1,000 Years

Introduction: Imagine a wolf and a lamb lying down together, without the wolf eating “lamb chops”! Beside them is a bear and an ox eating straw together. In the same field is a ferocious lion playing with a goat. Does this sound like a Disney movie? Or does this perhaps describe something that would happen at a Barnum and Bailey Circus? No. Actually, this is what is going to be scenery after Jesus Christ lifts the curse from the animal kingdom on the earth.
 
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat.” (Isa 65:25)
 
By the way, this will be considered the biblical account of Christ’s Kingdom on earth. From a timeline perspective, remember, Jesus will come in the RAPTURE. This will be followed by the seven-year tribulation, and at the conclusion of it, Christ will come in His second coming. Next, as His feet touch down upon the earth, He will overthrow the Antichrist with his armies. Subsequently, His Kingdom on earth will be inaugurated as He sits upon His throne in Jerusalem in the temple which Ezekiel describes. Here is a further description of this “yet to come” supernatural event.
 
1. A BRAND NEW CREATION! Isaiah’s perspective! (Isa 65:17–22) – “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
 
This prophecy starts at the end of the 1,000 years as Jesus makes a New Heaven and Earth. Isaiah describes the transformation of the animal kingdom and the earthly Kingdom. The curse of decay and death will be somewhat lifted as in the Garden of Eden; and yet, sin and death will remain.
 
2. A BRAND NEW LIFE! (Isa 65:20) – “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.”
 
Did you notice the longevity of life will be extended? Also, did you catch that God will give a sinner one hundred years to repent during this 1,000-year reign? Both “Perfect Peace” and bountiful prosperity will be present during the Millennium.
 
3. A BRAND NEW EARTH! (Isa 65:22–23) – “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.”
 
We have never seen anything like this before in our day! “When the Lord reigns in Zion!”
 
Conclusion: All of creation longs for this day to come! Paul writes, (Rom 8:22–23) “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
 

The Day of the Lord will come soon enough. But meanwhile, we need to be “BUSY” about the “MASTER’S BUSINESS!”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
 
 
 


What Will It Be Like?

Introduction: Can you imagine what it will be like to stand before our REDEEMER, our SAVIOR, our LORD JESUS CHRIST? Words are inadequate. More than likely, we will be speechless—Awe-stricken!! But one thing is for sure. One look at His dear face, all sorrow and pain will erase!
 
1. What will it be like to see the ONE who holds the keys to death and hell? (Rev 1:18) – “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Are you surprised that John fell like a dead man after seeing the glorified Christ? What will it be like to see Jesus?
 
2. What will it be like to hear Him say, WELL DONE? (Matt 25:21) – “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Of course, in the context of this Scripture, it is in regards to talents, which are given. Without going into the technical interpretation, which seems to be addressing Israel, practically speaking, this is a description of our Lord holding His people accountable, yet with Words of COMMENDATION—WELL DONE! What would that be like?
 
3. What will it be like to receive REWARDS? (2 Cor 5:10) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Apparently, we can derive from the Scriptures that REWARDS—CROWNS will be given; i.e., Watcher’s (2 Tim 4:7–8), Runner’s (1 Cor 9:24–27), Soul Winners (1 Thess 2:19), Overcomer’s (James 1:12), Shepherd’s (1 Pet 5:1–5). After receiving these crowns, what will we do with them? Here is the answer: “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.” (Rev 4:10) What will that be like?
 
Conclusion: Doesn’t this message of the JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ motivate you to prepare for this experience? Doesn’t this glorious truth make you want to live a life more pleasing to Him? Doesn’t this thought cause you to want to share with your loved ones and friends—to be ready to be examined by Jesus Christ?
 

So what more can we say except—“What will it be like?”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


In My Father’s House

Introduction: Three little boys were bragging about their fathers; One said, “my daddy can run faster than your daddy”! Another said, “my daddy is stronger than your daddy”!! The third boy said, “my daddy can beat up your daddy”!!! To which the other boy said, “So WHAT. My MAMA can beat up my Daddy!!!!”
 

