Forgetting What's Behind, Reaching for What's Ahead

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There are two days that can steal the joy from today. One is yesterday and the other is tomorrow. Paul exhorts in Philippians 3:13-14, “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.” We are to forget the past the guilt, the glory, the grief, and the grudges. Paul was one who was guilty, along with others for the stoning of Stephen. He said he was the chiefest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). But, Paul buried that guilt in the grave of God’s forgetfulness.

ACTION POINT:
Maybe you’ve done something so horrible, that you’re gripped with fear to think someone would find out what you’ve done. Have you repented? Then, don’t be haunted by the ghost of guilt.

A Right View of Repentance

A Right View of Repentance – Acts 2:37-39

When Peter preached the truth about Jesus Christ in Acts
chapter two, he left thousands of listeners wondering what they should
do next.

The apostle’s response in verse 38 is simple. He says,
“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins.” As a result, 3,000 people were added to
their numbers that day.

Is this the message of most churches today? Does it seem
strange that Peter said “repent” instead of “believe”? Actually,
Scripture often uses these concepts together. Repentance and faith are
two sides of the same coin. Both are essential for salvation and each
is dependent upon the other.

But, in terms of salvation, you can’t separate faith and
repentance. To be saved, you must place faith in Christ for the
forgiveness of sins. That decision requires a change of mind, or
repentance, about your way of life. Both happen at the same time.

Yet, many people mistakenly believe they must repent before
they can make a faith decision for Jesus. Repentance doesn’t mean we
must completely change our ways and “clean ourselves up” so we can then
receive Christ as Lord. There should actually be no delay or separation
between repentance and faith.

If you’re holding off on a decision for Christ until you
think you’re “ready” or “worthy,” then you’re waiting in vain. Jesus is
ready to receive you right now. Only as a child of God will you find
the power???His power???to truly become the person He created you to be.

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How Can I Keep People From Making The Same Mistake as Me?

How Can I Keep People From Making The Same Mistake as Me?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services



Q: I wish I could live my life over again. Almost 30 years ago, I got
involved with a man at work, and ended up wrecking my marriage and
marrying him. We're still together, but it hasn't been a happy life
and we mainly go our separate ways. Maybe my experience will keep
someone from going down that path. Believe me, it wasn't worth it. --
Mrs. W.S.




A: I too hope your letter will keep someone who is reading it from
doing the same thing you did. Satan will do everything he can to
deceive us and make us think we can ignore God and live for ourselves
-- but it simply isn't true.




I have often said in this column that one of life's hardest lessons is
that we can't go back and change the past -- much as we'd like to.
Decisions have consequences -- and when we make bad decisions, the
results are inevitably bad. The Bible says, "Do not be deceived: God
cannot be mocked. A man (or woman) reaps what he (or she) sows. The
one who sows to please his (or her) sinful nature, from that nature
will reap destruction" (Galatians 6:7-8).




But the Bible tells us two other important truths -- truths I hope you
will come to believe. First, no matter what we have done, God still
loves us, and He wants to forgive us and make us part of His family.
What you did in breaking your marriage vow was wrong, but God still
will forgive you if you will turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and
faith, and commit your life to Him.




Second, with Christ in your heart, your future can be different. He
can rekindle your love for your husband, and He can give you a new joy
and a new hope for the future. Don't let another day go by without
Christ.

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