Sunday’s message is for anyone feeling weighed down by choices made in the past, haunted by regrets, and wishing for a fresh start. If you’re struggling with the shadows of past mistakes and longing for a new beginning, this is your call to hope. You might feel stuck because of things you did when you were younger, but this message offers you a chance to start over. It invites you to leave behind the burden of your past and step into a future where you’re not defined by old mistakes but are free to redefine who you are. This is your opportunity to create a life defined by redemption and growth, where every day is a new chance to live smarter, be kinder, and enjoy life abundantly. Let this be your invitation to turn your regrets into a pathway forward, embracing a future that’s free and renewed. Many people find it easier to forgive others than to forgive themselves for past mistakes, which can make them feel trapped in a prison of regret. However, the Bible tells us to forgive ourselves just as God has forgiven us. When we don’t, it can keep us from fully enjoying the wonderful life that Jesus wants for us. This is valuing our own opinion about forgiveness more than what God has already declared through Jesus.
Let’s look at the story of King David to understand this better. David made selfish choices and sinned greatly, but his story shows the power of self-forgiveness. After realizing his sins, David asked for God’s forgiveness and forgave himself too, allowing him to move past his mistakes and live the life God planned for him. David’s story teaches us an important lesson: forgiving ourselves is crucial to moving forward and living the full, rich life that Christ has in store for us. God knew every sin you would ever commit and chose to forgive you out of His infinite mercy. He knew all your sins before you were born, and your past didn’t surprise Him. More than just forgiving your sins, He also saw your entire life and the plans He has for your future. By learning from David’s past, recognizing and confessing our sins, and embracing God’s mercy, we can forgive ourselves and move forward. This allows us to step into a life of freedom, grace, and purpose, living a life that shows the forgiveness and love we’ve received from God. As we continue in our worship today, let’s hold on to the promise from 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This truth about our new identity in Christ helps us forgive ourselves and live the abundant life He offers.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Matthew 14:23, “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
In this verse, we see Jesus sending the crowds away and going up on a mountain by Himself to pray.
He did this even though He was very busy with His ministry.
This shows us that Jesus made it a priority to spend time with God the Father, even when He had many other things to do.
Jesus often went to a quiet place to pray.
In Luke 5:16, it says, “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” Jesus made sure to find time to be alone with God, even if it meant waking up early or staying up late.
We can learn from Jesus by finding a quiet place where we can pray and spend time with God.
This might be in our room, a quiet corner in the house, or even outside in nature.
In Mark 1:35, it says, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Jesus made prayer a priority by waking up early and finding a solitary place.
Just like Jesus, we need to take control of our time and schedule.
We can set aside specific times during the day for prayer and stick to it.
This helps us ensure that we spend time with God daily.
Jesus sent the multitudes away and went up to the mountain to pray.
He removed distractions so that He could focus on talking to God.
We can follow Jesus’ example by turning off our phones, TVs, and other distractions when we pray.
This helps us focus on God without interruptions.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Spending time with God transforms us and helps us become more like Jesus.
When we spend time in prayer, we allow God to work in our hearts and change us.
This makes us better people, more loving, kind, and patient.
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus says, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
God promises to reward us when we pray in secret.
We should be encouraged to pray regularly, knowing that God sees us and will reward our efforts.
This reward can be peace, guidance, and a closer relationship with Him.
By making time for prayer, just like Jesus did, we can grow closer to God and experience His blessings in our lives.
It’s important to take control of our schedules and remove distractions to focus on our relationship with God.
Every moment spent in prayer is valuable and brings us closer to Him.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher