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from 2021 to 2022


 

This will be the only e-devotion for this week and the last week of 2021.  I am writing with the intent on looking back and learning from this year as well as looking forward with joy and determination to a new year full of possibilities.


Three words come to mind in this reflection and time of planning.  I pray they will give you some what of a guide.


REMEMBER.


REPENT.


REDEEM.


Remember what is in the past, but leave things in the past.  They are to be points of learning and event some what of a trampoline to help you move to the next place.


I am excited about the future, yet it really is the things of the past year, and further back, that have set the stage for what is ahead.  God called me to Himself first.  I long for a deeper relationship with Him.  God gave me a passion to serve Him and others.  Throughout my life there have been spiritual markers, as Henry Blackaby called them, that line my life and even set me up for more.  I long for a deeper relationship with Him and for more in my life.


Nehemiah 4:14  NLT

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”


Repent means to learn from and to turn a new direction.  Literally the means is a 180 degree turn.  I plan to not repeat my failures but learn from them.  I choose to not be trapped by things or situations or struggles.  The future is full so I have to turn toward God and away from what is pulling me away from Him.


Acts 5:31  NLT

Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.


Redeem is a big word.  I am reminded of two points that are ultimately important.  Let me paint an easy picture for us with this word.  I am redeemed.  Jesus gave all for me.  The love of God redeemed me.  Now it is my turn to redeem the time and my life so that the future is even more full of potential and opportunity. 


Ephesians 5:15-15  NKJV

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.


Wow.  That is a lot to take in.  Maybe do what I am going to do helping digest this e-devotion.  Cut it up in pieces, in thoughts or even in the three pieces with the words Remember, Repent and Redeem.


The following passage is the basis for my writing and thoughts.  I have so much more to say, but this puts it together.  I pray it makes sense, especially as you study these three verses:


Philippians 3:12-14  NLT

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.


Make you plans and set your goals.  Remember the past.  Repent where you failed.  Redeem the time by confessing you are redeemed by God and ready to share that redemption with others!


Happy New Year!

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