Manna for Your Morning

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. — Luke 2:15-16 (MSG) The shepherds wanted to see Jesus for themselves, and they ran to see Him, without delay. Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them. (Luke 2:20 NCV) May we hurry  to see our Savior, and spend time with Him, every day that our heavenly Father gives us breath. Once we encounter King Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we cannot help but praise God and thank Him for everything He has done.

…I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. — Philippians 3:14 (MSG) The rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield because where you are going is much more significant than where you have been. Forget those things which are behind you and reach forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13). God is calling us onward & upward! “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV)

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. — Psalm 139:7-10 (NKJV) When we have done or said something contrary to the nature and character of God, we often try to hide, like Adam did in the Garden of Eden. But no matter where we go, our heavenly Father is there. Even the darkness does not hide us from Him (Psalm 139-11-12). What is helpful for us to remember is that He is not there to beat us up, but to pick us up and guide us back onto the path of life and into fellowship with Him. Instead of running away, return to Him and be restored.

Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. — Philippians 3:13-14 (The Message) As we begin to put closure on this year, let us forget those things which are behind us and press on. Where we are going is much more important than where we have been. May we move onward and upward, to Jesus and the call that God has on our lives. Don't turn back. Keep your eye on the goal!

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message) Today is a perfect day to reflect on all the LORD has brought you through in 2010 and praise Him for it. Hold onto what you learned and let go of all the disappointments. We don't want to carry any old, heavy baggage into the new year. May we keep our eyes on the goal, as we constantly move toward Jesus. Be eager to follow God's direction as we journey through 2011. Have a Blessed New Year!