Week One       There is a Season

Day Three       Looking Ahead

     After smiling at past memories, crying over past suffering, witnessing lessons learned and acknowledging our past wounds to begin healing, are you ready to look ahead? Has there been something missing in your life?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

     God has a bright future and a plan just for you. Don’t be hard on yourself if you have no clue what that means. But do understand you are one-of-a-kind and uniquely created by God. There has never been, nor will there ever be, someone like you. God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. And He knows you better and more intimately than anyone else. (Read Psalm 139)

     I want to pause here to say a couple of things. Something came to my mind yesterday about those old hurts. Some of you may have been hurt by the church. Churches are filled with human beings, all of us flawed. There is no perfect denomination. There is only the perfect Jesus. Here is my recommendation. Rather than focusing on tradition or rules or thinking “religion”, take the time to develop a real “relationship” with Jesus. It’s all about Him.

     He knows everything about you and He wants you to get to know Him intimately. Going to church is highly recommended, of course. We need to be in fellowship with other believers. Don’t let it replace your alone time with God. Sitting in prayer or reading Scripture will absolutely transform your life. Count on it!  Ok, let’s move into your special one-of-a-kind life.

     I love picturing each one of you as you read these words. Talking about, thinking about, praying about, writing about Jesus is my passion. It is an honor and a privilege to share His love with others. This relationship, this transforming power, this ability to tap into God’s truth all stems from His great and abiding love for each one of us. It’s all about love. We will talk more about that tomorrow.

And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:10

     As you consider God’s plan and your future, I will leave you with some words from one of my favorite theologians. His name is Denny and he was our custodian at a church we used to attend. He always had time to listen, to encourage and to praise God. I learned a lot from him.

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

     We could all use those words. Be like Denny today and use some of your God given gifts to share a smile or a hug or some time. And step out with that faith of yours; whether it is just beginning or has been a lifetime experience. Getting our minds off of ourselves and unto Jesus and others might just be that next step in God’s amazing plan for special one-of-a-kind you!

Dear Lord,

How great is your love for us! Help us to think of others more as we fill up with your great love.  It is what matters most. You are what matters most.

We love you Jesus.

Amen