March 12 Fresh Beginnings Philippians 3: 13-14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
In a growing relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, He always provides the opportunities for a fresh beginning and He has provided the blessing of new beginnings, each day! Jesus, in order to accomplish His Divine Mission, chose twelve “Ordinary” men, with human weaknesses and shortcomings. Jesus was committed to working with these men and to teach them and to help them grow into the servants that He wanted. Folks, He will do the same for us, if we will let Him! I have been counseling with an individual that has experienced much pain and disappointment. They have chosen to dwell on the “pain” and the “brokenness,” and have chosen to walk in the “I don’t have” path. I have, over and over again, encouraged them to understand that to recover from pain and challenges and disappointments, requires a decision and a reset of our perspective. God has provided the opportunity, the blessing, the power to reset and to let go of the past and to have a fresh start! Keep in mind; I am not saying that you will forget the pain or issues, however, the circumstances, no longer dominate your life! I have experienced “brokenness” and “pain,” yet, I could hear my dear mother saying to me, “Pick up the pieces of your brokenness and give them to Jesus, He will make you whole!” Just as the Disciples grew, in the presence of Jesus, we, too, have the blessing to “walk in His presence,” and to become what He would have us to be! We are all “broken,” and we all experience “disappointments and pain,” yet, we have the power, through our Savior, to recover and to be a “BRIGHT and SHINING” example of overcoming! The scripture for today, speaks of “Forgetting the past,” and to claim the promise of God’s “Upward” call! PRESS ON THROUGH THE CHALLENGES AND CLAIM THE VICTORY FOR LIVING, THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SAVING GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST! I CANNOT CHANGE THE PAST, AND I CANNOT UNDO THE REALITIES OF THIS LIFE, HOWEVER, I CAN CHOOSE TO WALK IN THE POWER OF MY SAVIOR AND TO CLAIM THE REALITY OF “FRESH BEGINNINGS!” My prayer for you and for myself, is that we would “press on” and to keep our eyes on the prize and to keep looking up! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!