To move forward, we must be willing to let go of the past.

Don’t look back:

“But this 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 3:13b-14).” “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’ (Luke 9:62).” The apostle Paul says he forgets those things which are behind so he can reach forward to those things which are ahead. Then Jesus says we cannot follow Him if we are going to keep looking back and rehearsing our past.

 Let go and let God:

God is in the now and the future. Our pasts, if we cling to them, will cause us to stumble and never allow us to move forward in our lives. As people (including me), we need to learn to let go of those things we cannot do anything about. Whatever it is has happened: we cannot unring the bell.

Live in the present:

So, let’s live in the present — right now. That is where God is — He is with us now. Letting go of past hurts, past mistakes, past regrets can be a tough job. But if we believe, God will help us to be healed, set free, delivered from what transpired in our past.

Let’s focus on today, and let God know how much we appreciate Him!

Just a thought,

PSS

Faith in God is a profound and unyielding trust in the divine will and the unfathomable design of the universe. It's the belief that despite the challenges and uncertainties life presents, there is a higher power orchestrating the larger tapestry of existence. This kind of faith is not just about believing in God's existence but trusting in His wisdom, timing, and purpose. It is about surrendering to the idea that even when things seem insurmountable, God has a plan and His intentions are always for our ultimate good.

The teachings of Mark 11:22–24 call on believers to have unwavering faith, especially in times of adversity. When faced with doubts, fears, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, believers are encouraged to lean on their faith, recognizing that with God, all things are possible. This is not a call for passive resignation, but rather an active trust that invites believers to partner with the divine, acknowledge the vastness of God's power, and understand that our human perspective is limited. In doing so, believers can find strength, resilience, and hope, knowing that they are held within the comforting embrace of a loving God.

Having faith in God also shapes how we interact with the world around us. It provides a foundation of hope, guiding us to act with kindness, compassion, and love. It instills a sense of purpose, anchoring us during times of tumult and ensuring that we remain grounded in our convictions. Through faith, we learn to see challenges not as deterrents but as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. We learn that every trial has a purpose, and through unwavering trust in God, we can navigate life's complexities with grace, wisdom, and an enduring spirit.

Just a thought,

PSS

In order to serve God, we must all realize it is going to cost us something. It will at times cost us our desires, our will; at times it will require a sacrifice.

The sacrifice:

A sacrifice is not really a sacrifice unless something means a lot to us — unless we really want to do something. It’s something we give up for someone or something else. If it doesn’t mean anything to us, it’s not really a sacrifice at all.

He paid it all:

“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head’ ” (Matthew 8:20 NLT). Following Jesus will not always be easy or comfortable. It will often require great sacrifice of what we want, and doing what God’s word teaches. Following Christ, to do what He asks, may cost us popularity, friendship, leisure time, or convenience.

Pay the price:

The price of following Christ is saying and doing, “Not my will, but let His will be done.” It is our choice! Too many of us believe we can follow Christ, and do whatever we want. We follow Christ, and do what He requires us to do. It is our choice. Whatever we are unwilling to let go of may be the very thing that costs us our eternal salvation.

Being a disciple of Christ may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Again, it is our choice.

Just a thought,

PSS

Legacy isn’t something we leave one day; it’s something we’re living every day. Long before our race is finished, our choices, our faithfulness, and our obedience are already telling a story. People may not remember every word we say, but they will remember the life we lived and the example we set. The question isn’t whether we’re leaving a legacy — it’s whether we’re leaving one that points people to Christ.

Paul didn’t measure his life by comfort, applause, or ease. He measured it by faithfulness. At the end of his life, he didn’t say he had it easy; he said he finished well. That kind of finish doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through daily surrender, staying anchored in God’s Word, and choosing obedience even when it’s costly.

One day, each of us will stand before the Lord, and what will matter most is not how popular we were, but whether we kept the faith. So, live today with eternity in mind. Run your race with purpose. Finish strong. Leave a legacy that lasts.

Just a thought,

PSS