A little girl was asked in Sunday School to explain what the Bible was all about she replied,
God the Father “THOUGHT it “!
God the Son “BROUGHT it”!
God the Holy Spirit “WROUGHT it”!
The devil “FOUGHT it”!
But thank God I “CAUGHT it”!

While not all were blessed to have a loving earthly father (even though this writer was), all who put their faith in the God of the Bible can experience our heavenly FATHER’S PEACE, PRESENCE and POWER.

Just prior to going to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, Jesus Christ gathered His disciples in the upper room and began to share with them what was about to transpire; i.e. namely the Father’s will for Him and them. Here is what He told them and what it means to us today.
 

1. Our FATHER has a CURE for a TROUBLED HEART! (John 14:1) – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

What causes heart trouble?
• loneliness
• selfishness
• sinfulness
 
The Bible’s EKG shows man has a heart problem. But the great physician gives those who trust in His sacrificial blood a new heart – a transplant. Have you experienced that?
 

2. Our FATHER has a NEW HOME for the citizens of Heaven! (John 14:2) – “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.”

The word “mansions” is μονή (mon-ay’), which means lodging, dwelling-place, room, or abode.

According to book of Revelation, the NEW JERUSALEM (heaven) is going to be absolutely breathtaking! Listen to the description:

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God…..16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. {approx 1500 miles by 1500 miles x 1500 miles- cube shape} And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones….21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls…and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Revelation 21).

Even though its splendor and extravagance are indescribable, the Lord JESUS will be its main attraction. Can you imagine? The songwriter put it, “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE”!
 
This is our FATHER’S House.
 

3. Our FATHER knows the HOUR when He will send His Son -Jesus- to come back to earth! (John 14:3)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

In the Olivet discourse recorded in the twenty fourth chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus foretells His disciples what
will happen before, during and after the time of Jacob’s trouble otherwise known as the seven year tribulation.
In regards to His second coming (not the rapture), He lets them know that only His Father knows the hour.

“36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

Among other “SIGNS of the TIME”, we can tell clearly the hour is late. We must be ready. Are you ready for the rapture, which will precede Jesus second coming?
 
Conclusion: These words of Jesus about “Our heavenly FATHER” should give every CHRISTian HOPE. He keeps His PROMISES as we can see from looking back in the past, seeing the present and anticipating the future. Not only does our FATHER knows what is best, but He is also in control; therefore, He knows the time. Will you keep trusting today or perhaps trust Him for the first time?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Heaven Bound

Introduction: Are you going to heaven? Well, aren’t you looking forward to that absolutely out-of-this-world experience? Should we prepare now? But how can we be ready for our soon departure?
 

Let’s face it, even 90 years is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. By the way, yesterday, I had the privilege of preaching one of our oldest church members’ funeral, Bro. Claude McGee. Do you know how old he was when the Lord took him? He was 98. On Oct 3rd, he would have been 99 years old! That is a long life.

Speaking of heaven, check out our devotion for today. If you are not already, you can be “Heaven bound.”

1. How? By having a “Citizenship” in heaven! (Philippians 3:20) – “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
 

The word “conversation” is πολίτευμα: pronounced po-LEE-tyoo-mah. It can mean citizenship, community, or form of government. Interesting, huh?

Did you know that the word used here—πολίτευμα—is found nowhere else in the New Testament? Also, here is a quote from the Ethiopic version: “We have our city in heaven.”

Now consider for a moment what this meant to the Philippian CHRISTians. Did you know that they were considered “citizens” of Rome, even though they lived hundreds of miles away from Rome? Therefore, as citizens from a faraway country, they were to adopt and embrace Rome’s culture—lifestyle; i.e., dress, language, etc. Do you get the picture?

Since we are “citizens” of a faraway country called HEAVEN, then we too should embrace its culture with our “talk and walk.”

