Forget It!

I missed Scripture Sunday last week, but we're back now!
Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1-7 (We'll get to this passage later this week)
Epistle: Philippians 3:4b-14
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46

We'll focus on Philippians today, specifically verse 13-
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 


It's getting bad.

It's getting me in trouble.

It's slipping away.

What I'm talking about is my memory. I used to be very good about remembering tasks I needed to complete, things I needed, people I needed to contact, and projects that needed done.

And now... Well, not so much. I forget a lot of things. Not intentionally- I think it's because I'm really, really busy and things just get forgotten about.

But you know, no matter how bad my memory may be getting, there are some things in life I am sure I will never forget.

Like the first time I got in front of a class to teach.

The first time I played organ for a church service.

Special trips I've made throughout my life to various locations and experiencing new things (like white water rafting in Colorado).

Yes, there are those things which I won't forget.

And there are those things which I should never forget.

The day I was baptized and welcomed into the family of God (which, I don't remember, other than a reminder every Sunday when we have the invocation of the service). The day which God sent His call to me, called me His own, and adopted me as a Son, and heir of His heavenly throne.

And then, there are some things I can't forget.
There are those days in the past where I've done something wrong. Where I've hurt someone. When I've messed up. When I wish I could have had a do-over. The days, when I remember them, I am filled with guilt of the past- shame, and regret.

And there are those days where someone else did me wrong. Did something bad to me. I can say, "I'll never forget what he did to me..." or "I'll forgive you, but I'll never forget it!"

But this passage reminds us.... Many of our yesterdays get in the way of God's tomorrow.  It reminds us that when we are flooded with the guilt of the past, we are not able to answer the present call of God. When we refuse to let go and forget about what someone else did to us, when we let it get in the way of God's tomorrow, and fills with anger, resentment, or hurt.

But our text draws our focus from them. It tells us, "FORGET about those things!!! Don't hold on!! Forget about what is behind. Focus on what will last- ME, my presence, and my abiding comfort!"

We should never forget that we are not forgotten! God is so amazing, that He looks at us, and He says, "I'll forget the sins, but I'll remember you!"

And we are called to do the same- with ourselves, and with others.... forget the sins, the wrongs, and remember God's love and abiding presence in that person's life.

God will never forget about you! You may forget about Him, but that will not and cannot stop Him from remembering you! Now, that's powerful!

Blessings:
-Worship with communion today!

-This hymn was our last communion hymn. Except, ours had 5 verses. Anyway, this line really struck me and has been resounding in my head all day:
"That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!" 


-After church, one of my friends who I was sitting next to said, "It was a pleasure sitting next to you- especially hearing that beautiful singing voice of yours."

-My mini-refrigerator kind of blew up today.... Now, this is a blessing only because I was in my room when it happened. I don't know what problems could have happened had I been away...

-Writing lesson plans for this week- I am really, really excited to put them in practice!

-I got some of my photos developed and I have been so glad to share them with others.

-I have gotten so much accomplished this weekend!

-Nothing is bringing me down at the moment!