Dear Beloved in Jesus,

January of each year is a time to reflect on the year just completed and plan for the year just beginning. On the one hand there is a listing of regrets while on the other, the formulating of our determination to do better. Each year begins with the desire to consistently overcome all obstacles and live out the year victoriously. This is especially true for those who are born-again believers in Jesus the Christ.

As believers who have put their trust in Jesus for their salvation and sanctification, we should most definitely commit ourselves to a year of consecrated overcoming of all that hinders our walk with Jesus. The writer of Hebrews in chapter twelve verses one through three admonishes all believers to live well….

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Paul relates his life to running a race. In First Corinthians chapter nine and verses twenty-four through twenty-six he admonishes believers to live focused on Jesus with the intent of finishing our life well!

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable wreath. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.”

We should live fervently holding dear the teachings of our faith with no regrets as we look forward to the second advent of our Lord Jesus the Christ.

“holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:16

As we begin the new year let us live faithfully abiding in Jesus, committed to one another as we walk in Jesus’ Spirit together. Let us not forsake meeting together in worship and service during our regular meetings. Let us support the Body of Christ and it’s fellowship of believers.

Let’s participate with Jesus and the Body of Christ in 2025 and be blessed living well as overcomers.

For Jesus’ Kingdom,

Brother Hugh Folds

Romans 14:17