Speaking of that, it is said that Alexander the Great once had a rebellious soldier named Alexander who was completely defiant. After calling the soldier in his office, Alexander the Great shouted to the young man, “Sir, what is your name?” His response, “Alexander, sir.” To which Alexander the Great said vehemently, “YOUNG MAN, either CHANGE your NAME or CHANGE your WAYS!”

Wonder—since our citizenship is in heaven—if that could be said of us? Just saying.
 
Conclusion: But what can we do now before we get to heaven? “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

The answer is “we look for the Savior!” Check out what this word “look” means. It means “eagerly wait.” It is the word ἀπεκδέχομαι, which means to fully expect.

In other words, since we are HEAVEN BOUND, keep watching for Jesus to return with great expectation!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Fresh Fruit

Introduction: Fruit. Most love fruit! Do you eat fruit? When summertime arrives, it brings “Fresh Fruit” such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, etc. It can be very refreshing during hot weather. Likewise, as a Christian, we can bring a spiritual refreshing for those around us. But how can we do that? Hopefully, this devotion will remind every believer the way to do that. So let’s get started.
 

1. Fresh Fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit! (Galatians 5:22–23) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:”

If you were to read the preceding verses of our text, you would discover that we are in a battle; i.e., between the flesh and Spirit. Who wins the war? It depends on who you feed. If we feed the flesh—the flesh wins—and vice versa. Obviously, the flesh produces corrupt fruit, whereas the Spirit produces FRESH FRUIT. Feed your Spirit, like you are right now!
 

2. Fresh Fruit comes from Jesus Christ—the Vine! (John 15:4–5) – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Do not miss the key to bearing FRESH FRUIT. Jesus Christ must be providing the life-giving nutrients. After all, without the roots, a plant cannot produce fruit. Are you letting Him flow through you?
 

Conclusion: Isn’t it interesting that in God’s plan we can still bring forth “Fresh Fruit” in older age?“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:14)

Well then, fruit bearers, go and refresh others with “Fresh Fruit” for the glory of the Lord!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

Introduction: What would you say is the “Main thing”? Certainly, our devotion today will be an example of the “Main thing.” After all, the Christian life can seem very complicated at first, and even later. But honestly, if you can keep this focus throughout your lifetime, you will indeed “Make a Difference”! {This is M.A.D. month.} What is the key? A woman who was needing “unconditional love” and “purpose for living” discovered life’s greatest treasure. Have you?
 

1. Worshipping Jesus Christ with the UP LOOK! (John 4:21–24) – “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

That was plain and simple—WORSHIP the God of the Bible! Do you take time to worship every day? Why not start?
 

2. Walking Away from Sin with the IN LOOK! (John 4:16–19) – “Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”

Like a skilled surgeon, Jesus cut quickly and accurately to the woman’s greatest need—unconditional love. No doubt, she had tried to find fulfillment by marrying one man to another, searching for identity and security but always leaving her empty.

Then, she finally discovered the most satisfying relationship this side of heaven—with Jesus Christ. Have you found Him to be able to meet your deepest need, whereas no one else can?
 

3. Witnessing to Others the Great Love of God with the OUT LOOK! (John 4:28–30) – “The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.”

She had to GO and TELL! Unable to contain it or keep this life-changing truth to herself, she left her old lifestyle and started on her new journey.

Can you see her with a bounce in her step, joy in her heart, and peace guarding her mind? In finding purpose and fulfillment, she experienced real happiness. The more she told, the happier she got!
How about you? Are you happy?
 
Conclusion: Now, are you keeping the MAIN THING the MAIN THING? How is your look? Will you “MAKE a DIFFERENCE” through Worship, Walking, and Witnessing?
 
Be M.A.D.! And then get GLAD!!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Where Are You in the Race?

Introduction: Based on our devotion today, we are all involved in a race. Some are on the sidelines either cheering or criticizing, while some are at the starting blocks. Others are running strenuously and are about halfway through the race. Still more are getting closer to the finish line. Where are you?
 

1. Those in the race and running well! (Philippians 3:15–16) – “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

Did you catch the word “perfect”? What does it mean? The word is τέλειος, which has to do with complete, or mature. It can mean full-grown. Would you consider yourself a mature Christian? Obviously, none of us have arrived! If the great man of God, Paul, was still pressing onward, we too are running in the race of holiness. Basically, he is inspired to tell those in Philippi as well as us today to GROW UP!!
 

2. Those watching the race while criticizing those in the race! (Philippians 3:18–19) – “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”

Who are these? The critics! The lost! The unbelievers! Notice that they are enemies of the cross. In other words, they are in Satan’s camp, controlled by demon forces. This world is their god! Do you know anybody in that condition? Unfortunately, many need Jesus. But come to think of it, isn’t that why we are here? Win them. Witness to them. Engage the enemy. Run the race!
 

3. Those in the race helping others who are in the race! (Philippians 3:17) – “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

The word “walk” is interesting. It is the word στοιχέω, which means to walk in line, or it can mean to follow. Furthermore, it can mean to conform. Paul seemed to be saying, as he followed Jesus, the believers should follow Jesus; subsequently, they would become role models for other CHRISTians. Are you a good role model? How can we be examples for others? Are there any changes that need to occur?

Conclusion: Where are you in this race? Running? Criticizing? Starting? Finishing? Why not purpose in your heart to follow Jesus closer than ever while pointing people to Him.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Are We All Going to the Same Heaven?

Introduction: According to the late Pope Francis (time will tell with the current one, Pope Leo), we are all going to the same heaven. But are we actually? Where did he get that from? Surely he did not get that from the Bible. Or did he? You tell me!
 

1. Jesus Made It Clear! (John 14:6) – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Either He was telling the truth or a lie. Which is it?
 
Question: Who else had the power over death, demons, and disease like Jesus? Who else claimed to be God but proved it? Who else could control the winds and waves? Who else had power to forgive sin?

To all of these questions, only Jesus could do those miracles. Therefore, we conclude that He was not a “mad man,” a “bad man,” but the “God-man”!

You and I must choose to either reject His invitation or accept it. Which will it be? If we reject Him, then we die in our sins and owe a payment for sin (Romans 6:23; John 8:24; Hebrews 9:27).

Make a good choice. Do not take a chance and go out into eternity only to face the lake of fire.
 

2. Paul Refuted False Religions (Acts 17; 2 Timothy 2:4; 3:1–7) – “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.”

Clearly and unapologetically, the once-murderer who was turned into a missionary stood boldly to declare that Jesus Christ was God. And since He was God, all men need to repent:

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Did you notice that he did not say… only be “REMORSEFUL” or “SORROWFUL” you got caught? Instead, he said

“REPENT”! That means making a U-turn! That is—from sin to the Savior. Meaning a godly sorrow for sin—which ultimately nailed Jesus to the cross—should lead to a trusting in the God of the Bible.

What about you? Your friends? Your family? Your neighbors?
 

3. Luke Verified That Through Jesus Christ Was the Only Way to Be Saved! (Acts 4:12; Luke 19:10) – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Does that make sense? Unmistakably, Jesus Christ is the only name—person—whereby we can be forgiven. Why? Because He satisfied the holy demands of a thrice-holy God.

Blood was shed (Hebrews 9:22; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5).

4. John Made It Crystal Clear That Jesus Christ Paid the Ultimate Price for Our Sins! (John 3:16– 19) – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

I love this passage! Why? Because it takes all of man’s self-effort out of the equation. That leaves only the LOVE and GRACE of God!
 
