FORGET THE THINGS OF THE PAST
Memorise:
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. .. Philippians 3:13
Read:
Isaiah 43:18-19
Message
We have come to the end of another year, and |believe that many people are thinking about how the year turned out. Many may even begin to feel that there are certain things that they should have done better. It is normal to have such feelings, as they can help a person to make better decisions in the future. However, it is unfruitful to dwell on the past. There is nothing to gain from living in regret about the past. Beloved, it is time to put the past behind you and begin to look forward to the glorious year that is ahead of you.
First of all, no matter what you have or do not have yet, you must always give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Yes, the year has come to an end and you wish you had done better, but if you look closely, you will discover that you have many reasons to thank God. If you had died in the course of the year, you would not even be here to reflect on the past. There are so many things to thank God for. Show God that you are grateful because when God sees a grateful heart, He always visits that fellow with a blessing (1 Kings 3:3-15).
Secondly, note that God can make all things work together for your good (Romans 8:28). God can turn whatever you count as a loss into profit for you. 'When Joseph was thrown into prison in Genesis 39:20, I it seemed like a bad experience for him; little did he know that the prison was his stepping stone to becoming the Prime Minister of the greatest nation in the world at that time. Don't ever write yourself off; always put God in the equation of your life. When you do this, you will experience a complete turnaround and His tremendous blessings will follow.
If, however, you have been living in sin, do not expect God to help you turn things around. He said in Isaiah 3:11, "Say unto the wicked that it shall be ill with him. "This means that it shall not be well with anyone that is living in sin. On the other hand, the Bible says in Isaiah 3:10, "Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him."
Beloved, if you want to experience God's blessings in the year ahead of you, make up your mind to live according to His will daily.
Bible In One Year:
Revelation 20-21
Hymn:
Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
Action Point:
Live according to God's word every day in 2025, and all will be well with you. Happy New Year in advance.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
f Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!