“…forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…” Philippians 4:13
I think I can speak for most everyone when I say, “I AM DONE WITH 2020!!!
God has something to say about that, also. Listen with your eyes and your heart to these inspired words:
“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old…I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give you counsel…Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead…” (Isaiah 43:18/Psalm 32:8/Proverbs 4:25)
Then Paul picks up the theme when he is explaining where he has come from—the things he has done–and how the Lord saved him from his many sins, or perhaps, I should say, in spite of his many sins. He said he has to forget about his past for he has turned his life over to God. Now he lives to “pursue his goal and the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13)
Is Paul unaware of his violent acts of his past? Of course not. But, he has to see them as they are—things of the past and not carry them over into the present. God has judged him and has forgiven him. Paul now has a new life and a new mission, instead of condemning all who follow Jesus, his mission is to call more and more persons into the fold. The past is gone and the new has come—this is a new beginning.
The same is true for you and me. The past has been frightful for many of us—perhaps, all of us—but there is a new day coming. Everything is only temporary. As a friend of mine use to say, “We are just passing through!”
Oh, I’m not suggesting that just because the calendar year changes from 2020 to 2021 everything is going to be honky-dory, but what I am saying is God has a plan and those of us who remain faithful through all the storms of life will be judged righteous and reap rewards that in this time we cannot conceive or understand.
You see, our relationship with Jesus is paramount to anything else on earth. It is more important than our job, our home, our wealth, our possessions, our position in life, and yes, even more important than our family. For, you see, your relationship with God will enhance all those things. Without a relationship with God you cannot have a fruitful relationship with anyone or anything else. It may seem successful or loving, but one day it will end. And when you leave in death where will you go? All you have accomplished will be for naught.
So, I pray that this new year, will really be a New Year!! That it will be a year of new beginnings. A year where you will renew your relationship with Christ; or a year when you begin your relationship with Him. Commit yourself to:
- Reading God’s word and listening to what He is saying to you.
- Understand that God is a God of love, but also, a God of judgement because He loves you.
- Say, “Forgive me, Lord for dishonoring You.”
- Receive Jesus into your heart. (Revelation 3:20)
- Pray, talk to God every day.
- Seek a Christ-centered church.
- Cultivate God-fearing friends.
Finally, start your day with these words, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) And end your day with: “In peace I will lie down and sleep. For, You, O Lord, make me live in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
Father, help me to understand that what is past is past, and lead me forward to a new beginning. Lead me Lord in Thy righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
WELCOME TO A NEW BEGINNING
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