Conclusion: Are you ready to defend your faith? Who do you know that needs to be forgiven and come into a right relationship with Jesus Christ? Will you pray and then go share the gospel of Jesus Christ? It is indeed GOOD NEWS!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Don’t Fall Prey to AAA

Introduction: Did you know there is a bad triple AAA and a good AAA in our devotion today? Actually, AAA stands for American Automotive Association. However, as you will see in this biblical narrative recorded by Dr. Luke, it can stand for both good and bad. See which AAA fits you! Jesus is telling this parable to the Pharisees. Needless to say, it pointed to them. But at the same time, it revealed the LOVE and GRACE of our Heavenly Father.

After sharing three personal illustrations—about a Sheep, Silver, and Son—which mirrored man’s lostness but also God’s goodness in seeking and saving the lost sheep, silver, and son—Jesus included another elder son. Ironically, He was pointing to the self-righteous crowd.

1. How Can We FALL PREY to AAA? (Luke 15:25–29)

 

Anger – “…he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” (v. 28)
After getting the news that his father threw a big party for his long-lost brother, the elder brother is enraged! He could hardly believe his ears because he had never had a party. Filled with anger, he exploded!! He was not about to be HAPPY about his brother returning home!!! The BIG BAD BUG BIT him!!!!

Anxiety – “…therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.” (v. 29)
Afraid of losing his inheritance or worse—his brother “one-upping him”—he exploded when his father tried to console him. Perhaps he thought if his sinful brother had never returned home, then he would get everything. Regardless, he threw a FIT!

Attitude – “But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” (v. 30)
Disrespectful words shot out of his mouth: “Thy son!” Do you think that he was sarcastically blaming his father for how his brother turned out? Or maybe, he was insinuating that if his father had not given him his inheritance, then his rebellious brother would not have spent it all—blew it—on wine and women. Either way, his attitude is rotten!
 
Question: Have you ever reacted like the elder brother? Sadly, we have. Do you need a change of attitude?

2. Why Should We STAY and PRAY for this AAA? (Luke 15:30–32)

 

Affection – “And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (v. 30)
Surprisingly, the gracious, loving father did not immediately reprimand his disrespectful son. Instead, he gently called him “son.” Obviously, he did not deserve it. But neither do we! Please do not be too hard on the elder son, because we have some of him in us!

Affirmation – “…and all that I have is thine.” (v. 30)
Rather than tell him how wrong he is for being mad, the father reminds him that he is an heir. What about it? Do you remember that we are heirs and joint-heirs with Christ?

Appreciation – “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” (v. 31)
A good old dose of appreciation will cure an old ornery attitude anytime! Thankfulness goes down a lot better than bitterness!!
 
Conclusion: Which is it for you? Triple AAA? Hopefully, you choose Affection, Affirmation, and Appreciation!
 
Lord bless,
Dr. Randy Reese


Rear View or Front Windshield

Introduction: Are you navigating through life by driving out of your “REAR VIEW MIRROR”? In other words, are you constantly looking back on unpleasant things that have happened to you? Or have you decided to focus looking ahead by looking out in front of you through the front windshield? Truthfully, it is probably both.

This Scripture before us should motivate every believer in Jesus Christ to “press forward” not “backwards.” Certainly, Paul had a checkered past and could have easily gone through his life looking back at his past failures, but he did not. You can do the same.
 

1. One thing I do – forgetting some things! (Philippians 3:12–14) – “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

What is it that you need to forget? Past sins? Failures? Faults? Broken relationships? Bad choices? Missed opportunities? Unresolved conflicts? Financial setbacks? Poor job decisions? Misunderstandings? Offenses?
 

2. One thing I do – remembering some things! (Philippians 3:12–14) – “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

What are some things that you want to remember? God’s grace? Mercy? Patience? Love? Forgiveness? Goodness? Power? Presence? Peace? Provision? Purpose? Providence?..  And the list goes on!
 
Conclusion: Amazingly enough, it all has to do with your mental, emotional, and spiritual focus. If you want to keep driving in this life by looking in the rear view, you can. Or will you choose to look ahead in faith as you navigate in this life with your eyes on Jesus and your heart on His Word—then reaching up, in, and out?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese