New Beginnings

Nº 179 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - January 4, 2022

Of all persons the Christian should be best prepared for whatever the New Year brings. He has dealt with life at its source. In Christ he has disposed of a thousand enemies that other men must face alone and unprepared. He can face his tomorrow cheerful and unafraid because yesterday he turned his feet into the ways of peace and today he lives in God. The man who has made God his dwelling place will always have a safe habitation. A. W. Tozer

January’s name comes from the mythical Roman god Janus. He had no known temples built in his honor, but gates in numerous cities bore his name. He was thought to be the protector of time and transitions and the one who watched over passages of life. He is usually portrayed as having two faces - one looking back and the other looking ahead.

The hurts of the past and the hopes for the future collide in the present.

The Apostle Paul understood the significance of the past, present, and future. He told young Timothy, “...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.” (Philippians 3:13b-14)

Yesterday is in the past. Forget what is behind – your sin, pain, hurt, victories, honors, and accolades.

Tomorrow is secure. Strain toward what is ahead. The hope of eternity with Christ Jesus who comforts and inspires us.

Today is for decision. Press on. Choices become real in the now.

Enjoy 2022. Today is all we have. Learn from the past. Hope for the future. But press on each day to love and serve God and others.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc