January 1, 2025 Morning Devotional

Morning Devotion: Read

Philippians 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13  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, 14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There is one mark we all should aspire to obtain and that is to be pleasing to the Lord. What is that high calling of God in christ Jesus? What are we to put behind as believer?

We see Paul mention this aspect of pressing forward for Christ in another area of scripture.

1Corinthians 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Running the race of life is not against another to outdo or become the best and win accolades and praise, no running this race to be pleasing to the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1b…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Get in your starting blocks and run, run for Jesus, run for God looking to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. Make 2025 the best year you ever had in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Set every weight and sin aside and run: forget those things which are b behind and press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

2Corinthians 5:9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

How you live 2025 is up to you.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook