The Last Day of the Year!
The Sun is up, and the day has begun. It's here, the last day of the year, 2005. What will we do with it? How will it count? Actually, it will count just like any other day. However, there is this certain feeling of finality about it. If there's anything you really wanted to get done this year but haven't, well then I guess you had better hurry. The clock is ticking away fast. Soon 2005 will only be another year of history.

As we reflect on the year, are you thinking about opportunities missed? Are you remembering the year with celebration or regret? I hope you are finding things to celebrate, but if you are troubled with regrets, I want you to receive hope this morning. God is about to give you a something wonderful. In fact He is giving us all another brand new beginning! If you're struggling with regrets this morning, then I want to encourage you to look forward instead of backward. Remembers Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-14,

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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.

Focus on these words, "forgetting what is behind." That's really good advice for folks who are stuggling with regrets. It's also good for people who are focused on their past successes. God wants to take us from glory to glory. Even if this past year has been wonderful, I want you to know that the best is yeat to come for you, if you put your faith and trust in God. Together, let's "press on toward the goal to win the prize."

I close this morning, wishing you a joyous celebration tonight and a Happy New Year filled with the assurance that all God's promises to you are Yes and Amen!