Hello 2015!
I was watching Back to the Future 2 on New Years Day and this message took a fun turn!
The series is one of my all time favorites! The thing that was most intriguing was the idea of the 'Space/ Time continuum, if you could go back in time and change something, it could radically change the future. The fantasy of time travel and changing the past is one of the most intriguing I can imagine.
One of the fun things you may have seen recently is the stories of the Back to the Future World in 2015 that was predicted!
So now we stand at the beginning of a new year- 2015. Looking back at 2014 there were many moments- some really wonderful ones, and some horrible ones.
Wouldn't it be awesome if we could jump in the time machine, go back and change the tragic and devastating things that bring people pain?
Just set the controls on the Delorean and go back before that fated airliner takes off, or before that shooter enters the school. Or, ..... Fill in your own
Well, back to reality! We can't go back. The only thing we can do with the past is to remember it's lessons. We can ask the Spirit of God to give us wisdom as we look forward to the future and seek to please God as good stewards of what is given to us.
Climbing on board with Jesus, we are going to discover something so much better than a time machine! Rather than just fixing the past- He says he makes everything new! We get to go forward into someplace no one else has been! Our journey with God in 2015 has limitless possibilities!
As we fasten our seat belts in the passenger seat, and wait for God to hit the gas pedal, I can think of a couple things that will stop us from the destination:
The first is looking back-
Luke 9:62 NIV
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Jesus always speaks directly and firmly! We have to keep our eyes forward to get where God is taking us! Looking back speaks of regrets, second guessing. If we look back, we'll plow crooked! You can't enjoy the ride ahead if you keep looking back!
Many people in life battle with bitterness over past events. It seems to creep into their minds seemingly out of nowhere.
And when that happens, all too often people will allow their history to rob them of their future.
It doesn’t have to be that way!!!
Here are five things I wanted to share with those of you who battle with pain from the past -where you did something (or something was done to you) that can cloud your mind and emotions.
#1 – We cannot go back in time, but we CAN move forward in Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
#2 – Only Jesus can take the pain of our past and turn it into progress in our lives
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
#3 – Your past may be what you did, but it is not who you are in Christ!
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
#4 – God never used perfect people. Abraham was a liar, Moses was insecure, Rahab was a prostitute, Peter had a temper, Thomas doubted, Paul killed people, David committed adultery and murder…and God used all of them to do greater things that they could have ever imagined. His grace really is greater than our sin!
#5 – Jesus knew every foolish and sinful decision we were ever going to make, and yet He still created us on purpose! (Psalm 139:13-16- days numbered, knew us before the womb).
He made arrangements for the payment for our sin (John 3:16) and He has an amazing plan for our lives! (Ephesians 2:10)
These are not just nice things for us to read. They are truths we can live our lives by!!! And they are true about you, no matter WHAT you have ever done in your past.
In Christ we CAN move forward!!!
The other thing that will keep us from all God's best is excess baggage!
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
That baggage takes many forms, we often thing of possessions here. But false expectations can be weights as well! Others can place these on us, as well as ones we place on ourselves! It's bad enough just meeting the daily and weekly tasks along with fulfilling some people's expectations—ugh!—but when I include a bunch of other self-assigned projects, the stress level can approach borderline madness.
We've got plenty of people in life (including ourselves!) who frown authoritatively and tell us to get serious. We need a few who smile relaxingly and encourage us to smile, kick back, lighten up, and laugh a little more.
It's time to drop the burdensome weights of expectation that aren't from God and really fly!
Strange, isn't it, how we tend toward extremes? What begins as self-improvement becomes self-enslavement . . .
Which explains why The Bible so often stresses moderation, self-control, softening our sharp-cornered lives with more curves that necessitate a slower speed.
Are you spinning out of control on the fast track?
How can you slow down?
Where can you go to find enough stillness to rediscover that God is God?
The psalmist calmly counsels us to "be still" so we can know that God is God (Psalm 46:10).
Jesus Himself found it essential to escape the press of people to get His bearings.
On several occasions He arose quite early just to be alone.
Immediately after His Twelve returned hot and sweaty from ministry, it was His idea that they retreat and repair.
And who can ever forget His gracious invitation?
I often return to it just to let the words wash over me.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28–30)
In these days of high stress and high pressures, He offers us rest. Twice in one statement. While so many others are demanding, He's gentle. While surviving in this world is fast paced and difficult, being yoked with Him is easy. Yes, easy!
And instead of increasing our load of anxiety, He promises to make it lighter. Is it any wonder Jesus's style and message created such a stir? While so many are piling on more guilt, more demands, He quietly offers relief.
Question: Where do you go to find enough stillness to rediscover that God is God?
Where do you turn when your days and nights start running together? What spot becomes your hide-away so that a little perspective is gleaned as a little sanity returns? Where do you get relief from the fever-pitch extremes?
"Won't someone please stop me?"
Someone will, if you'll let Him. As in days of old, He's waiting in that little boat, ready to sail with you to a quieter shore. But getting in first requires some letting go.
You can't haul along all of that personal luggage.
There's only room for two.
It may not be a Delorean, but I'm more excited about this ride! Amen?
