Everyday Stars: Forward Thinkers
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV)
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.
Philippians 3:13 (NKJV)
But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'
Luke 9:62 (NKJV)
Everyday stars are life’s forward thinkers. Forward thinkers are 'thinking about, planning for, or considering, not just the immediate present, but the long-term future' (Cambridge Business Dictionary). Forward thinkers consider 'the beyond.'
Beyond what? Beyond your existing tears, cheers, and fears to God's coming and promised conclusion. Such as?
Beyond tears comes joy: 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5), as God turns our 'Mourning into dancing' (v.11). Therefore, thank God in the midst of your grief and smile anyway.
Beyond cheers comes loss, unless our Father is the One cheering: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it' (Psalm 127:1), 'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?' (Mark 8:36). Therefore, thank God in the midst of your fans, and glorify Him.
Beyond jeers comes pain, ‘Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools’ (Proverbs 19:29). Those who put you down? God will pull them down! Therefore, thank God in the midst of your boos, and show confidence.
Beyond fears comes victory, 'For the Lord your God is He Who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you' (Deuteronomy 20:4). Therefore, thank God in the midst of your fear and know He’s with you.
Beyond this course of hurdles we call life... comes a finish line.
Beyond the finish line… comes REAL life: ETERNITY! Therefore, 'Run with endurance the race that is set' (Hebrews 12:1) before you.
But on Earth’s side of the line, DON’T LOOK BACK!
Not at your mistakes.
Not at your heartaches.
Not at your hecklers.
Not at your trophies.
Not at your old life.
Not at anything.
Everything here pales to everything THERE!
If you're constantly looking behind you…
You may not see the next hurdle, and trip… instead of flying calmly beyond it. 'By my God I can leap over a wall' (Psalm 18:29). God doesn't lift Christians looking backwards..
And one day when you kneel before your Lord, you’ll get your reward! 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord' (Matthew 25:23).
Therefore, FORWARD THINKING… is an attribute of everyday stars.
Everyday Stars: Forward Thinkers (Part 7)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.