Forgetting those things behind

For those who have placed their trust in Christ and believed, they are a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Therefore, the past no longer defines the person.

Through this beautiful truth, we are encouraged to seek a closer walk with the Lord daily, pressing forward, because eternal life with Christ Jesus in heaven is the prize!

John 14:3 KJV — And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

In the realization that God, through His salvation uses our past to become a testimony, our present and future are opportunities.

For through His work of freeing us from the prison of the sinful life we’ve walked in previously, He shows how good, how merciful, and full of love He is.

Yet, we are to remember, He is still righteous and holy, thus He calls us to follow Him and leave behind the lusts of the flesh, the ways of the past.

1 Peter 4:2 KJV — That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Praise God, we no longer are slaves to sin and can learn to walk in the newness of Christ daily.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13‭-‬14 NKJV

Luke 9:62 KJV — And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Let our hearts and minds be inspired and encouraged by the promises of our Lord and Savior.

Philippians 1:21 KJV — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for breaking the chains of lust, sin, and death. Lord, thank You that through You we can walk with integrity and truth. Lord, thank You for Your wondrous works and the ways You guide and direct us continually through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, please hold us in Your Word, that we might not sin against You. Bring it to remembrance, help us to commit it to our hearts, that it becomes part of our thoughts, renewing our mind daily in Your truth. Lord, my life is Yours, You bought and paid such a high price! May I never live unto myself or for my selfish ambition or desires, but rather, be humbly serving You daily, looking forward to the prize. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.

Obedience? A daily choice.

Scripture is full of the stark differences between those who obey God and those who do not.

Proverbs 14:16 KJV — A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Scripture instructs us of our need for a Savior.

Romans 3:23 NKJV — for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

God shows us that it is through Him and only through Him that mankind can be saved.

John 14:6 NKJV — Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

And it also warns us some will choose to follow God and others will not.

Mark 10:22 NKJV — But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Although, following God seems to be a “some do” and “some don’t” it’s actually much more of a continual choice.

Each day the choice is there, and each day brings opportunity to either obey Him or turn away from Him.

Psalm 119:59 NKJV — I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

For God is a merciful God and His Word tells many times of the length He goes to reach out to us.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV — Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

With this knowledge, let us, each one, choose to follow Him today.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word and for the truth of Your scripture. Lord, You know that I am a sinner living in a sin filled world and it is easy to fall into many temptations and snares. Please provide a way of escape, keep me from being tricked into those things which are not of You. Lord, please shine Your truth into each circumstance and help me to view all of life through Your Word. Lord, please help me to hide Your Word in my heart and to be mindful to think about Your truths through out my day. Lord, help me to make choices based upon Your Word and not fear or urgency. Lord, please help me to rest in You, and not be double minded. Thank You for Your promises. Thank You for all Your love and Your unending care. How great and awesome You are! I love You. Amen.

November 12

Today’s prayer:

Joshua 24:16 KJV — And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for these words. Please let it be so for those who are called by Your name. Please help Your people to follow You steadfastly, that they not turn out of the way to the right or to the left, but are true to You in all things. Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all praise. You are good. You are holy. Salvation comes from You. Please save the lost. Please protect the innocent. Lord Jesus, please return the prodigal. Lord, strengthen Your church and purify Your people. Please let Your people cling to You in all their ways. Thank You. Amen.

Close behind

It’s here!

The last of my furniture and my husband’s tools.

Unpacking and putting away is the next hurdle.

We wanted to be sure the UHAUL was returned on time.

Despite our daughter and granddaughter being here.

Despite the fact that I should be cooking supper.

We dropped everything and I followed the truck.

It hadn’t occurred to me to ask.

So as we drove I realized,

I had no idea where we were going.

Following behind a large truck

Dodging the numerous vehicles all trying to get home from work.

I had to follow close behind.

Because I had no idea of our destination.

At one intersection,

as the large frame of the truck rolled through the lines and turned to the right

I drove forward.

As I looked up I was startled.

The light was yellow!

Would I make it through?

Was it safe to proceed?

I had no way of knowing how long the light had been yellow.

I only knew I had to follow.

I was in a town I’m totally unfamiliar with.

I can’t even say I’ve been there more than driving through to a sporting event.

So I followed.

And it was fine.

My husband apologized when we reached the business.

He knows how I feel about yellow lights.

He knew it would be frightening for me if I’d gotten separated.

I just smiled.

Was glad I’d followed.

Upon reflection,

it occurred to me,

it’s the same with Jesus.

He’s asked me to follow Him.

He hasn’t told me where we are going exactly.

Other than salvation, a life of surrender, leads to heaven.

But how my daily, weekly, yearly life will reflect that, I’m completely ignorant of.

And each day

I have a choice.

Will I follow?

At what distance to Jesus will I choose today?

Shall I be close behind?

Even if I can’t see where He’s leading?

What about the times when the world’s knowledge would say,

“Wow, that could be dangerous. That could cost me! I’m not sure I should follow.”

Am I willing to choose to trust God?

What if this following close behind does cost me?

What if it costs more than I think I can give up?

That’s when the surrender becomes real.

Jesus died.

Am I willing to follow?

For me the answer is

yes.

I will follow.

I will go forward,

even when it feels scary.

I’m willing to risk

whatever it takes to follow

close behind my Savior.