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| Run the race before us |
"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)
I have a shelf full of bibles. Multiple translations, some more than one of the same translation, but from different publishers, because the foot notes are different. But I have one bible that stands our for different reasons. It is a King James Version bible with a red leather cover that is held together by duct tape. The pages on the inside are worn and tattered, and some of the pages are soaked with tears of sorrow, conviction, joy and triumph. When this bible is laid on the desk and you look at it from the side, it doesn't take long to notice that while the whole bible is worn, the New Testament is much more so. The reason is simple; I've spent a whole lot of time in the New Testament, and while I believe every word to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, the New Testament speaks to my heart, notably the Apostle Paul's writings.
The Scripture I've chosen to share with you today, is one of those that has meant so much to me over the years. Paul, directing the church to stop focusing so much on the past and look forward to the future. To quit living with the memories of tough times, heartbreak and anxiety and begin to look forward to a bright tomorrow. Yes, it is important to remember the past in the context of lessons learned, but to be so focused on our past, we will never see our future.
2015 had its own set of unique challenges for all of us, but with the passing of the calendar month, we are empowered to put our eyes to the road in front of us and move with purpose. There is no challenge too large for those who choose the intentional visionary path. Together, we will do great things in 2016, by the help of the Lord.
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