By Pastor John McDonald
Well here we are again, in the first month of a brand new year 2021. The start of a new year normally comes in the form of a clean slate, a fresh canvas allowing us to dream and be excited about the coming year.
But this year it’s not such a clean slate as other years. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has found the fresh start, clean slate of a new year looking much of the same as last year.
So today let me encourage you with some scriptures from Gods Word (the Bible), that help us focus on who Jesus is and what his plan is for our lives.
Philippians 3:14 says in the NKJV, “I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Sometimes before we press on we need to press in; press in to the things of God, His Word and spending time in His presence.
Press in to know the goal.
Not just for the year, but for eternal life. Press into the big picture of what it is to follow Jesus. Look beyond a short time and let God remind you through His Word about his eternal plan.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us., looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Don’t do it in your own strength.
Commit in 2021 that instead of striving in your own strength you are going to rest in God’s strength, to not push on in your own strength but keep moving forward because of God’s present strength in your life and circumstances.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NKJV) says:
Even youths shall grow faint and weary , and young men will utterly fall. But those who wait on The Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not grow faint.
This year, decide in the first month of this year to choose to rest in the strength that Jesus has and not try and force things in your own strength.
Lastly, this year let God’s Word lift you in challenging times.
Like every year this year will present its fair share of challenges. Maybe you have already experienced some and we are only a few weeks into it.
Choose to go to God and His Word, and let it lift you, especially in the challenging moments this year will bring.
Psalm 23:4-6 is a great reminder of the faithfulness of God in challenging times.
Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your Rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever.
Let’s make 2021 a year where we don’t just press on but we press into who Jesus is and building a stronger relationship with him through His Word in 2021.
God bless you.
John McDonald
Lead Pastor