~ by Terry Walters
Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1
I am currently enjoying reminiscing
with old friends on a hometown Facebook page.
I have also enjoyed thinking and writing these
devotions about some old times and the lessons
that can be learned from those experiences.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about them.
I have always felt blessed by the time, place,
and people of my growing-up years.
Truly, for me, they were “The Good Ol’ Days.”
I wouldn't trade them for anything.
If I could go back then and there
and do it all again - I wouldn't.
It was great, but it was just for that time and place.
I have many other great times in my past, too.
But they are past as well.
God has today and tomorrow,
maybe many tomorrows, in store for us.
His work in us and through us is not over yet.
Dwelling on the past could prevent us
from enjoying the present and working for the future.
The past, good and bad, is beneficial, but it’s gone.
We might think we'd like to go back, but we can't.
We can't afford to live there anymore.
We should remember, be grateful,
take what we've learned, and move forward.
Your past was God's path for you
to where you are now, which leads you onward.
Press on for Jesus and His kingdom.
There is a race marked out for you to run.
Hebrews 12 starts with the word “Therefore.”
That refers to the previous chapter which tells
of many of those who have gone on before and their lives of faith.
Those saints of old, and even those of your youth,
ran their leg of the race and passed the baton to you.
Don't look back and don't
look at the track or other runners.
Focus on Jesus! Get rid of all that
weighs you down or trips you up and keep running!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we all have memories
to deal with – some good, some bad.
We look forward to the day when our race is finished and
we can enjoy eternity with you and the other “racers,”
but meanwhile, help us learn from our past and move forward,
pressing on to be more and more like Jesus.
Books by Terry - My Blog - My Facebook Page - Good Ol' Days Devotions - Daily Devotions Page