"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." {NEW YEAR}

For some 2014 was wonderful, yet for others 2014 may be a year that you hope to never relive.

2015 is a new year. 

It is a time to realize that you can focus on the new year. You can forget the past. 

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things." Philippians 3:13-15

I know how it feels to live in the tension of what you have been and what you want to be. We have all done things for which we are ashamed. However, Christ allows us and wants us to let go of past guilt. Do not go into 2015 dwelling on your past. Like Paul, we must forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. 

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Ask the Lord to forgive you of whatever you are ashamed of and then know that you are forgiven.  Conviction is from God but shame is from Satan. Embrace God's grace and throw away the shame. Take a deep breath in knowing that you are forgiven and that there is hope in 2015 because of our Lord Jesus Christ.