Thoughts on a New Decade

The start to a new year, the beginning of a new decade, so many things running through my head it is crazy. How will this year be for you? As I spent a lot of time in prayer this holiday season, I was so encouraged by what the Lord revealed to me. The way that He has His hand on us, and the way that He will show Himself faithful this year. There is one word that continues to flood my mind as I think about life, church, etc. PURSUIT!!! That word has a lot of meaning packed into it, it describes a full on effort, pressing ahead toward a goal. Webster defines it as: to follow in order to overtake.

This year for me and for the church will be marked by what we are pursuing, what are we striving to overtake, what are we running after? The reality of life is this, all of us are pursuing something, we are putting forth energy and effort to lay hold of something in our lives. What is that for you? If you were to sit down and look at your life and be honest where is your pursuit found? My prayer this year is that we would be 1 Cor. 9 men and women. In verse 24-26 Paul gives us some insight into his pursuit. Do you not know that all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self -control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified.

For Paul, he knew what he was pursuing, and he disciplined his body to pursue the true prize. He didn't say this was easy, just like working out, it took self-control and determination, but he knew what he wanted his life to be marked by, the Gospel of Christ, and he did all that he could to lay hold of that.

So today may we be aware of where our pursuit it and may we discipline our lives to pursue the Holy. I pray that this year marks a time of excitement for you, and a year where you are totally dedicated to the pursuit of Christ is your life. In a few weeks we as a church will give you the opportunity to start the year off this way. Be on the look out for more details.

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE

Brandon