I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Here we are in yet another year! It sure seems like the years are getting shorter, doesn’t it? How was your last year? Was it all you intended it to be? Do you feel like it was a wasted year of spiritual growth, or was it a profitable year growing to be like Christ? Were you more committed to your family in 2003? Did you do a better job being a dad, a mom, or a child? Did you meet all your goals for the year? Did you read your Bible everyday? Did you pray for everyone you intended to? Were you are super-committed Christian? Did you get rid of all the hidden sin in your life? Are you tired of me asking questions?
Let me just ask one more: Were you perfect in actions in 2003? (If there are any yes answers to that question, please let me hear from you!)
My point is this: what are you going to do about it now? Are you going to cut off a finger for every time you sinned? There goes your fingers, right? No, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. You’re forgiven. If Jesus is your Savior, He bore your sins...all of them...on the cross. There is no longer any sacrifice to be made. (Hebrews 10:18) Your sins are paid for...all of them.
Don’t look back at past mistakes, confess your inadequacy before the Lord (1 John 1:9), ask Him to cleanse your heart, and start planning a terrific year of service for the Lord in 2004! Start with a clean slate before the Lord and make it your goal, as best as you can, to abide in Christ and let His life be your life this year! (Galatians 2:20) Take on the character of Christ more and more each day!
Look forward, not backwards in 2004! Keep your eyes on the cross and the joy set BEFORE you. (Hebrews 12:2) Don’t allow sin to be your master, but let Christ rule in your life! (Romans 6:14; Colossians 3:15) We can certainly learn from the past, and we shouldn’t repeat the same mistakes over and over again, but our motivation shouldn’t be the past, it should be the finish line!
Set your sights on Jesus in 2004! Aim for Heaven...and, don’t look back!
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