All of us have done things we’re not proud of, or experienced situations that we’d like to forget. God’s desire for our lives isn’t for us to go back, so we don’t need to remain in a state of regret and guilt (Philippians 3:12-14). In God’s eyes, we are not defined by what we’ve done in the past (Isaiah 43:18-19; Ephesians 2:4-10). However, with awareness of the past, we can more fully appreciate God grace to prepare us for His promises for the future (Genesis 6:1-8). His unwarranted grace covers us and reminds us that we are forgiven. When we experience a love like that, we can’t stay the same as before (Genesis 9:12-16). Though His grace flows freely, we shouldn’t take it for granted (Romans 6:1-2; 2 Peter 2:21-22). Instead, we can ask Him what He wants to do within us (Psalm 51:10-12) and also pinpoint specifically what want to changed within ourselves (2 Corinthians 3:5). Along this journey, it’s important to find people who will support us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:23-25) and eliminate anything that is unhelpful or unhealthy so it doesn’t inhibit our progress (Colossians 3:5-9).

Points To Ponder
1) What am I most looking forward to this year?
2) What are the evidences of God’s grace in my life?
3) Who in my life can I ask to support and pray for me?