A Godly Purpose for the New Year ~

     Hebrews 12:1-2a, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

     I am excited for all God has in store this year! I am eager for Him to teach, stretch, and refine me. It seems the longer I walk with Him the more I want to draw closer to Him. Consider a couple married 20+ years, should their commitment, love, or acts of service become less? No, in fact, with age and years should come a stronger, passionate, and more purposeful commitment and union.

     This past year, my family’s resolution was that He would increase, and we would decrease. That caused us to make big changes individually and as a family; we also incorporated confessing sins and struggles to one another to maintain accountability. God was with us each step of the way, exposing ungodly thoughts, words, actions, and feelings, and transforming us more into the likeness of His Son.

     Whatever your resolutions, I hope you take time now, at the beginning of the year, to devote the rest of it to Christ. Make time today to pray and think on ways you can run the race better. What added weights can you let go of? How can you run with endurance? How can you glorify God and bless fellow runners? My prayer is that you would be as excited as I am to see the good work God wants to complete in you; may we begin in a posture of surrender and submission, excited for the sanctification He has ahead.

God bless you! <3

Tera