As this year draws to a close, it is my fervent prayer that you will press on. Yes, it has been a difficult year; there is no question about that. As I write these words, I do not know the experiences of the readers. However, one thing I do know is that God has been good to us. As a result of His goodness, we need to continue to press on. Do not allow the pains of life to stop you from moving forward. In a few days, we will embark on a new year, 2022. So, let us all get ready to press toward the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 is our text today.

 “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Paul, the humble servant of the Lord is pressing toward the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. In Paul’s very honest self-evaluation, he indicates that he has not achieved perfection and he is willing to let go and let God. He says he is letting go of the past and reaching toward the end of the race, encouraging fellow believers to also press. I pray that you join me as I seek to press. I say this to our congregation every time we extend the invitation to Christian discipleship. This is not a perfect church, I am not a perfect pastor, but we serve a perfect God, so let us continue to press on.