Forget What Lies Behind, Look Forward...

Greetings, Dear Friends, and a Happy New Year to You!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! 

As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!

Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air.  

Now on to my topic...

As the year 2010 draws to a close it's a great time to pause and thank God for the mercies He has shown us. Each and every morning this past year, new mercies greeted us because we needed them. Each and every night His faithfulness met us right where we lived. God has been faithful. We are still standing!

I'm always amazed when I hear movie stars say that they've lived with no regrets, because I have lots of regrets. With all of my heart, I wish I could say I never hurt another soul, I never uttered words that should not have been spoken, I never had a betraying thought, and I never got so busy that I missed my child's smile. With everything in me I wish I could say that I've been grateful every day of my life that I have a roof over my head, fresh water to drink, a family who loves me, and a God who never fails me. I wish I could say that I've never been impatient with distracted drivers, or that I'm always gracious to rude people. Oh, Lord, I wish I were more like you! But I'm just me - someone whom God renews and redeems in deeper ways every single day. Oh, how I love Him so!

When the Lord told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that his wife Sarah would bear a son in her old age, she laughed in disbelief and then tried to cover it up. But how is she remembered in the New Testament? As someone who believed God.

If you are a follower of Christ, your sins are forgiven. The regrets from 2010? They're covered in the blood of the Lamb, buried in the sea of forgetfulness! God remembers them no more! They are put out of His sight, no longer your burden to carry! Isn't that amazing?

What's even more amazing is what He remembers about you from 2010; He remembers every time you smiled at someone even though your own heart was breaking. He remembers when you laughed and played with your child while inside you were concerned about your finances. He remembers that you gave sacrificially to those who have less than you. All of these things are written down in the Book of Life - His book of remembrance of those He loves and has saved. Even when you talk with your friend about faith, He writes it down (see Malachi 3:16). 

Do not let the enemy remind you again of your sins, mistakes, and missteps from this past year. If you are in Christ, you are new creation! There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION for you who are in Christ Jesus.

Forget what lies behind and look forward with faith and hope and thanksgiving! 

We are more than conquerors because of Christ in us! I don't think I'll ever fully comprehend His gift to us. But I am grateful nonetheless.

~Until next year

Comments

[Lorilee]

It is so hard to remember to forget the past once we have asked for His forgivness...so easy to drag it back up! Thanks for the reminder of our forgivness!!!

[Jennifer Wallin]

Amen and Amen!!!!! Thank you so much for reminding me again to let the past go and not keep revisiting it.Happy New Year!!!Jennifer :)

[I am His beloved]

Susie,I stumbled upon your site after your follow on Twitter. Very seldom do I find kindred spirits but after reading some of your blog and seeing pieces of your vision, your heart and your passion I am truly wowed.Your authenticity is inspiring. I want to thank you for stepping out and being a voice of truth to other women. My story, my passion, my vision seems to be very similar to yours and it is so encouraging to find someone who is going in the same direction I would like to be.What a blessing it has been to discover this gem of a place.Much grace to you my sister.Julie

[Tom Stuart]

This is blessed wisdom for starting a New Year! The Holy Spirit led me through a similar year-end inventory that was very freeing both in terms of resolving past regrets and thanking God for all the good things He did in my life. Your blog entry was the capstone for me. God bless you for your faithfulness to proclaim His truth and wisdom so selflessly through your life! It is indeed a privilege to know you and call you my friend. May you have an even more fruitful New Year!

[Susie Larson]

Pastor Tom,

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your wonderful post. You are so good at chronicling your journey. Isn't it amazing how faithful God has been? We're still standing! I thank the Lord for your humble and faithful leadership. God has used you to temper me. :) Thanks for your loving support and patient example. Blessings to you and Susan!

[Carol Fleck]

Susie, Today i was home with a fever, and had a delighful day with the Lord. I read your book'Balance that Works, When Life doesnt" What a excellent book to read for the New Year! I was deeply convicted of my sin,repented,and am very deeply encouraged to by the power of the Holy Spirit live in Love for God and for my Neighbor, denying myself and living undivided for my Lord. THis book I intend to pass on to someone after I have prayed about for and ask them to read it and if theyw ouldlike to discuss it with me over tea and bread and then let me know when they pass it on to someone that they have prayed for. I hope to be able to encouage others through this book and the Awesome God who delights in His Children! The book will be like a friendship bread,that you knead, mix ,let rise and let it bake enjoying the wonderful aroma of Righteousness and then take in the nourishing bread of life of Jesus. I thank God for your ministry and look forward to reading more of your books!

[mborgg@integra.net]

Hi Susie! I wanted to say Thank You for the "Taking Out Your Emotional Trash" Book I won last week. I had called in because of a co-worker(X-Manager) was making my job very difficult for years. I started reading the book and the next day, the HR Dept allowed her to put me on a probation period for the strangest reason. I knew God was in control and it was time after 22+yrs to find a new line of work. This book is perfect right now for me to deal with her and myself in this hard time. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for me! Perfect timing for this book. So glad I tuned into your show.

I really do want to forget what lies behind and look forward to a new career!!

God Bless you Susie for all you do!

[Susie Larson]

Hi Jennifer,

Forgive me for being way too behind on my blog posts! Thanks for your note. May God give you such a vision for your future that the painful parts of your past become a distance memory. Blessings to you in Christ

[Susie Larson]

Dear Julie,

Please forgive me for being so woefully behind on my blog posts! Nice to meet you! I felt the same about you when I read some of your Tweets. May God continue to pour Himself in and through you and open up new doors of opportunity before you!

Blessings in Christ~

[Susie Larson]

Dear Carol,

Thanks so much for your note. So glad you enjoyed the 'Balance' book. I LOVE the idea of you passing it on to your friends! May God's grace overwhelm you with peace and strength this day! His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great!

Blessings in Christ~

[Susie Larson]

Dear 'Mborgg'

I'm glad you rec'd the book from the station! It sounds like God is leading you out to a new place. May you sense His loving arms around you and His direction before you! He is faithful!

Blessings, sister!