Do you roll your imperfections over and over in your mind, until they are the only part of yourself that you can really see?  Are you harboring pains from your past that you just can't seem to let go?

You are not alone.  Most people, Christians included,  spend more time staring at their pasts than they spend looking toward their futures.  

But, did you know that God loves you just as you are? I'm sure you have heard someone say it before, but do you really know it deep inside of you heart?  

The One who knows you better than anyone else ever will thought you were good enough to die for.  He came to earth so that you could trade in your mistakes and pain, for His perfection and peace.

I love how Paul tells the Philippians that he is really only focused on one thing - Forgetting the past, and looking forward to what lies ahead.

What if we all made that our New Year's Resolution - Releasing our past to Jesus, and receiving our futures in Him.  

Have you made unbelievable mistakes that have haunted and tormented you - Release Them!

Have you held on to pains from hurtful experiences in your past - Release Them!

Jesus is ready and willing to carry all of  your burdens, if you are finally ready to hand them over.  

But, if you really want  to stay free, you will have to walk in forgiveness.  Not just with those around you, but with yourself.

Why not start this year fresh and new?  After all, that's what Jesus came to offer you - A fresh start.  

Why not take Him up on the offer?  I sure plan to!
 

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Monthly Meditations
Scripture Memory Card

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Print this scripture memory card, and meditate on these words from God throughout the month.  Allow His Word to renew your mind as you begin Releasing Your Past and Receiving Your Future!

Thank You Lord For Helping Me to Release My Past and Receive My Future! I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us - Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  And all of this is a gift from God.  -2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. -2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

Guest Columnist Article: How To Set Goals For The New Year By Guest Columnist Rebecca Osborn There is a right way and a wrong way to make a New Year's resolution. Here are a few expert tips to make sure that you achieve your goals for the new year.  1. Create a Plan  'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' Setting a goal without formulating a plan is merely wishful thinking. In order for your resolution to have resolve,  it must translate into clear steps that can be put into action. A good plan will tell you what to do next and what are all of the steps required to complete the goal.  2. Take Action If you are like most people, then during the first few days of January, you will be highly motivated. After that, most people forget their resolutions completely! It is important that you begin creating your plan during those first few days.  3. Write Down Your Resolution Write down your plan and place it somewhere you will see it often. Maybe on the kitchen fridge, your office desk, the side of the mirror. That way you will be constantly reminded of your plan.  4. Remain Flexible Expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us, and flexibility is required to complete anything but the simplest goal. Sometimes the goal itself will even change. Most of all, recognize partial successes at every step along the way. Just as a resolution isn't accomplished the day it's stated, neither is it accomplished the day you reach your goal. Rather, it's accomplished in many small increments along the way. Acknowledge these small victories as stepping stones that are going to bring you to your goals. *  *  *  *  * Are you stuck in a rut? Do you want more from life? Receive a complimentary life coaching session here: Life Coaching Is there greatness on the inside of you but you don't know how to achieve it? Rebecca has just completed her brand new 7 part e-course, 'Find Your Greatness'  Get it free here: Find Your Greatness Do you want to learn how to create successful habits and goals? Download Rebecca's new FREE ebook here: Goal Setting Article Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Osborn