Obstacles... What Obstacles?

Obstacles... What Obstacles?

"Forgetting those things which are behind." - Philippians 3:13

It's impossible to reach your God-given destiny without overcoming your past. If you need inspiration to overcome your life's obstacles, look straight to Jesus. His national identity labeled him as part of a hated minority, people who faced prejudice every day. The stubborn religious leaders refused to listen to his message of love. Instead they hounded him as a heretic. One of His closest friends betrayed Him to make himself wads of cash. Ultimately He was classified as "too dangerous to live" and so was sentenced without a fair trial and died like the worst criminal. And what does He say about His suffering, and ours? "But cheer up! I have defeated the world" (John 16:33 CEV).

It seems like the only kind of party some people enjoy being at is a pity-party. And there's only ever one person on the invite list; yourself! Listen, don't waste your time and energy replaying things in the past that can't be changed. The past is over so get over it. That might sound a bit harsh, but maybe today's the day you need to hear it. Make today the day you look forward. Get up and get on! God says, "The plans I have for you... are... good" (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). That means the best is yet to come!

Volume 9.42 of firstIMPRESSIONS

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Prevention or Rescue?

Prevention or Rescue?

by Jim Liebelt

"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress." - Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)

Some years ago, news reports appeared about Aron Ralston, a young man from Colorado who had been hiking somewhere in a remote area of Utah wilderness. During what was intended to be a simple day hike, well within Ralston's capabilities, he accidentally dislodged a massive boulder that pinned his arm and trapped him for five days. Having run out of food and water, and without any reasonable hope of rescue, Ralston amputated his own arm with a pocketknife he had with him. By cutting off his own arm, he saved his life. Various media reports hailed Ralston's courage. Some even called him a hero.

Ralston's courage is undeniable. I don't think many people would have the courage to cut off their own arm. But, it's also undeniable that this young man made a basic wilderness hiking error by not telling anyone where he was going. A simple measure of prevention could have saved him a lot of grief and quite possibly his arm.

This story provides a couple of reminders for our own spiritual journeys. The Bible is quite clear in its instruction: we are to "throw off the sin that so easily entangles us." We are all susceptible to sin. It takes God's transforming work in our lives to beat destructive and sinful habits. Yet, it also takes courage on our part-courage to admit our sin-and courage to repent and change our thoughts and behaviors.

Beyond this, however, we are also to take preventative measures. We are to do our best not to allow ourselves to become enslaved to sin in the first place. Simple, preventative measures like reading God's word, prayer, fellowship with other believers and being accountable to one another are key in our pursuit of living holy lives.

I am always encouraged by stories of fellow Christ-followers who have courageously experienced victories over sin in their lives. Yet, even more heartening to me are the examples of others who take sin prevention seriously and are victorious over the many temptations they face each day.

Today, take up the challenge of using preventative measures against temptation and sin in your life. If you are struggling with a sinful habit, have the courage to act by cutting away whatever it is that holds you back from having a better relationship with Jesus.

as seen in "Today's HomeWord," a daily devotional with Jim Burns. Visit them online at www.homeword.com

"Danger! Do Not Touch!"

The supply clerk at the factory was in a dither. A box had been left on the loading dock with this warning printed on it: "Danger! Do Not Touch!"

Management was called, and we were told to stay clear of the box until it could be analyzed. When the foreman arrived, he donned safety goggles and gloves, and then he carefully opened the box.

Inside were 25 signs that read: Danger! Do Not Touch!

Global Government Rising - Hal Lindsey

The Problem With Self-Sufficiency

Monday, November 16, 2009 Thought of the Day (Courtesy of Our Daily Bread) Click link above for devotional: "The Problem With Self-Sufficiency" We always have enough when God is our supply.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds
Some tiles from GranGran

Humble Valor

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thought of the Day

(Courtesy of Our Daily Bread)
Click link above for devotional:

"Humble Valor"

Faith in Christ can make
extraordinary heroes
out of ordinary people.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds

The Heat Of Our Desire

Monday, November 9, 2009
Thought of the Day

(Courtesy of Our Daily Bread)
Click link above for devotional:

"The Heat Of Our Desire"

Only Jesus, the Living Water,
can satisfy the thirsty soul.

Bkg. Courtesy of
Christian Backgrounds