Make a change in 2017

Leave it behind in 2013

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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.  Genesis 19:26

Leave it behind

Now is the time people reflect and assess how well 2013 was.  No matter your assessment – good or bad one thing for sure you are a live and have an opportunity to clean the slate, “turn the page” and leave it all behind in 2013. What can you leave behind in 2013?

Unfulfilled goals

Just because you did not LOOSE the desired WEIGHT, improve FINANCES, EXERCISE, get a new JOB, or eat HEALTHIER life still goes on.  Count your blessing and leave all unfulfilled goals behind and don’t look back. Where the mistake is made,  people tend to hang out in the past, waddling in their defeats, and disappointments.  They take on the spirit of Lot’s wife. 

God’s angels told Lot and his family to leave the wickedness of their past but one has to believe that there was something about the past that keep Lot’s wife looking back or standing and watching oppose to pressing toward the mark. The end result she was turned into a pillar of salt! As tempting as it may be let go of the past and follow God’s lead.

"Turning the page"

For the last sermon of 2013, Pastor Stafford Wicker used the aforementioned scripture from Philippians as a subject.  His message to the congregation was to “turn the page.”  His take away points were:

1. “Don’t be a slave to your past”
2. “Don’t let your past dictate your future”
3. “Keep your eye on your goal (God) and don’t turn back”
4. “Don’t be bitter get better”

In the book of Philippians Paul wrote  how faith can work in practical terms and during troubled times.  Paul had every right to be bitter, angry, and frustrated.  Because of his Crusade for Christ and letters to the first church, Paul was persecuted and placed under house arrest in the name of Jesus.  In his darkest hour he did not dwell on his current conditions. He forgot the past and reached forward to greater opportunities.  

Steps to a Happier New Year

The dawning of a new year – 2014 – is on the horizon.  Press toward the mark (God) by setting new goals and aspirations. Here are a few steps that can help make 2014 a Happier Year.

1. Leave the past in the past
2. Keep eyes focused on future – God
3. Surround yourself with positive and spirit filled people who encourage
4. Praise God always – during the good and bad times

Redirect your thoughts by focusing on the savior and not the past.  He will direct your path and lead you into a happier new year in 2014!

Prayer

Dear heavenly father,

I look around and see a beautiful world which you have given me. I thank you for seeing me through 2013 – the good, the bad, and misfortunes.  Despite it all your Grace and Mercy kept me.  Thank you for allowing me to see the dawning of a new year. May this year be prosperous – filled with good health, joy, blessing and your favor!  This I claim in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen. 

New Year's Resolutions are a Waste of Time

Within days after the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2011 many of you whipped out the old pen and pad to begin your annual New Years resolutions, financial planning, and goal setting for the next twelve months.    Do not get me wrong making changes and upgrading oneself is a great way to jump-start 2011. During your preparation time please be reminded 2010 is officially history which signifies it is time to cast aside all burdens and leave behind any additional baggage such as: worries, fears, or uncertainties which can impede you from attaining your objectives.


At one time or another we all presume it is our obligation to keep our troubles closely guarded by any means necessary and not let them go no matter what! This is totally opposite of what God want us to do which is release our burdens and cares so that he can bare our pains. By lugging this dead weight it causes many with an iron will to succeed to transform into an unconquerable will to stop marking yet another year of incomplete goals, which opens the flood gates to the enemy of discuss, defeat, as well as questioning God’s lack of concern about you.

One much needed line item while planning, is for us to become positive thinkers, optimist and true believers of God. What this mean is we have to be crazy enough (having deep faith) to grasp and believe that our world can become what we strive to make it provided we include Jesus in all our endeavors: This means work, decision making, goal setting, relationships, no matter what consult ‘The Great Counselor’ on everything. Otherwise one can easily fall into the trap of negative thinkers, pessimist or the ideology of an Atheist. These adversaries belong in the category of being doubters who believe what can go wrong will go wrong.

2011 is a new year, an opportunity for a new beginning. Go ahead and make resolutions but do not forget to start with fervor to rekindle dreams and the fire between you and Christ which allow you to tap into God’s power which can make way for a greater future!

Be encouraged, stay strong and do not give up your faith!

Tigner 

For more posts check http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/



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