Praise the Lord for the great things He accomplished in 2007. God has once again proven His goodness to us. I’m looking forward to what He has in store for us in the upcoming year.
It has been said, “Each new year is God’s gift to us; what we do with this year is our gift to Him.” On this final day of 2007, may we each prepare our lives spiritually for the new year.
In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul wrote these words: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Before you get too far into the new year, make sure you have what you need to survive spiritually.
1. You Will Need Grace vs. 13
A. Grace to Admit Your Place (I have not yet apprehended)
B. Grace to Release Your Past (forgetting those things which are behind)
2. You Will Need a Goal vs 10
A. To Know Him
– Make “knowing Him” your first priority
– Make knowing His Word your priority
As you make your goals, remember the acronym S.M.A.R.T.
Specific
Measurable
Action Oriented – Not just philosophical
Realistic
Timely
B. To Serve Him
C. To Please Him
3. You Will Need a Guide
A. The Scriptures Will Guide You vs. 15-16
B. The Holy Spirit Will Guide You John 16:13
C. Spiritual Leaders Will Guide You vs. 17
