for the new things that this year will give as opportunities. What is something that you’ve not done before that you will try to do? Maybe it is a new skill, new job, new community, educational class, or a new friendship that you will try to cultivate. Maybe this is the year to write those memories or take up a craft. Maybe this is the year you will learn to memorize a Scripture verse or chapter or even a book of the Bible. Maybe you never have been a tither, and you don’t know how you can do that, but, by faith, God is laying it upon your heart to trust Him and commit your budget to God. Could 2025 be the year you go on a mission trip, volunteer for service needed in the church. agree to participate in a small group study this year or invite some people over to get better acquainted.
There will be some new things for our church. In our church pledges and gifts are being received toward a building project. Plans are being discussed for the Spring. Use this new year dreaming and praying and thinking, ask God where He would lead you as a follower of Jesus and where would He like to lead the church? What are some things that we haven’t done that maybe we ought to try doing? How can we improve in evangelism, plant a church overseas, or send a work team to another area?
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and future. “God told Israel that. He tells you and me that as well.
In 2025 there will be struggles and joy, failures, and successes. It is a year of opportunity for changing some things that need changing; of renewal of some things that need renewed in efforts and commitment. It will have opportunities for new beginnings. You are not alone. You go in the power and the love of Jesus Christ. Because of His death, His burial, His resurrection we can anticipate that this year He may come again.
Rev 22:20-21 says “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Application: Memorize the scripture above Phil 3:30
Prayer: Lord, help me to reach those points in my walk of repentance and commitment where I can truly say I have somehow attained resurrection from the dead in areas where it is needed.
