Sunday, April 27, 2008

Are We Marinating Ourselves?


This is what the Lord says, ... "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:16,18-19; New International Version


Yesterday is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the great distance it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. We need to journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment on our journey there.

This is difficult for the 'older' generation. It's hard to let go of the things that has brought us to the present. We want to keep hanging on to our successes (and sometimes, failures) of previous years.


This is the trend in our churches of today. And, guess what? We're losing ground. Things of the past just aren't working in today's world. Regardless of what many say, our world has changed and it is changing daily, at a rate of which our minds can't cope.

And, believe me when I say, "I try". I try to stay 'caught up' to the best of my physical ability and mental intelligence. But even as I write this, my computer is obsolete, my cell phone, though still working, is obsolete, our T.V.'s are obsolete, my coffee maker is obsolete!

Good Grief! I'm obsolete!!

We, as the older generation, face a scary future, if we sit and marinate ourselves in the changes.. It is up to us (if we keep our sanity) to learn from our mistakes of the past and not to dwell on them. We don't need to be comfortable in our past accomplishments but use them to further God's Kingdom.

We need not quarrel with those who hurt us yesterday, last month, or ten years ago. Instead, we need to claim the promise that was given to us in Isaiah that God is making a way in the desert and streams of a wasteland!!

Have a good week and remember 'the promise'
.
Peace to your household...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Inspired

Just dropping by to say hello. Just back from a long road trip to the Salt Lake City area [graduation time]. All is well on the Western Front. Have a productive week.

cfs

crabby old man said...

I got my sermon again for the day now I do not have to go to church 2nite.
PEACE 2 UR HOUSE

Tammie said...

Sweetie pie, the only thing you marinate in is His presence! And it shows!

One of my fav Sunday afternoon activities (after THE nap, of course) is to watch an oldie but goodie that I've already seen a million times.

Today I watched 'Stepmom', again. I was caught up once again by the exchange in the lounge between the mom (Susan Sarandon) and the stepmom (Julia Roberts). In one deep moment, Susan who is dying with cancer says something to the effect...'I have her (the daughter) yesterdays and you have her tomorrows.'

Yesterdays have their place, Miss J! Although...I have a tendency to hang on to those not-so-good moments that I should let go of. I want some good tomorrows!

Glad you are a part of my tomorrows! Thanks for being such a good bloggin friend. I look forward to your comments.

Tapline said...

Inspired,,,,words of inspiration from Inspired.......Hits the spot and spot on......Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.....Yesterday is gone forever. If only we could not borrow trouble, how much better would we be???Stay well......God bless......

That Janie Girl said...

Right on the mark, as usual.

Blessings to you and yours this week.

Jackie said...

cfs: Glad to hear from you again! Be careful on your trips. Will be glad when you update your political blog!!

crabby: Today is Monday. I sure hope you went to church last night and received your 3rd sermon!!

tammie: You humble me...

Mr. Tap: When we're faced daily with all the garbage that is thrown at us, it's hard *not* to borrow trouble. That's why we need to encourage each other. Thanks for your encouragement.

janie: and, to you also, dear girl!!

WomanHonorThyself said...

Thanks for the reminders of whats truly important !

Unknown said...

Good post. It's really easy to marinate on the past, but not just for older folks but for younger people, too.

Prison Teacher said...

Hi, Terry told me you checked up on us. The nearest tornado was about 10 miles away. I actually used to work under a half mile from where it touched down.

The girls are loving asking, "What happened to Target?" Then after a pause Sadie laughs..."A cornado kicked it!"

Terry said...

Hello, in_spired. Another sweet post... Your blog is full of good reminders of what we should be becoming and to Whom we owe lots of thanks.

Jackie said...

angel: Thanks for the visit and comment. Your blog always reminds me of what's important in another sector of our life. There's a line somewhere for the two to meet. One day there will be a meeting of the spiritual, peace loving sector and that of politics. Keep up the writing of politics...we need to be informed.

DD: Whether you realize it or not, that's a pretty profound comment you made! Little is said about the younger generations "holding on to past things" but I can see that many do. I wonder how many realize it? Thanks for your comment.

Teach: Yeah...I got pretty concerned about the safety of your family! (a cornado kicked it!!....how cute!!) Thanks for your visit...

terry: Thanks for getting back to me about your safety and the "oblivious" life you lead! (lol)
And, thanks also for the sweet words of encouragement!!