Happy New Year!

Philippians 3:13-14:

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Ever since the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001, I always consider these verses at the turn of the year. One reason was to sort of try to ‘purge’ my mind of it all – I had gotten so tired of hearing about it every single day. Another reason was that I simply wanted to move past it. I wanted to put it behind me and move on. It was an awful thing, but life had to go on.

The New Year always seems like a great time to stop and reflect on the past year, and look ahead to what the next year will bring. That’s another reason I love these verses. I haven’t arrived yet – my life’s purpose isn’t yet fulfilled. The past is done, good or bad I can’t change it. I can focus on the things that are coming, and by God’s grace and with His help I want to glorify Him in it. May God help me to keep my life’s focus on Him, and on His purpose for my life rather than my own wishes and desires.

What is my New Year’s Resolution you might ask? I don’t have a ‘resolution’ per se, but I do have a couple of goals. One is to actually slow down and enjoy life rather than run through it so busy I don’t have time to stop and breathe. I feel like lately my wife and I have kinda had to say ‘hello’ in passing rather than being able to spend some time with each other. That will change. Any time someone asks me how things are going or how I’m doing, I always have the word ‘busy’ as part of my response. That will change. This doesn’t mean I’m going to turn lazy this year. But it does mean that for the sake of spending time in God’s Word studying or just reading, or spending time with family, what can wait until tomorrow will wait.

A goal I had last year that I failed miserably at was posting a daily verse, and occasionally some thoughts on it. I’m rededicating myself to that goal. Somebody out there help keep me accountable – if I miss one, let me hear about it. I need more discipline in this area, and intend to improve on that in a big way.

I hope everyone’s New Year is one that is filled with God’s blessings! Let’s make the most of it for Him!

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