13 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; 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
As I look back over the year 2015, I realize that in our first year Praise Center Church Of God In Christ has accomplished many things. In April, God allowed us to move from holding services in a school into our own 2,400 square foot building, with potential to gain another 2,400 square feet. Throughout the year, God helped us to meet all of our financial goals and reports. In September, God blessed us to begin providing support to Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) of Prince William County and assist those in need in our community. This is just a short list of the great things God has done at Praise Center, but there's so much more work that needs to be done. We are pleased with the favor that God has shown us, but for growth to occur, we must remain hungry and thirsty for more of Him. More souls need to be reached and led to Christ. More families need to be mended and reminded that God is a waymaker. More doors need to be opened to those lacking opportunities. And we have the answer! For those that take this journey with us in 2016, the theme for Praise Center Church Of God In Christ will be:
Forward is defined as: onward so as to make progress toward a successful conclusion; moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition; strongly inclined; getting ready for the future.
Backward is defined as: toward or into the past; movement away from one's front; having made less than normal progress.
As believers, our mission should be to progressively move forward through the anointing of God on our lives. Challenges, trials and obstacles are a guarantee (John 16:33) as we determine in our hearts to move forward, but these hindrances cannot be compared to the results God has promised us (Romans 8:18). As joint-heirs with Christ, we are promised the same results as Abraham, Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:3). Moving forward guarantees our victory!
When we don't know the Word of God and don't know what God has promised His people, it is easy for the enemy to move into our lives to cause delays and disruption. The enemy's purpose is to take away, but Christ's purpose is to give life (John 10:10). With victory guaranteed as we move forward trusting in God, it makes you wonder what causes people to move backward instead of forward? People move backwards or retreat because:
- They fear what they see and don't see,
- They are content with their past successes,
- They are overcome by past failures, or
- They are not willing submit to God's will for their lives.
All of these excuses are results of walking in the flesh, which always does things contrary to the Spirit. If we choose to Move Forward,
- He will be with us (Joshua 1:5, Isaiah 41:10),
- He will give us the necessary equipment to succeed (Ephesians 6:10-18),
- He will order our steps (Psalm 37:23), and
- He has great things waiting for us (1 Corinthians 2:9).
God has been great to us, and we have made great progress, but there is a higher calling on our lives here at Praise Center. I encourage you to join us in our journey as we Move Forward in 2016! We endeavor to conquer the land and reap the harvest that God has prepared for us.
Yours in Christ,
Elder Eugene C. McCown, Jr.
Pastor, Praise Center Church Of God In Christ
Contributing Images
Pictures are worth a thousand words and we want to provide you with verse images to go with the Scriptures identified in our 2016 Theme above. Download them and send them to your friends to encourage them to Move Forward with us (and you) in 2016.
