Monday, February 10, 2014

Your Destination is New Day Street!


Along with millions of other people, we watched the historic pairing of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater for the 50th anniversary tribute to the Beatles. We both watched the original visit to the Ed Sullivan show back in 1964 as did most of the kids our age. For us, the baby boomers, it was awesome. Reliving being an enamored young girl for me and for my hubby a teenager who ultimately had every record they ever made together. Many pleasant memories came flooding back as the songs reminded us of lost love, true friends and the meaning of life (for them at least).

We did not go to bed singing Beatles songs or pulling out memorabilia. We left the fun of the evening where it belongs – in the memory bank of life. We can’t go back to those times, nor do we want to. It was fun, but it’s done. We’ve got life to live and more memories to make so we look forward to what God is doing in our lives as we live a life that’s pleasing to Him. 

We all enjoy reliving past memories. But we cannot live in the past. Memory Lane can be visited but we must not live there. The past is where it belongs. The best of moments are part of history. As great as they are, as much as we enjoy the fun of it all, it’s just a memory. We can’t live in the past, for it’s already been lived. We have a future to walk into that holds as much promise as our greatest times of yesteryear. If we spend all our time reliving the past and trying to regain the moments of our youth we’ll miss living today. We’ll also miss looking to the future where we are to keep our eyes on the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus. 

Maybe you believe that someone has robbed you of your future. They cannot do this, for only God sets the future in motion, only God gives the calling to His children and only God says when the end will come. Maybe your life looked better back then than it does right now. Hold on, for God is making all things work together for your good as you keep your eyes on Him. 

Oh beloved! It’s important this morning for you to know that you have a future. It does not matter what your age is or what your past looks like, your future is bright with promise. God has put it in the hearts of all believers to look forward, not back. Today is the day to look ahead and ask God what today’s plans are for you. Every single day has its own special plans just for you. You are awake, you are breathing, you are able to get up and take nourishment, so God’s plan is with you. Maybe all your past memories are pleasant, maybe they aren’t. Either way, to live with your memories is to rob yourself of the blessing of looking ahead to Jesus. You can’t undo the mistakes; you can’t really live the greatest moments again. It’s time to do yourself the greatest favor you’ve ever done. 

Leave the mistakes at the altar with the Lord. He’s explained it in His Word, that He’s placed your sins as far as the east is from the west. You’ll have to leave your greatest accomplishments there as well. Leave them at the altar of praise and thank God for each and every one of them. But reach out to Him this very day for your next assignment and your richest blessings. 

You are more than your memories and your address is New Day Street! God loves you so much that He’s making a way for you to continue to walk in blessings, live triumphant and make great memories for your future. He’s for you so that you don’t have to fear what’s ahead, you only take a step at a time to walk in His ways and live for Him always.

You and I are very blessed, beloved, for He’s given us His great and precious promises so that we can live in the light of His Word! Go ahead, go out today and make some wonderful memories for the Kingdom and the Glory of God.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

No comments: