"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision – you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."
(Philippians 3:12-16 – The Message)
Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because the events of yesterday are not ruling my life — THIS is the day the Lord has made, and the accuser will not gain an advantage over me by throwing the past up to me.Today I will get the upper hand in the battle of life, because I know the power of living in the now. This knowledge sets me apart, gives me an edge, and puts me over! Now is all that matters to me.Today I will not beat myself up because of yesterday's performance. I can't change it in the first place and, secondly, I don't need to change it – even if I could. I will focus on today and on how I can make things better by learning from my mistakes. Failure will force me into faith and keep me looking ahead, creating a real desire within me to improve my skills and to be and do better. All the things that I have experienced will work together for my good.Today I will concentrate on making myself motivated to move on mentally, with a momentum that will become the measure for managing my time. I just can't look back, because the memory of yesterday is already fading in His presence.Today I will become a healer of the breach, by encouraging those with whom I have influence to move into their own futures. My words will not divide, but will bring health and harmony to those who really hear me.Today I will operate successfully in the ministry of reconciliation by remitting the sins of those who cannot forgive themselves:
"So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
(John 20:21-23)
Today I will forget what needs to be forgotten, and today I will live in the now!
Father, I forget! In Jesus’ name, amen.
10 comments:
Keith Mitchell said...
Well said. Love ya
Nate Rogers said...
Needed to read this thanks
Joseph Carl Bales said...
Thanks! I so struggle yet with forgetting the past! Love you.
Keith Mitchell said...
I just read this for the 4th time and it's more than Well said , it's heart touching , life changing and filled with love .
Sharon M. Grimes said...
Awesomeness.
Beth Rehbein said...
Thank you! These are living words always on time. It's amazing how He does that.
Ethel Higgins said...
On my way and living and believening in today! With him all things are possible! Thanks! Bish Love ya!
Bryce Hardin said...
Very much right on time!!
Thank you again Bishop. One more reminder of why I love you. One of my favorite lines form this is -
'All the things that I have experienced will work together for my good.' and ' THIS is the day the Lord has made, and the accuser will not gain an advantage over me by throwing the past up to me.'
And of course, with The Holy Spirit within me, I forgive All sin. Therefore, that is done, even though it has already been done since before time. Really, I just seconded, or billioned the motion, hey always good to get in on the fun stuff.
In "Unspeakable", a book on facing evil, Os Guinness shares a term St. Augustine used for the line "forgive us as we have forgiven" in the model prayer. He called it "the terrible petition"...where we ask God not to forgive us if we do not forgive...well then, hmmmm.
He also writes (short version) that real forgiveness is costly and difficult, requiring first calling an evil an evil: unjust, harmful and destructive. Next: the sobering knowledge that a human evil splashed on me is also possible for my own heart to fall to. Followed by knowing the great Grace given me for all the evils I have done to God and to His children, my fellow beings...then finally choosing to pass that Grace on, for that reason alone. Costly indeed.
I admit I've offered some cheaper forgiveness in the past...to myself and others. I change my mind. I'll do the work next time...so it will be something that costs me...dearly.
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