Some 2,000+ years ago the Apostle Paul (in the beginning of Philippians 3:13) encouraged believers to forget the past and look to the future. Today, Pastor Larry Cole (Appalachian House of Prayer) challenged all of us to do something similar. I share two excerpts from his challenge:

“We are entering a new year, 2018! But, how much of “you” is actually entering in?“

“…the Lord is already in 2018 and He wants us there...”all” of us. How can we love, worship and fellowship with Him throughout 2018 if we leave behind any of our heart, soul, mind or strength in 2017?
Good words – both in Paul’s time and now. (It’s interesting that Ambassador Sonia’s message this month has a similar theme – be sure to read!) Most of us heading into a new year are eager to forget all the bad times, missed opportunities etc, etc of the last one while wanting to continue to savor the highlights and victories of the same. Both can be weights/hinderances to the pressing forward/winning the prize Paul refers to in the second half of Philippians 3:13.
That said, my own thoughts about 2018 have been about the calendar…WSC calendar to be sure!… but, also all the not-yet-filled-in days of 2018 – our “blank slate.”
Most of us love to quote Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Be sure, friends that God does, indeed, have wonder-full plans for each of us this new year. I hope you are as excited about the possibilities as I!
Upon inspection, may our end-of-year 2018 calendar reflect many Kingdom triumphs in our families, neighborhoods and nations. But, let’s be sure to make time for the Lord on our calendars to “…love, worship, fellowship” with our “…heart, soul, mind and strength.” May we, in retrospect next year savor, most of all, the times spent in His presence.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Mary