Lessons from the Past Propel Us into the Future

Read:

Philippians 3:12–16 (ESV): “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”

Isaiah 43:18–19 (AMP): “’Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing…’”

Psalm 32:8 (NIV): “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to be intentional in our faith journey by:

Seeking God’s Holiness. May we step into this year with a deeper desire to know God, surrender to His transformative work and become instruments of His grace.

Pausing to Reflect. Let us take time to recognise God’s active presence in our lives. As we look back on His faithfulness, may gratitude, forgiveness, and assurance fill our hearts to overflow.

Embracing a Fresh Start. May we leave the past behind, forgive, and find peace. With unwavering faith, let us hold onto God’s promises and boldly step forward.

Keeping Jesus in our Boat. No matter what storms arise, He is with us—calming the waves, strengthening us, and leading the way.

Trusting in God’s Guidance. Let us move forward with confidence, following the path God has uniquely prepared, seeking His wisdom, and staying committed to His call. Remember, with Him at our side, we can step into the future with faith, purpose and hope!

Pray:

Oh Lord Jesus, as we begin another year on Your calendar, we pause to remember that You are holy, You are set apart, You are completely righteous. We also realise that You have called us all to that same holiness, to be set apart for You, Lord. You know how difficult that is when the world calls us away, each and every day. May we seek to live more like You, Lord. May we learn, through Your Holy Word, how we can live in today’s world. May we live with the peace in our hearts that one day, we will arrive in Heaven, and we will see You face-to-face and become pure and holy, as You are, oh, Lord. Thank You, for the promise, over and over in Your Word, that You will be with us for the entire process. We need You, and we love You! In Jesus’ precious Name.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for being there every step of the way, the ups and the downs. I ask that You help us view our story through Your eyes. Help us see the meaning of the ups and the downs, and help us bring that meaning forward and share it with those around us so they can be encouraged by our testimony, which brings new life to relationships with the people around us. We thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You for walking this path with us.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us and to be with us in any storm throughout 2025. Thank You that You’ve saved Your church. Thank You, Lord, that You are encouraging us today through Your compassion.

Lord, I pray for everyone that they will hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for You are faithful, and that is Your promise. Let them consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. In Jesus’ Name.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can know with confidence that You will be with us in this new year. We can put our hand into Your Guiding Hand, and You will lead us wherever You want us to go. The gate and the road may be narrow, but You are with us, and our trust is in You, Lord. We love You, Lord, and we praise and worship You. Be glorified in our lives, Lord. We ask this in Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.

(This WRAP is with great appreciation to Mary Lynn, Chris, Jannie, Denise and Lydia)

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