Happy New Year 2026
- ippmprisonministri
- 11 minutes ago
- 14 min read
Pressing Forward or Drifting Backward?
A New Year’s Call to Examine Our Path, Our Priorities, and Our Pursuit of Christ
Scripture Reference: – Philippians 3:13–14
“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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Supporting Scriptures:
2 Peter 3:18 • Romans 8:13 • John 15:4–5 • Proverbs 11:30 • Matthew 25:40 • Isaiah 50:4 • 2 Timothy 4:10 • Hebrews 12:1–2
Introduction – “Which Direction Are You Really Going?”
Another year has passed. The calendar has turned once again, quietly and without asking permission. Time moves forward whether we are ready for it or not. For those on the outside, a new year is often greeted with celebration—countdowns, fireworks, parties, noise, and excitement. For those behind bars, it often arrives more quietly, more soberly, and with far more weight.
Another year gone.
Another year closer to eternity.
New Year’s resolutions are made by the millions every January. Promises to lose weight, save money, get organized, or “do better.” Yet statistics tell us what experience already confirms—most resolutions do not survive the first few weeks of the year. They are abandoned not because people lack sincerity, but because they lack depth. They are focused on outward change rather than inward transformation. They aim at comfort, improvement, or control—but not holiness.
Scripture never calls God’s people to make resolutions. It calls us to something far more searching and far more demanding. It calls us to repentance. To perseverance. To endurance. To obedience. To pressing forward even when everything in us feels tired, discouraged, or worn thin.
This is especially true for believers in prison.
Prison has a way of stripping away illusions. It reminds us how fragile life really is. How quickly everything can change. One phone call. One decision. One moment. One sentence spoken by a judge—and life as you knew it collapses. Some reading this are older now. The years behind outweigh the years ahead. Others are younger and once believed life was footloose and free, never imagining they would end up here. Prison stands as living proof that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
That reality forces a question that cannot be avoided at the beginning of a new year:
What direction is my life truly moving?
The apostle Paul had every earthly reason to slow down, coast, or quit altogether. He was aging. His body was scarred. His freedom was gone. His future was uncertain. And yet, near the end of his life, he makes one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture:
“This one thing I do…”
Paul refuses to live on past accomplishments. He refuses to be paralyzed by past failures. He refuses to drift with the crowd. Instead, he presses.
The language Paul uses is athletic, forceful, intentional. It is not casual Christianity. It is not spiritual laziness. It is not resignation. It is forward motion with purpose.
As we stand at the doorway of a new year, the question is not whether time will move forward—it will. The question is whether you will.
Are you pressing forward…
...or drifting backward with the crowd?
This devotional is not meant to condemn. It is meant to confront. Not to discourage, but to challenge. Not to shame, but to call God’s people—especially those in prison—to lift their eyes, examine their path, and resolve, by God’s grace, to press toward Christ with renewed purpose in the year ahead.
Main Point #1 – Growing in Grace and Knowledge of God’s Word
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV)
Sanctification—the process of being made holy—is not a one-time event. It is daily, consistent, and intentional. To grow in grace is to become more like Christ in thought, word, and deed, little by little. Even in prison, a believer has the opportunity to advance spiritually. Each moment of reflection, each prayer, each Scripture read and applied is a step forward.
Growth in knowledge of God’s Word is essential because knowledge without application is fruitless. The psalmist said, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Every day offers decisions that will either draw us closer to Christ or allow sin and distraction to creep in. In a prison environment, time and reflection can be powerful allies if used intentionally for God’s glory.
Ask yourself:
Am I consistently reading and meditating on God’s Word, or only when it is convenient?
Am I allowing Scripture to correct and guide me, or merely to comfort me?
Do I seek to apply what I learn, or is it simply intellectual knowledge?
Sanctification is a process of cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Each small step—resisting anger, choosing patience, extending mercy—adds up. Think of Joseph in prison: faithful even in a foreign land, pressed into service, yet never compromised in character. He grew in grace daily, and God elevated him at the appointed time.
Even slow progress matters. God honors small, consistent obedience. The believer who presses forward, reading, studying, reflecting, and applying Scripture, is investing in eternity, not merely passing the days.
Main Point #2 – Keeping Short Accounts With God
“If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Romans 8:13, KJV)
One of the greatest dangers in a believer’s life—especially in prison—is the tolerance of sin. Sin, if left unchecked, hardens the heart and dulls the conscience. Some may fall into the mindset: “I’ll do my best and confess later.” But Scripture calls us to a proactive and urgent approach to sin—confessing quickly and seeking God’s strength to turn away from it immediately.
Keeping short accounts with God is a daily discipline. It means not allowing resentment, pride, laziness, lust, or anger to linger. It means beginning each day with repentance and intentional reliance on Christ to put the deeds of the flesh to death. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is ongoing, but believers who press forward do not wait to deal with sin—they face it head-on.
Ask yourself:
Do I hate sin enough to confront it immediately, or do I rationalize it?
How intentional is my prayer life? Do I seek God’s guidance for every decision, or only in emergencies?
Am I willing to rely daily on the Holy Spirit to strengthen me in areas of weakness?
Historical examples remind us of the stakes. Paul, though inspired and an apostle, confessed his own struggles: “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I” (Romans 7:15). Even a man so mighty in faith needed God’s daily grace. Likewise, Job, though righteous, endured deep suffering, yet remained steadfast because he acknowledged God’s sovereignty and did not excuse sin in his heart.
In practical terms, keeping short accounts means:
Confession as soon as sin is recognized.
Accountability, even in prison, through spiritual mentors, Bible studies, or prayer partners.
Daily reflection on your thoughts, words, and actions to ensure alignment with Christ.
When sin is addressed immediately, it loses its power to distract, discourage, or destroy. Pressing forward in holiness is not easy, but the reward is peace, confidence before God, and the ability to serve faithfully in any circumstance.
Main Point #3 – Fully Plugged Into the Vine
“Abide in me, and I in you…without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5, KJV)
Jesus calls every believer to abide in Him. True fruitfulness does not come from effort alone—it flows from a life fully connected to Christ. In prison, this connection may feel challenged by surroundings, isolation, or discouragement, but it is here that abiding is most vital.
Abiding means drawing spiritual life continuously:
Reading and meditating on God’s Word
Daily prayer and communion with Him
Obedience and yielding to the Spirit’s guidance
Fruit is the natural result of abiding. In a prison environment, this may include:
Patience with fellow inmates or staff
Acts of encouragement to those struggling
Sharing insights from Scripture in Bible study or conversation
Maintaining integrity when no one is watching
Ask yourself:
Am I consistently drawing life from Christ, or am I relying on my own strength?
Is my life producing fruit that glorifies God, even in small, unseen ways?
Am I using my God-given gifts to influence others positively?
Consider Paul: even in chains, he “rejoiced” because he remained connected to Christ (Philippians 1:18–19). Joseph, in prison, influenced fellow inmates and eventually the nation, not through human power but because he abided in God’s presence and guidance.
To plug fully into the Vine, believers must guard against spiritual drift: distractions, resentment, and worldly desires can sever the flow of life from Christ. Daily intentionality—Scripture, prayer, and obedience—keeps the believer strong, fruitful, and ready to seize every opportunity God provides to serve and witness, even behind bars.
Main Point #4 – Bearing Fruit for Christ: Reaching Souls and Serving Others
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30, KJV)
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these…ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40, KJV)
Fruit-bearing flows naturally from a life grounded in obedience to Christ. Evangelism and service are not optional—they are evidence of abiding and growth. Prison is fertile ground for ministry, as many souls are searching for hope, direction, and truth.
Ask yourself:
Who around me is in need of encouragement, counsel, or the gospel?
Am I willing to act, even in small ways, to share Christ’s love?
Do I prioritize service to others above self-centered comfort?
Consider Demas, who “loved this present world” and drifted away from Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). His story serves as a warning: proximity to faithful ministry does not guarantee faithfulness. Avoid his mistake by intentionally reaching out in your sphere, whether by:
Speaking a kind word
Sharing testimony or Scripture
Assisting someone in need, physically or spiritually
Jesus emphasized that even the smallest acts of service are counted: “As you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me.” Small acts of obedience—listening, encouraging, or helping—plant seeds that can lead to eternal harvest.
Pray for boldness and wisdom (Isaiah 50:4), and approach each day with a servant’s heart. Serving others is both an expression of your faith and a strategic ministry tool, allowing God to use your life to reach lost souls, bring encouragement, and glorify His name.
Are You Growing in Grace and in the Knowledge of God’s Word?
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
(2 Peter 3:18, KJV)
Spiritual growth is not assumed in Scripture—it is commanded. Peter does not say, “If you have time, grow.” He says, “Grow.” Growth is not optional for the believer. Stagnation is dangerous, especially in places where spiritual complacency can quietly take root.
One of the great misconceptions among Christians is the belief that time equals maturity. We assume that years in the faith automatically produce growth. Yet Scripture—and experience—prove otherwise. A believer can be saved for decades and still remain spiritually immature, shallow in doctrine, weak in discernment, and inconsistent in obedience.
This is particularly relevant in prison.
Prison provides time—long stretches of it. But time alone does not sanctify. Pain does not sanctify. Isolation does not sanctify. Only God sanctifies, and He does so through His Word, His Spirit, and our willing obedience.
Understanding sanctification
Sanctification is one of the most misunderstood and yet most glorious truths in the Christian life. Simply put, sanctification is the ongoing process by which God conforms His children into the image of Christ. It begins at salvation and continues until we see Christ face to face.
It is not instantaneous perfection. It is progressive transformation.
Paul describes it this way:
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Sanctification means that, by God’s grace:
your desires begin to change
your conscience becomes more sensitive
your love for righteousness deepens
your tolerance for sin diminishes
your hunger for God’s Word increases
The question for the new year is not “Am I saved?”
The question is “Am I growing?”
Growth requires nourishment
No living thing grows without nourishment. A plant deprived of water withers. A body deprived of food weakens. Likewise, a believer deprived of God’s Word becomes spiritually malnourished.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2)
Notice the language—desire. Growth is not accidental. It flows from appetite. If your Bible is rarely opened, your growth will be minimal. If Scripture is only read occasionally or casually, your faith will remain fragile.
In prison, the Word of God is not merely a study tool—it is lifeline. It is truth in an environment filled with lies. It is light in a place often marked by darkness. It is stability where chaos threatens daily.
Ask yourself honestly:
Is my time in God’s Word increasing or decreasing?
Am I reading to check a box—or to be changed?
Do I welcome conviction, or do I resist it?
Growth is often quiet and unseen
One of the dangers believers face—especially in prison—is discouragement over slow progress. Sanctification rarely announces itself. Most growth happens quietly, over time, in small victories that others never notice.
You may not feel dramatic change from day to day, but over months and years, the Spirit of God reshapes a life surrendered to Him.
Paul reminds us:
“Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
That renewal is happening even when circumstances do not change. Even when sentences remain long. Even when prayers seem unanswered. Even when freedom feels distant.
A word of warning
Stagnation is never neutral. If we are not moving forward, we are slowly drifting backward. Spiritual drift rarely begins with rebellion—it begins with neglect.
Neglect of Scripture.
Neglect of prayer.
Neglect of obedience.
Over time, neglect hardens the heart and dulls spiritual sensitivity. The new year is a gracious invitation from God to re-engage, to recommit, and to pursue growth with renewed seriousness.
A question for the soul
As this new year begins, ask yourself—not defensively, not superficially, but honestly:
Am I closer to Christ today than I was one year ago?
If the answer is yes, give God the glory and press on.
If the answer is no, do not despair—but do not delay.
Growth is still possible. Change is still possible. God is not finished.
Prison Application
Even within the confines of prison, the believer has the opportunity to grow, serve, and bear eternal fruit. These walls do not limit God’s work in your heart—they refine it. Here are practical steps to apply the truths from this devotional:
Righteousness in small acts
Every choice counts. Speak kindly to others, follow rules faithfully, and show patience in frustrating circumstances. Small moments of obedience reveal Christ to others and develop your character.
Intentional prayer and Bible engagement
Set aside time daily to read, meditate, and journal Scripture. Prayer is the lifeline to God. Confess sins immediately, seek guidance for the day, and pray for the spiritual growth of others in your unit.
Abiding in Christ to bear fruit
Remain connected to God through worship, Scripture, and service. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your interactions. Fruitfulness can be as simple as offering encouragement, teaching a Bible study, or helping a brother or sister understand Scripture.
Evangelism in action
Look for opportunities to speak the gospel, even in short conversations. A single bold word, a shared testimony, or a simple act of compassion can plant seeds that last for eternity. Remember, God can use your life in ways you will never fully see in this world.
Serve humbly
Jesus said that serving “the least of these” is equivalent to serving Him. Look for ways to meet the spiritual and practical needs around you—listening, mentoring, encouraging, or simply offering a helping hand. Let service be a regular habit, not an occasional act.
Maintain eternal perspective
Prison is temporary; eternity is not. Reflect daily on Philippians 3:13–14—forget the past, press forward, and focus on your high calling in Christ. Every choice matters, every small act of obedience builds character, and every act of love points others to Christ.
By taking these steps, you make your environment a living ministry field, a place where God’s glory is revealed, hearts are encouraged, and your faith grows stronger every day.
Final Thought – Pressing Forward in the New Year
The New Year is not merely a change of dates on a calendar—it is a spiritual reset. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and ask: Where am I spiritually? Where am I heading? Life is fleeting, and in prison, this truth is magnified. Time can feel both long and painfully short. Yet God calls us to press forward with intentionality, not to drift with the crowd or become complacent in routine faith.
Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13–14 are a clarion call to every believer:
“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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Do not dwell on past failures or missed opportunities. They are lessons, not shackles. Look instead to the high calling of God, pressing toward it with all your heart. Each day is a fresh opportunity to live in obedience, to grow in grace, and to reflect Christ in every interaction—even behind these walls.
Consider Demas, who once walked faithfully with Paul, yet “loved this present world” and drifted away (2 Timothy 4:10). His story is a warning: proximity to ministry, knowledge of Scripture, and even past zeal do not guarantee faithfulness. Contrast him with Joseph, who, though imprisoned unjustly, remained faithful, wise, and patient, trusting God for the unseen work of His hand. And Paul himself—chained, beaten, and exiled—still rejoiced because he understood the eternal perspective: God’s calling was greater than his immediate circumstances.
Press forward in practical ways. Grow in grace by engaging Scripture and meditating on God’s promises. Keep short accounts with God, confessing sin promptly and relying on the Spirit to strengthen you. Abide in the Vine, drawing life and direction from Christ daily. And serve others and reach souls, using every opportunity to plant seeds of hope, encouragement, and the gospel.
Even in small acts, eternity is impacted. A kind word, a listening ear, a shared verse, or encouragement offered in desperation can plant seeds that last forever. The least in this world are often the most significant to God, and your faithfulness in small matters is never overlooked. “As you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40).
Do not underestimate the power of daily perseverance. Each day you wake and choose obedience, each prayer you pray, each act of mercy or encouragement, is a victory in Christ. God sees every effort. He honors perseverance, faithfulness, and humility. Even in prison, even in suffering, He is at work shaping your character and using you to impact lives for eternity.
Finally, remember that pressing forward is a deliberate decision, not a feeling. The world may encourage drifting, the flesh may seek comfort or compromise, but your soul requires vigilance. Set your mind on Christ, fix your eyes on the prize, and move forward with courage, hope, and determination. Pressing forward is not optional—it is commanded, necessary, and fruitful.
Let this New Year be one of renewed devotion, bold obedience, and steadfast faith. Forget the past. Cling to Christ. Press forward. Serve. Love. Witness. And trust that God will use even the smallest faithful actions for eternal glory.
Reflection Questions
Am I growing in grace and knowledge of God compared to last year?
Do I confront sin immediately, or do I allow it to linger?
How connected am I to Christ daily, and is my life producing spiritual fruit?
Who around me is in need of the gospel or encouragement, and am I willing to reach out?
In what practical ways can I serve others this year, showing Christ’s love?
What distractions, worldly desires, or past regrets are keeping me from pressing forward?
If this were my last year on earth, what choices would I make differently, starting today?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that without You, we can do nothing. Search our hearts, Lord, and show us where we have drifted, where we have tolerated sin, and where we have neglected Your call.
We pray especially for our brothers and sisters in prison. Strengthen them, Lord. Renew their hearts and minds. Help them to press forward, to bear fruit, and to serve others with courage, humility, and love. Let them find hope in Your Word and guidance in Your Spirit.
Teach us to hate sin, love righteousness, and trust You fully. May this New Year be one of spiritual growth, faithful service, and bold obedience to Your calling. Guard us from distractions, and let our lives glorify You in every word, action, and thought.
We pray this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
***To all my friends and family, – “May the coming year find us leaning more fully on the grace of God, trusting His purposes, and resting in the sure hope that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.” ***
From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal: By Gregg Harris
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