Moving Forward in the Lord
Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14 “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.”
My beloved brothers and sisters, we bring greetings in the wonderful, gracious, merciful and awesome name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; a name exalted and given above every name. Once again it is a privilege and an honor to share God’s word with you. Our discussion for this new year is Moving Forward in the Lord. For this discussion, we will be using the King James Version of the bible as our reference.
My brothers and sisters, our gracious, loving and merciful God has blessed us to see another year. So many didn’t live to see the old year pass and the new year come in, but we have been blessed. As we move forward in the year of 2023, we must realize, that if it had not been for the Lord who is on our side, we could not have continued unto this day. Acts 17:28 states, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” As we move forward in the year 2023, it should become clear, as we witness all the evil and wickedness in this world and biblical prophecy being rapidly fulfilled, that we are living in the last and evil days, and the return of Christ is eminent. Therein, it is vital that we gird up our loins as we prepare to be ready for the return of Christ!
Wouldn’t it be a great goal in 2023, if each one of us decides to do our very best to practice what the Holy Scriptures are commanding us? Wouldn’t it be great, if our goal is to draw even closer to the Lord Jesus, and do more for Him in 2023 than we did in 2022? When we really think about it, the greatest accomplishment we can achieve in 2023, and the rest of our lives, is to practice what God is instructing us according to His Holy word. As we move forward this year, our number one goal should be: to please God in every aspect of our lives. Remember what Jesus said in St. Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Not some things, all things, but we are to seek God and put Him first in every aspect our lives. And of course, all things mean things that are in His will.
Let’s make 2023 the year we step out on faith and begin to claim every promise and blessing God has for us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 states, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” Let’s leave behind everything that went wrong and all the failures of our past. Let’s forget all the negativity the enemy is trying to penetrate in our minds. Let’s begin to do like the saints of old and speak of things that are not as though they were. Let’s not take no for our answer, “For all of the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him A-men, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Let’s begin to speak and declare life, health, happiness, peace and prosperity into our lives. It is up to us to claim our blessings. Let’s have a new vision and a made-up mind that no matter what we go through in 2023 and beyond, we will not throw in the towel and call it quits. Let’s stand on the Holy scriptures and know:
1- “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).
2- “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).
3- “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
4- “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).
5- “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
6- “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
7- “Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
8- “I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE” (Hebrews 13:5).
9- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1).
10- “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
In conclusion, as we move forward in 2023, let’s remember the lesson Paul conveyed to us, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” and remember the battle is not ours but God’s, and through Him we will always triumph! If you find yourself today without knowing Jesus as your personal Savior, just ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins. Isaiah 43:25 states, “God has proclaimed I even I am He that blotted out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.” Why not ask Him, this very moment, to come into your heart, and turn your life around? Romans 10:9, 10 states, “If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If you have confessed and believed you are now a child of the Most High King! Along with the angels in heaven we rejoice with you.
Prayer: Gracious, merciful and loving Father, we thank You for all You have done for us in the past. We recognize that even when we were in our sins You still loved us and were merciful towards us. Now in the year 2023, help us to put You first in everything we do. Come what may, help us to live for You alone, for You are the source of our life, health and strength. We pray for the sick this day, we touch and agree with those who are sick and afflicted, whether it is mental, physical or spiritual, that You, God, who is sovereign and omnipotent, will send Your word. We ask that You heal, deliver and set free. In Jesus name, Amen and Amen.
Doxology: Until next time we pray only God’s good and perfect gifts will find their way into your lives. We pray that God’s everlasting mercy and abundant grace will completely overshadow your lives. We pray that your going out and coming in will be blessed. We pray that wherever you go and whatever you do God’s favor will chase you down and overtake you. We pray that you will prosper above and beyond measure and that Jesus’ precious blood will cover you and your family wherever you go. And that No Weapon That Is Formed Against Thee Shall Prosper. In Jesus, mighty name Amen and Amen.