The New Year - 2009

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

We are now well on our way into the New Year, 2009.  Many,  perhaps,  have made resolutions or set goals. Perhaps you have failed a bit already, but do not give up. As we are now in our 20^th day of a 40 day journey of fasting and prayer and Bible Study,  I personally have had times of struggle to keep afloat early in the month. But, as I was awakened this morning I began to reflect upon the accomplishments of this journey. We have had many souls saved in our congregation, and we have had God touch many physical bodies already this year with His healing touch.

So,  if you are finding yourself struggling with the same issues again this year that you have in the past years, start pressing in! We read in the New Testament where one individual had to PRESS through the CROWD to get to Jesus!  If you are having a hard time pressing through to Jesus, do not give up! Just because you have failed in one area does not spell DEFEAT! I wonder how many times this individual had tried before to press in to reach Jesus?

I am writing this morning from Columbus, Ohio,  where I am in a motel preparing to attend the funeral of a daughter, mother, Sister, Wife, Grandmother and Great Grandmother of one our parishioners.

I look at the decedent's accomplishments.  She has achieved the ultimate prize, at home with Jesus! Let go of the things that are bearing down on you!  Let go of the things that are dragging you down. Let go of the things that are a hindrance.   Start believing and loving yourself again!

Personally I have set goals this year, not resolutions:

1. Meet God first everyday.
2. Read God's word everyday first thing.
3. Refuse to be denied into His Presence by the Enemy.
4. No matter how I feel physically,  I am walking in His Healing.
5. No matter how I feel mentally – I have perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Him.
6. I choose not to dwell on the past.
7. I intend to make the fullest of everyday.
8. I am somebody—God did not create a reject!  I may be different,  but am still a Child of the King.
9. To give attendance to Gods House, no matter how I feel because I know when I get there, I can make a difference in someone else’s life,
10. I have determined that it is not about me! It is about Him and whose life I make a difference in..

As the winter has hit us hard,  so has Satan, but I close with this.  Satan has hit and bit many of us. At times this year we have been down, but I have not heard the "10 count"  so I am getting up and pressing on! Until Later!

Pastor Mike