Several nights ago my team and I were riding in the Revo to the base where we get internet and I was sitting in the cargo area of the truck, because we have too many people for us all to fit normally on the seats up front. I guess that’s a normal thing here in the Philippines because they install bench seats in the cargo area of almost every vehicle. Any ways I was looking out the window, I thinking about things that occurred earlier in the day, I stared recognizing that I was watching cars past by me that I never knew they were coming. I turned to my teammate Adam that was sitting in the back with me and I said “you know Adam; life is like riding in the back of this truck.” He was like what AP, What are you talking about? At that moment it was hard for me to explain it to him because hadn’t completely thought through my thoughts at that time but I think I have it now.
As I rode in the car, turned looking at things from the opposite way the car was going, it hit me Life is too short…to live in the past. We as people tend to always look in our past and remember what happen yesterday or last week or last month and even years ago. It is okay to remember the past but we must not live in it or we’ll miss our blessings. Some people seem to live more in the past than they do in the present. Life is too short so Carpe Diem, which is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day.” We all can seize the day by embracing our God-given purpose. We were created to bring praise to God’s name and to walk in fellowship with Him. As we walk in fellowship with Him He desires to shape us into His image. So yes you might have messed up and committed a sin that you believe is unforgiveable, and you might have turned your back on God an went down the road at one point in your life, but God doesn’t see that.
Psalms 103:8-14 says:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His faithful love
toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
14 For He knows what we are made of,
remembering that we are dust.
Once we ask God for forgiveness he moves on and continues to love us. So now it is time for us to let go and allow God to us. Every day presents us opportunities to bring glory to God and to be used by Him. There is no greater joy than to know that God is at work in us and using us to touch other people. We need to embrace those opportunities that God gives us. We also need to embrace our God-given relationships. God is a relational God and He puts the opportunities for special relationships in our lives. Relationships are something that can have an impact on eternity. We need to embrace the people that God has put in our lives. We need to embrace people and share God’s love with them. Your testimony can be a blessing to someone else. Don’t be ashamed to tell others where God has brought you from. Just remember to give Him glory in everything you say and do and he’ll use your testimony to touch many people’s lives. Not only can we bless others, but we as well have a chance to be blessed richly through the people God puts in our lives.
Question of the Day:
Are you allowing your past to dictate your future or are you seeking God’s kingdom and letting his plan for your life unfold before you?
Several nights ago my team and I were riding in the Revo to the base where we get internet and I was sitting in the cargo area of the truck, because we have too many people for us all to fit normally on the seats up front. I guess that’s a normal thing here in the Philippines because they install bench seats in the cargo area of almost every vehicle. Any ways I was looking out the window, I thinking about things that occurred earlier in the day, I stared recognizing that I was watching cars past by me that I never knew they were coming. I turned to my teammate Adam that was sitting in the back with me and I said “you know Adam; life is like riding in the back of this truck.” He was like what AP, What are you talking about? At that moment it was hard for me to explain it to him because hadn’t completely thought through my thoughts at that time but I think I have it now.
As I rode in the car, turned looking at things from the opposite way the car was going, it hit me Life is too short…to live in the past. We as people tend to always look in our past and remember what happen yesterday or last week or last month and even years ago. It is okay to remember the past but we must not live in it or we’ll miss our blessings. Some people seem to live more in the past than they do in the present. Life is too short so Carpe Diem, which is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day.” We all can seize the day by embracing our God-given purpose. We were created to bring praise to God’s name and to walk in fellowship with Him. As we walk in fellowship with Him He desires to shape us into His image. So yes you might have messed up and committed a sin that you believe is unforgiveable, and you might have turned your back on God an went down the road at one point in your life, but God doesn’t see that.
Psalms 103:8-14 says:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His faithful love
toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
14 For He knows what we are made of,
remembering that we are dust.
Once we ask God for forgiveness he moves on and continues to love us. So now it is time for us to let go and allow God to us. Every day presents us opportunities to bring glory to God and to be used by Him. There is no greater joy than to know that God is at work in us and using us to touch other people. We need to embrace those opportunities that God gives us. We also need to embrace our God-given relationships. God is a relational God and He puts the opportunities for special relationships in our lives. Relationships are something that can have an impact on eternity. We need to embrace the people that God has put in our lives. We need to embrace people and share God’s love with them. Your testimony can be a blessing to someone else. Don’t be ashamed to tell others where God has brought you from. Just remember to give Him glory in everything you say and do and he’ll use your testimony to touch many people’s lives. Not only can we bless others, but we as well have a chance to be blessed richly through the people God puts in our lives.
Question of the Day:
Are you allowing your past to dictate your future or are you seeking God’s kingdom and letting his plan for your life unfold before you?
Three months in Italy… say less!
World Race Study Abroad 2024
The ultimate semester abroad in Italy – explore ancient history, vibrant culture, and deepen your faith. Join us for a journey that will equip you to impact the world, while earning college credit.
When you sponsor a child it not only provides a hot meal, clean water, discipleship, and basic medical care for the child, it also supports their family by inviting them through the gates of the CarePoint to receive training, discipleship and mentorship.
Consider linking arms with us to impact children, families, and communities in Eswatini, South Asia, or Guatemala!
Embark on a Life-Changing Journey with The World Race: Gap Year!
Discover, Serve, and Grow – Join a Global Community of Change-Makers!
Explore diverse cultures, make a lasting impact, and deepen your faith on The World Race. Our global missions program is your chance to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of transformation. Join us on this extraordinary journey of service and self-discovery.
Explore Italy in 2024! Are you ready for a life-changing experience? 🌟
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and beauty of Italy. Make a positive impact through service and community engagement. Challenge yourself, grow spiritually, and develop leadership skills. Forge lifelong friendships with like-minded adventurers. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Italy like never before!
