Sanctification and A Forgiving Nature

A high water mark. Generally something indicating the worst a rainfall received for an area. Often considered a moment of disaster or tragedy. However, what if you could look at it as a high mark to reach for instead?

This was our pastor’s idea when he spoke on Phil 3.13-14 and Col 3.13 this morning.

First… “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Our pastor is calling us up higher, to a loftier standard, to be sanctified, to be placed apart. And, his first suggestion was to forget the past and move forward! 2006 is OVER! And, Christ frees us from ALL things that have held us back. Christ has forgiven ALL of our sins. We can now reach “forward to those things which are ahead." We are to live in Christ not live in the past!

Secondly…bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also [must do.]

Our pastor’s second suggestion was to forgive! Work at it with everyone. And, that means every. one. No. Matter. What.

Then, he made us “practice” and model it by rising from our seats, leaving our rows, and seeking out anyone nearby and practicing it by saying “please forgive me for anything I might have done.” While we laughed, giggled, and hesitated as a congregation, there was an amazing moment of “lightness” in the room. Like the Holy Spirit approved! :)

So, for 2007, my first two “resolutions” are those: to forget the past and to forgive. My third? A chronological reading of the entire Bible from a guide I got here. I’ve also been using a site I stumbled onto (with the help of someone at Faithprints, I think) called “43 Things”. My personal link has been added to “These Vikings’ Links” . So, a list of things I’ll be working on this year:

Read one book a month
Get out of the "200 Club"
Clean the basement
Paint Viking #2's room
Learn to use a sewing machine
Want to try homeschooling Viking #1 in September
Take a cooking class
Lose all the X's on my clothing sizes
Cut our debt by half in 2007

Lord, help me to seek You out through the Word and prayer. Guide me to what you would have me do. Strengthen me in times of weakness. Protect me from distractions and temptations. Mold me into what You would have be! Amen.

Happy New Year to all!

pic credit: http://caroleknits.knitblog.com/archives/2005/08/