Turning Over a New Leaf

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. – Philippians 3:13b-14

It is refreshing when we get a second chance in life, a new lease on life, a chance to turn over a new leaf. Did you know that the phrase, “turn over a new leaf” has nothing to do with trees, but is actually referring to turning a page (or leaf) in a book? When we finish the page in a book we turn the old page over to a new page and continue to move on through the story. The same is true for our life when we turn over a new leaf, we leave the old part of our life behind and move forward as God continues to write our life story.

As another new year begins, we have a chance to start a new chapter in our life, a chance, you might say, to turn over a new leaf. A new year gives us the opportunity to forget the mistakes, heartaches and problems of the past and to press forward into a new chapter of our life story. As Paul did we must press on toward the goal to which Christ Jesus has called us. Who knows, the chapter of 2011 might be the best chapter yet. Let’s turn over a new leaf and find out.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that in Christ Jesus we have new life. Thank you that in this new life we have a new chapter to look forward to. Help me to not dwell on my past mistakes, heartaches and problems so that I may enjoy my new life in Christ. Amen.

Faith Tip: A new adult class titled “Making a Difference” is starting tonight at 6:30. Plan to come and discover how you and our church can make a difference in our community.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson