Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;
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. (Philippians 3:8-10, 13-14)
Works of righteousness, of wisdom, and of mercy extended to those without, on behalf of one another, or to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature until He returns and takes us Home.
No matter what trials and tribulations come our way, we must hold on to this Truth that GOD is in control, and nothing that happens takes Him by surprise. We can endure whatever GOD allows or directs because of our strength in Him and His power at work within us. We are not there yet, but by the Grace of GOD, we are on our way, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, and because we are secure in Him, we will continue to work for the Kingdom as we go.
And if you don't know Him, if you are not yet one of His, GOD, who is not willing that any should perish, offers you the free gift of Salvation and forgiveness of your sIn. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. If you believe His Word and surrender to Him on His terms, He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust Him and receive His gift, by faith in His finished and perfect work for you, and this new year will be a new year of grace with GOD, and the start of His eternal life in you.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet