Marriner’s Moments: REsurgence – Part 1

By Pastor Melvin O. Marriner
Grove Church

PORTSMOUTH
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

The onset of the New Year comes with a myriad of emotions – excitement, hopefulness, renewed aspirations, a sense of anticipation and determination to start anew. People often REnew their commitments, set new goals and start off the year with enthusiasm and the mindset that this will the year of change, the year of a breakthrough or sometimes just a better year. You need only visit gyms or fitness centers in January to see how crowded they are as people – with all good intentions – set about determined to get in shape, lose weight and live healthier lifestyles. Then, toward the end of February, attendance slowly begins to drop as some people become discouraged, disheartened or disenchanted with their regimen and give up!

There are many reasons why we fail at pressing toward the mark: we bite off too much and become overwhelmed or disappointed; we become distracted and lose focus; we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves (or others); or we do not have the necessary passion that propels us to move forward. At its every core, passion is that thing that drives us and gives us the stamina, or energy, and determination to continue – in spite of what we see, feel, think or experience. Our passion is – in every sense of the word – our purpose.

In 2016, I am encouraging everyone to explore and question life, ministry, goals and purpose under the overarching theme of REsurgence. And, while this is Grove’s theme for 2016, REsurgence can be applied to everyone and every aspect of life – inside and outside the confines of church.

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, January 2016

We invite you to join us at Grove Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, Virginia, Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays at noon and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.