”I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:14-16)
A Blessed New Year Crosswind Church!
As we turn the page from the year 2020 to 2021, let us reflect on the goodness of our God. God safely brought us to this new year. A lot of people were so eager to get the past year - marked by a global pandemic, social and political unrest - behind them, hoping that 2021 will be a much better year. From the perspective of the Christian however, the world does not hit a reset button when the clock struck midnight today. We are in a continuous journey to an eternal destiny. God was never caught off guard by the events of 2020, He knows what He is doing and His purposes will continue to be carried out in this new year. What we can control is our attitude. Like St. Paul, we should make a resolution to run the race forward toward the heavenly prize.
As a heavenward resolution, we should:
1. “Press on” - The picture is an athlete sprinting toward the finish line with his eyes fixed on the prize waiting for him. People say life is a marathon and that we have to endure the long race. Our mindset however, is that we can be closing in on the end of the race anytime. Finish strong!
2. “Attain to Christian maturity” - Paul made this a precondition to having a heavenly mindset and receiving God’s revelation. Let us immerse ourselves in the means of grace. Be in constant prayer, study our Bibles and take every opportunity to participate in the work of Christ’s local body, the church.
3. “Hold true to what we have attained” - These times call for steadfastness of heart unto the Lord regardless of our circumstances. There is no promise that 2021 will be better, in fact the Bible teaches of a worse tribulation to come in the future. However, we should remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).
This firm resolve should be ours as we prepare ourselves for even greater challenges this year. Let us be discerning of the times and walk worthy of the heavenly calling. The Lord is near.
A blessed new year to all of you beloved of the Lord!
In His service,
Pastor Ramon
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