Renewed Passion

Arictle taken from the Youth Newsletter Quarter One (Jan. to March) - 2010:
The New Year is always a time of refection (a look back) and even introspection (a look within).
Both are good in that they can help us to recognize the good things we’ve accomplished, as well as identify areas we must continue to grow.
Never is this practice more important, then in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Psalmist said: Psalms 139:23-24 (KJV) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
It’s a time to reflect on the prior year and perhaps the goals you determined to reach, and did, or the ones you didn’t.
No matter where you come out on that self analysis, or time of reflection; realize that with the passing of everyday (and year), comes a renewed opportunity to reach new heights and depths in the Lord that you never have before.
Paul said, Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth 14 unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
What a powerful statement of reflection; but also a sense of renewed passion that comes from the great Apostle Paul.
He decided that whether good or bad (of which he could testify to both), he was going to go forth in a renewed passion, hunger and determination for the Kingdom of God and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
We too, with the passing of each day, month and year; must work to renew that same passion, hunger and determination to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
That said: My challenge to all of us, with the New Year already at hand, is to work, pray, fast and live like never before, to win the lost in this Last Hour of the Church!