Pressing Toward the Goal

A New Season - 2012 The Race of Faith

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule let us be of the same mind." Philippians 3:12-16

“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 that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Let us seek God not only for our self but our family, our churches, friends, leaders, Nation and many other things. I am blessed and thankful for all the family that God has given me! Yet, God has asked me to remind each of us that we must spend time in prayer for them as we face a very exciting and challenging year.

My thoughts are on the coming days that we will be facing in 2012. God has pressed on my heart once again to live out Galatians 5:16-22; It commands us to walk daily in the Spirit. Our life will become our Worship to God when daily we surrender to Him, everything will fit together like a puzzle when God is our focus.

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

Do any of these verses strike a chord within your heart? Wouldn't it be beyond wonderful to look ahead with a determined heart to truly be submitted to the Spirit of God on a continually basis. We like Paul would say, "I am crucified with Christ, And Christ lives in me."

Do Not Look Back!

The Lord says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19)

2011 cannot be reclaimed nor can we undo it. As tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and once again another season to show our love and faith in Jesus to a world that so desperately needs the Savior.

As we journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment as we make the journey that is before us. I hear my Lord calling to make the most of our time as long as it last.

How long is the journey ahead? Only God knows.

I Pray:
Lord of all eternity; let us be reminded to learn from our mistakes of the past year, but not to dwell on them. Lord help us not take offense against those who we feel have injured our yesterday, last month, or this past year. Instead, O Father, lead us in your paths and help us to see your mighty works this next year above all.

Father as you're called out ones let us obey the scriptures and lay aside our agenda and do what you have asked us to do. Let us have faith to believe that this is the year we will reclaim and get back what we have allowed the enemy to take for us; it is coming back on every wave! God wants to remind us that we must not give in or give up! GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOUR LABOR OF LOVE! PRAISE HIS NAME! The day of Restoration is here and we must claim it.

Give us the faith to press forward and learn to always sit at your feet like Mary who chose the best part of life. I want to worship you and you only. Let there be a great outpouring of Your Spirit as Your sons and daughters seek your face.

With Paul we commit these words to you Lord, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

In Jesus' name and by His power I ask it. Amen!

Joanie Buchanan