Moving Forward

"...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. 

                                                                                      (Phil 3:13b-14 KJV)

So far 2020 has been a rough year for many people. While we keep in mind things that have transpired we continue to go forward. But, getting stuck dwelling on the past will only serve to keep us from moving forward. Look back, when we must, to remind ourselves not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Look forward with hope to a future of peace in the presence of Almighty God and with one another.

I keep hearing that this country is a mess. It appears that in some parts of the country it really is. I spent a good part of the summer in Michigan. I mostly stayed home due to the many COVID-19 restrictions. It was stifling. It was depressing to not be able to move. I am now in Florida and it feels much different. I am comfortable again; able to start each day considering what I might possibly want to do or accomplish today and have the freedom to do it.

We can begin each day anew. Let us rejoice for the opportunities and gifts that God has provided us with to go forth glorifying His holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Going Forward

Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isa 43:16, 18-19 KJV)

The Lord has made a way forward for those who would follow in the path He has set for us. It would behoove us to move forward instead of clinging to the past and our old ways. That is at least if we truly want peace instead of chaos; if we truly want joy rather than sorrow.

Doing the same things over and over again that got you no where before and will get you no where now is not the way to go. 

There is a way laid out before us in the wilderness of this world. That way is Jesus. Follow him and know the peace and joy of God's eternal presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Fear To Move Forward

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matt 6:25-27 KJV)

There have been times in my life when I have been quite confrontational when it comes to injustice. Where others were shrinking back and warning me that I should too for safety's sake, I have advanced. I did indeed consider the worst case scenarios before I advanced. What is the worst thing that could happen to me? What is there to fear? Nothing, not even death. By the grace of God, I have eternal life.

When considering a new venture; whether it be a new job or investing in a project or a person or whatever challenge the day might bring; again, the same question. What have I to fear? Nothing. Life in this world is temporary. It will all pass. I have eternal life.

Jesus knowingly went forward to the cross; to his death, that we might live. He could have gone in the other direction. He could have. But, he did not. He did not shrink back from saving the world; even though much of the world would reject him. He did not pretend that everything in the world was okay. He was willing to give even his life because the world was not okay.

Do not fear. Our Father in heaven loves you. Believe this and and you will be much more able to attempt to make radical changes within yourself and in the world around you with the knowledge that God is with you and for you. The world may abandon you. You may even lose many things in this world that you now treasure. But, there is nothing to fear. By faith, you have received eternal life.

May God help us to always stand in His truth; in His Way, no matter what possible dangers may lay before us. May He help us to remember that we have nothing to fear for through God's own Son, Jesus the Christ, we have eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Forget The Former Things

Luke 6:35 NIV

“Forget the former things;    do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me,
    the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
    the people I formed for myself
    that they may proclaim my praise."
Isaiah 43:18-21 NIV

Sometimes we get so stuck in the past that we cannot move forward. We get stuck feeling sorry for ourselves and forget to remember and praise the Lord for all the gifts that we have received. Sure, you've been hurt badly by someone. Most people have been. But, that does not mean that everyone is out to get you. Have you considered that the one that you feel wronged you may feel that you wronged them? Have you repented of the wrong you may have done to them? It is not wise to remember perceived wrongs especially when our perception usually comes from our own desires; what we want and not necessarily what may have been for the greater good.

We must learn to trust that all things will work for the good of those who love the Lord. Maybe we ought to begin by asking ourselves if we hate our perceived enemies more than we love the Lord. That is not what God desires of us. He desires us to love our neighbors; even our enemies. We are to do good to those who hurt us; not slander them.

Repent and put God and the love of God first in your life. Forget your anger and bitterness over things past and give praise to the Lord who loves you and loves even your enemy. Then you will you be able to be a faithful witness to the Lord.

May God help us to quit dwelling on the past and move forward according to the good will of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Forgive And Move Forward With Life

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Luke 6:36-38

Years ago, after having spent a few months being very angry with someone I barely knew, I had a dream. In this dream there was this very large and magnificent stairway. She was standing at the bottom looking up. I was on the third step looking down at her. That was it. That was the whole dream. When I woke up, I realized that because I was spending all of my time looking down on her and attempting to block her path. I had been living a very miserable existence; as I wasted my life looking back and down. I had been so angry that I had not able to move forward with my life. I had not been able to live life. Neither, had she. Our spiritual growths had come to standstills. This was not a good thing for her or me or anyone in the world around us.

I forgave her and moved on. Life goes on. No, we did not become best friends. I only saw her once after amends were made. I hope that she was able to move forward even as I was able.

We must live the life that our Father has so graciously given us. Do not waste the days in anger or in desiring revenge! Forgive and move forward with your live. Forgive one another as our Father has forgiven us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J