Good morning; I know the countdown is so real for us to start a new year! I know we all are hoping for a better year in 2021 than we have experienced in 2020. However, my friend, I want to encourage us to take on that responsibility for a better year and not leave control of our experience in others’ hands. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Phil. 3:16). I want to encourage you to walk into this new year with a commitment, with a signal-minded focus to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus. Do you remember the excitement and joy you had when you received Jesus as your personal Saviour? The spiritual concern, the spiritual mind you had as you “attained” your Salvation, continue to walk in that “rule” have that “same mind”. Also, be selective in who you mark yourself by, be careful of the examples you have walking into this new year. “Brethren, be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example” (v.17). Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to follow godly examples, to surround themselves with people who will help them grow in this journey, as they are “pressing for the Prize”. My friend, life is short, and everything surrounding you right now, all your worldly goods will one day be destroyed. But as Christians, “our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v.20). This morning I am thankful, very grateful, and overflowing with joy, knowing my name is written in the “Lambs Book of Life”! We as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are looking for Jesus to come again and receive His church, and we will spend all eternity with Him in the realms of Glory, in the presence of our heavenly Father. Eternity compared to our time on earth is but a drop in the bucket; therefore, as this new year approaches, focus on Jesus. Be Blessed in Jesus Name.

Good morning, thank you for taking the time to share in the Word and thoughts with us! Once I get to heaven and meet Jesus and enjoy the presence of God, walk down the streets and kick up gold dust, I want to meet the Apostle Paul. His writings are inspiring, but his language is aggressive in nature, the mindset that we must have to be successful over the enemy. Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). To “press” carries the idea of working toward something, seeking after something continuously. My friend, we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have a prize awaiting us, and we must pursue that prize with all of our heart and mind. We must wake up each more seeking after the promises of God. I want to encourage you to pursue your “high calling” in Christ Jesus, which ultimately will lead us into the presence of God in the perfection whereunto He is calling us. Abraham took his tent and pursued after a city, “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” Heb. 11:10. This morning, my question is how aggressive are we pursuing that city, that prize, that goal we have to meet Jesus, the one who died for our sins and saved us from a demon hell? Father, I pray this morning that we will enter into the new year with renewed energy to pursue our walk of righteousness as the church of the living God. I pray that we would not get caught up in the distractions that take place in the process but keep the prize in mind and “press toward” that great “Mark” that is set before us, Amen. Be Blessed in Jesus Name.