A New Year, A New Awareness

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own.  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Make it your New Year resolution to “press on.”  Serve Him, Desire Him, Honor Him.  The goal is not to be a better person by the end of the year.  The goal is to resolve to be a better servant.  A study of the book of Nehemiah can give great insights on how to do God’s work.  Here are some highlights:

1. Assess your situation (Neh 1:1-3) – Do a serious self-examination of yourself; be honest and candid; ask God for guidance

2. Enlist support (Neh 2:17-18 and chapter 3) – We all need the relationship with others for accountability and encouragement to keep us on the path towards the goal.  Chapter 3 is an exercise in teamwork.  

3. Defy opposition – Not everyone shares your resolution (Neh 2:19-20) and Satan does not want you to succeed (Neh 4:1-5 and 7-9)

4. Pray, Pray, Pray – (Neh 1:4-11)  Prayer is not just the preparation for the greater work, prayer is the greater work that guides you through the journey towards the goal.

Keep the goal in mind.  The goal is to be a better servant, to do God’s work.  The prize is that one day you will here the words “Well done good and faithful servant.”