Forget the Former Things

Forget the Former Things

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

Isaiah 43:18, NIV.

TODAY’S WORD

Too often, people spend so much time and energy dwelling on the past, dwelling on mistakes, or dwelling on disappointments. They don’t even realize that their focus is keeping them from moving forward in life. But in order to fully experience God’s blessings, you have to let go of those past hurts; you have to forget the former things to make room for the new.

God has a new beginning in store for you, and the way you prepare for it is by getting rid of the old. Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going. When you “forget the former things,” it means you’re not worried about the past anymore. You don’t allow it to dictate your future. You may remember past events, but you don’t feel the pain like you used to. You’ve opened your heart to receive God’s healing. Begin today by declaring that your past is over! Forget the former things and receive the restoration and victory God has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the life of blessing and victory You have prepared for me. I choose to forget the past. I choose to forgive. I choose to open my heart to You and receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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An Antidote for Loneliness at Christmas

3 hours ago 

Rick Warren

“But the Lord stood at my side …” (2 Timothy 4:17a NIV)

The Christmas holidays tend to magnify the loneliness we feel when we’re separated from the ones we love. Many of us have lost our roots or never had any to begin with, and that can cause loneliness. We can experience the loneliness of separation because of military service, a career, or an illness.

But the Bible tells us what we can do about our loneliness:

Focus on the needs of others. Get your eyes off yourself and focus outward. Look at how you can serve other people. The Apostle Paul focused on telling more people about Jesus: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Timothy 4:17a NIV).

Focus on your purpose. Even when the Apostle Paul was isolated in a prison, he never stopped living out his purpose. He wanted everybody to know about God’s love.

When you’re lonely, stop building walls and start building bridges! Instead of saying, “I’m so lonely,” say, “Father, help me be a friend to people who need a friend. Help me to help lonely people.” That is the antidote for loneliness.

You can help others become rich in relationships by giving them the gift of you.

Talk About It

• What are some ways you can serve other people this Christmas?

• Who can you reach out to this Christmas to start, mend, or strengthen a relationship?