Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well.

Let’s Tear Into – Start This Year Well

There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal.
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

As we think about how to start this year well, let’s explore Paul’s exceptional drive and creativity to move forward. Considering he had a terrible past, this is significant. Before he met Jesus, Paul’s history overflowed with self-righteousness and an obsession to persecute Christians.

Amazingly, Jesus hand-picked Paul to spread His Good News of the cross and empty tomb.

So, let’s look at excerpts of what Paul says in Phil. 3:12-14:

• ” . . . I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 
• . . . I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
• But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 
• I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

That’s what those verses say.

2. What Does It Mean?

So, now let’s take each verse and pull out Paul’s instruction and encouragement for his readers.

” . . . I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 

So often, the way forward in life is to simply “press on.” As I consider how Paul phrases this, it’s both brilliant and simple: Just press on. Many good things are just up ahead. Incidentally, I’m fully aware that may take time. Some seasons last longer than we wish. However, I’m also thinking of the quote we mentioned from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” 

Remarkably, the phrase that amazes me in the verse is – “for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Clearly, this speaks to the value and purpose God has for you. Additionally, for the “pro-active pursuit” Jesus engages over you.

So, I say this – You are valuable. Plus, you have purpose. Quite literally, Christ takes hold of your life for special service God designed. 

. . . I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

This is priceless! Paul “gets it.” He hasn’t arrived yet. Truly, that gives hope. Apparently, this is a day-by-day / year-by-year process. So, don’t give up (on one hand). And don’t think you’re already there (on the other hand).

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead – 

Strategically, Paul gets really focused here. He identifies a motivation that matters. Remarkably, whether it’s super good or really bad – forget the past and “strain” forward.

Of course, this means celebrate the good – then move forward. Further, it means face-up to the bad, make things right, ask forgiveness – then move forward.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

So, this climax. Paul urges – press forward to the goal. Actually, God’s goal for you is both –

1. A prize.
2. Further, it’s a calling.

 

Of course, Jesus is the prize. Additionally, your life and purpose is your calling.

Pursue this two-prong prize.

Tender And Tenacious

These four Scripture portions are both tender and tenacious at the same time. Can you hear God’s heart? I suppose you could say it like this – Don’t take lightly –

1. Jesus or – 
2. Your life!

 

Remarkably, God designed you with purpose, expectation, kindness, and grace all wrapped up in the prize of your life hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)

That’s what those verses mean.

3. Make It Personal

Sometimes, it helps to look at the life of someone faithful to Christ. Ask yourself – who is already making good strides in the Lord? For example, we mentioned Paul – a credible source. Plus, we mentioned C. S. Lewis. Also, a strong example. And there are so many more.

So, who in your life is true to Jesus?

• What qualities set them apart as highly esteemed in your mind? They are likely quietly being faithful, doing what needs to be done.
• Why do you respect them? Perhaps their motivation or drive. Perhaps it’s their resolve to obey God.
• It’s likely they’ve been brave and creative in serving others and even in their sufferings.
• Equally, they’ve made a difference. So, what is that difference? Identify it.

 

10 Points To Help You Start This Year Well

It’s time to consider the 10 points I promised. These statements are simple, profound, and life-changing. All of them take place as you live in Christ. Incidentally, you receive each of these from Jesus. And He promises to deliver.

1. First, renew courage for hard things. This is something you can do.
2. Next, claim strength when you must suffer.
3. Then, accept disappointments and move forward.
4. When exhausted, turn to Jesus for rest and be refreshed.
5. Also, replenish your depleted supply with the fresh reserves of God’s resources.
6. Additionally, practice a positive perspective and cheerful demeanor.
7. Be yourself. Never be forced, plastic, or counterfeit.
8. Always engage genuineness and sincerity.
9. Plus, be tough where it counts. This character quality builds credibility.
10. Finally, remain in the right place when you start a new year – or any other new endeavor.

 

Fresh And Alive In Christ

There is only one way to stay fresh, alive, and effective in faith. In other words, to be –

• Fully engaged in daily life details.
• Sincerely genuine in all endeavors.
• Joining the ranks of God’s heroes.

 

– remain in Christ. Of course, this means draw close to Him. Something that’s up to you. Plus, live inside His principles. At this point, Jesus becomes your “all.” So, intentionally reach back to Him with all your heart.

Subsequently, this means you trust Him over your feelings and experiences. Further, it means God’s interests become yours. Interestingly, you also kick out moods.

Essentially, living this way prepares you for the prize. Inevitably,

• Press on to be the person Jesus created and designed. 
• Do not consider yourself to have fully “arrived.” Simultaneously, recognize the growth and transformation God is doing in your life.
• Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.
• Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

Start This Year Well

Here are some ways you can practice the 10 points previously mentioned. Of course, you will must apply your time, energy, creativity, and resources to them.

• Practice “continual prayer.” Pray about all things. This includes requests, praise, what happens to be in your heart, and worship. Quite literally, share your moments with God all through the day.
• Be alert to needs, dangers, and sin problems around you. Prayerfully be available. Prayerfully avoid pitfalls.
• Pray for Jesus followers on the front line of battle. Ask God to give them courage, strength, protection, God’s words, and creative presentations of the Gospel’s mysteries.
• Pray for believers and for yourself – to be fearless! Additionally, be willing to suffer for Jesus’ sake. Difficult times require wise, kind, compassionate, informed, and strong leadership to make a difference.
• Keep in touch with God’s people in various places and roles. They might be right around you. Or they might be somewhere else on the globe.
  • • Encourage them.
    • Communicate with them.
    • Bond with them in Jesus’ name.
    • Pray for their success and safety.
• Live with peace in your heart while navigating troubled waters. Pray for wisdom and courage. Rest and refresh your soul in prayer. Did you know prayer can do that?
• Love God’s people everywhere. Pray genuinely about their concerns and needs. Help in practical ways as God leads.

 

What’s the common theme? PRAY!

 

Another great quote – “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

That’s how you make these verse portions personal.

Before we go on to the fourth section with thoughts and questions –

Now, let’s look at “Make A Commitment.”

4. Make A Commitment – Accountability Thoughts And Questions

1. Are you pressing forward to “take hold of” the reason God designed you?
2. Plus, do you realize you’re not there yet? It’s a life-long pursuit.
3. Are you willing to forget what is behind you (good and bad) and strain forward?
4. Additionally, are you pressing forward to the goal for your life – the Pearl of Great Price: Jesus?
5. Are you hidden with Christ in God? (Remember Col. 3:3.)
6. Which of the 10 action steps will you work on this week? (Review.)
7. Are you praying? 

 

 

* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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