Preparing for the New Year ahead.
Stand with me and hold up your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Preparing for the New Year Ahead"
Turn with me in your Bible to Philippians 3:13-14 and say, “Amen” when you are there.
“Brothers and sisters, 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."
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there’s something profoundly powerful about looking back on where we've been and then turning our focus toward what lies ahead.
For some of us, the past year has been filled with victories and breakthroughs. For others, it may have been a season of struggle, disappointment, or loss.
Regardless of where we stand today, the truth remains: God is not finished with us yet. The new year is an opportunity—a fresh start, a new chapter in the story God is writing for our lives.
This year, let us embrace the opportunity for growth, renewal, and transformation as we press on toward the future that God has prepared for us.
The Encouraging Story of the Old Oak Tree.
In a vast forest, there stood an ancient oak tree. Over the years, it had weathered many storms, endured scorching summers, and withstood the harshest winters. Its trunk was thick and strong, its branches spread wide, offering shade to those beneath it. But as time passed, the oak tree began to notice something. Its leaves were falling, its bark was aging, and the mighty branches that once stood tall were beginning to show signs of wear.
In a particularly severe storm, strong winds howled through the forest, and many trees were uprooted. But the oak tree, though battered, stood firm. It had grown strong not only because of its outward appearance but because its roots went deep into the earth. The storm had tested it, but it had also strengthened it.
As the storm passed and the sun returned, the oak tree found itself more resilient than before. It had learned to endure, to grow through adversity, and to trust the deep foundations it had built. In the coming seasons, it would continue to grow, shedding old leaves and embracing new life.
1: Forgetting the Past (Philippians 3:13)
Paul challenges us in Philippians to forget what is behind.
This doesn’t mean that we erase the memories, but rather that we choose not to let past failures, mistakes, or regrets define us. Just like the oak tree sheds its old leaves in preparation for new growth, we, too, are called to release the weight of the past.
Some of us may feel burdened by the mistakes we've made, the relationships that have been broken, or the disappointments we’ve experienced.
But God offers us grace to move forward. Just as the oak tree’s leaves fall away to make room for new ones, we must let go of our past to make room for the new things God wants to do in our lives.
The new year is not just another day on the calendar—it’s a divine opportunity for renewal.
Let this new year be the season where you say, “I’m letting go of everything that holds me back from God's best for me. I’m leaving behind the regrets, the doubts, and the failures of yesterday.”
2: Straining Toward What is Ahead (Philippians 3:14)
The apostle Paul writes, “Straining toward what is ahead.” This is not a passive waiting for things to change, but an active pursuit of the future God has promised.
The word “straining” gives a picture of someone pressing forward with all their strength, determined not to be held back.
When we look ahead to the coming year, it’s easy to get distracted or discouraged by the challenges we may face.
But God calls us to push forward, to “strain” toward His purpose for us. This means stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear.
It means trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance we need to face each day.
Think of the oak tree once more. Its roots reach deep into the soil to find water and nourishment. Similarly, we are called to root ourselves deeply in God’s Word, His promises, and His presence.
The deeper our roots, the stronger we become to face whatever storms may come.
As you prepare for the year ahead, ask yourself:
What goals has God placed on your heart?
What dreams has He planted in your spirit?
Are you willing to press forward toward them, even when obstacles arise?
The future may be uncertain, but God is faithful to lead us.
3: Pressing On Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:14)
In Philippians 3:14, Paul says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This is the ultimate goal: to know Christ more deeply and to fulfill the unique calling He has placed on our lives.
As we step into the new year, we are reminded that the ultimate prize is not success, wealth, or recognition, but a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Our mission is to live in such a way that we bring glory to God, fulfill His will, and grow in Christlikeness.
Like the oak tree continues to grow and spread its branches, we, too, are called to grow spiritually, to reach higher in our faith, and to bear fruit that lasts.
The new year is not just about resolving to do better—it’s about pressing on toward the goal of becoming more like Christ.
Altar Call
As we approach the altar today, I invite you to lay down whatever from this past year is weighing you down. Maybe it’s guilt, regret, fear, or disappointment. Whatever it is, the altar is a place of surrender, where we give it to God and ask Him to help us move forward.
If you feel God stirring in your heart to step into something new this year—whether it’s a new ministry, a new level of faith, or a new commitment to His will—I encourage you to come forward and receive prayer. God is calling you to press on, to strain toward the goal He has set before you.
For some of you, this might be the moment to make a fresh commitment to Jesus Christ. If you’ve never fully surrendered your life to Him or if you need to recommit, the altar is open for you. Don’t let another year go by without giving your heart completely to Him.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness over this past year. We thank You for the lessons we’ve learned, for the moments of joy, and even for the trials that have deepened our faith. As we step into the new year, we ask for Your guidance. Help us to forget what is behind and press forward toward the goal You have for us.
Lord, we surrender our past to You. We release the things that have weighed us down. We choose to strain toward what is ahead, trusting in Your promises. May this year be a year of growth, new opportunities, and deeper intimacy with You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
