A New Year's Resolution #282

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16 In any case, we sh

ould live up to whatever truth we have attained. (HCSB)

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? You probably do, but also realize that it doesn’t mean anything. Here is a suggestion for this New Year; mature into the believer that you already are in Christ. You are in Christ a new creation, old things are passed away and all things have become new as written in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

The Apostle Paul, the writer of the Book of Philippians is on a quest to become a mature believer. He is aware than in everyday life he has not yet arrived at maturity or as some translations say; perfection. Yet Paul would desire to continue to be all that God wants him to be in Christ.

In order to reach the goal of Romans 8:29; “conformed to the image of Christ” he realizes some steps of action need to be taken. First he needs to forget what lies behind. The Christian life is a forward-looking experience. In a desire for maturity in Christ he chooses to forget the past with its failures and look forward to what lies ahead.

His goal is to reach the prize of spiritual maturity and the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ. He admonishes the believers at Philippi to think this way. In other words he is reminded them of who they are in Christ and the need to become in daily life who they already are in Christ. The Colossians received a word from Paul in Colossians 2:10 “and in Him you have been made complete.” You are in Christ, complete in Him and made new in Him and yet there is a need for the daily life to become mature in Christ as you are already complete in Him.

What a great New Year’s resolution. “Therefore, all who are mature should think this way.” Vs 15. “Live up to the maturity you have already attained in Him.” Vs 16

_________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Happy New Year!

As I begin writing this addition of The Encourager it caused me to pause and reflect. It was in March of 2008 that I wrote the first devotional with the title: The Encourager. Almost six years later I am beginning the year 2014. During the past six years I have tried to be an encourager to you. It has been my desire that the Lord Jesus would be proclaimed, that the Word of God, the Bible, would be shared and that lives would be changed. I know God has blessed in allowing me to live these many years with a purpose. You are a blessing to me as you read, share, and respond to The Encourager. Thanks for being an encouragement to me during some very difficult times. 

I am praying that you have a really wonderful New Year. There is something about new beginnings that excites, uplifts and gives hope. I pray that 2014 will be a year of rejoicing for you, your family and your church. 

Our family finally had our last party of the Christmas season. We celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus on Christmas including a Christmas Eve service at our church. The final birthday celebration was Sunday night as we celebrated Collin's 13th. During the month we ate birthday cake, opened presents and enjoyed the family with five birthday parties. What a great time. 

Sandy will begin teaching her Young Moms Bible study in January. She is teaching Esther. Pray for her preparation and presentation. I will continue preaching at the Intersect Service in the LOFT at First Baptist Church of Tempe at 9:30 AM on Sundays. 

We will take a break and once again participate in the ministry at Quartzsite, AZ. The annual project is a combination of street evangelism, revival meetings, Bible teaching  and great fellowship. We have attended for the past 6 years. We will both be teaching during the week to the Quartzsite Church and the Campers on Mission group. Appreciate your prayers for preparation, travel and sharing. 

Sandy and I are very grateful for your prayers, concerns and financial support you have given to us this past year. Thanks for your words of kindness that you send to us that are a great encouragement to us.

May God bless you in this coming year. May the peace, hope, mercy and grace of God lift you up and may you grow in Him. ~ DGW