Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Yike! It is 2012 and "Happy New Year"!

"This one thing I do: forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead"
Philippians 3:13b (ncv).

"Is there such a thing as a "month with two faces"? The Roman god Janus who was often shown with two faces since he was the protector of gates and doors. His month, JANUARY, "looks two ways," back to last year and ahead to the new one." (From Scholastic Children's Dictionary).

When one looks back, one learns from many mistakes and failures. One is looking forward to work on having much more success in whatever they would be doing. This was true with one company who was very successful in their business year after year. What's their secret? The company had 99% of failures before they were able to climb into successful business. Why? They learn something from many failures that lead them to try something else. That something else had leaded them to a success.

Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached the goal, but there's one thing I always do. FORGETTING THE PAST AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through to the life above. All of us who are spiritually mature should think of this way, too" Philippians 3:13-15a.

Paul's desire was to serve Christ. Paul sees himself as a runner in a race (Heb.12:1), using all his strength and pressing on to keep that fellowship with Christ (v8-11). What about you? What is your goal for January 2012? If you lack wisdom, James 1:5 tells us to ask God. He will give you wisdom. He loves doing this so ask Him.

So let's begin with a Happy New Year, friend!

Dorothy