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DOES YOUR VOTE MATTER?
Use this season to remind others that our citizenship is not only of this world but also in heaven. Voting with this in mind means that every choice reflects not just temporary outcomes, but eternal truths that honor God. When you vote, remember that you are doing so with an eternal perspective. Every decision, including voting, should align with God’s Word and reflect His values. Your vote is not just for a party or personality but is a powerful tool to fight against evil. Casting your vote in faith means standing up for righteousness, justice, and biblical truth in a world that often opposes these values. By voting with eternity in mind, you affirm that your citizenship is in heaven, and you seek to bring God’s will to bear in earthly matters. Encourage others around you to stand with you in faith, voting for what honors God and promotes His purposes. Many people cannot speak for themselves—the unborn, the oppressed, the marginalized. As Christians, we have a duty to be their voice. Voting provides an opportunity to advocate for those whose voices go unheard, whether due to injustice, vulnerability, or other systemic issues. Your vote can help protect the unborn, uplift the marginalized, and defend the oppressed. Use your voice, and inspire others to do the same, so that collectively we can stand up for those who rely on us to speak on their behalf.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
FREEDOM FROM THE CHAINS OF THE PAST
Philippians 3:13, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
Freedom from the past is a theme central to the Christian journey.
Just as Paul left behind his life as a persecutor and embraced the new identity he found in Christ, we too are called to walk in newness of life.
The enemy often tries to keep us trapped in shame and guilt, whispering lies that we are unworthy or too broken to be used by God.
But God’s grace is greater than our past.
His forgiveness is total, and His love is unconditional.
The moment we accept Christ, our past is wiped clean.
Letting go of the past is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth.
Each day is a new opportunity to walk in the fullness of God’s grace and to step boldly into the future He has planned for us.
The apostle Paul had a history filled with regret and sin.
As a former persecutor of Christians, he could have easily been weighed down by shame and guilt.
Yet, after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul embraced the truth of God’s forgiveness and grace.
He chose not to allow his past to define his future.
Instead, Paul focused on the new purpose God had given him and pressed forward toward his calling.
His transformation is a powerful example of how the chains of the past can be broken, and a new life in Christ can be embraced.
Many of us live with the burden of past mistakes, regrets, or guilt, allowing them to hinder our progress.
These chains hold us back, making it difficult to move forward into the future God has planned for us.
But through Christ, we have been set free.
The cross has already covered our sins, and God calls us to forget what lies behind and move toward what lies ahead.
Your past no longer defines you—God’s grace does.
Are you still holding on to regrets or failures that Christ has already forgiven?
Like Paul, it’s time to leave those things behind and walk in the freedom that comes from God’s forgiveness.
Picture yourself trying to run a race while carrying a heavy backpack filled with stones.
Each stone represents a mistake, regret, or painful memory from your past.
The weight makes it nearly impossible to run freely and keeps pulling you backward.
But Christ comes and offers to take that backpack off your shoulders, freeing you to run the race unhindered.
When we allow Christ to carry our burdens, we can move forward with freedom and strength.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for the freedom You offer through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to release the burdens of my past and trust in the future You have prepared for me. Free me from the chains of guilt, regret, and shame. Give me the strength to press forward with hope, knowing that my past no longer defines me—Your grace does. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take some time to reflect on one area of your past that you still feel weighed down by.
Write it down on a piece of paper as a symbol of releasing it to God.
Then pray, asking God for the strength to truly let go of this burden and move forward in the freedom He offers.
Let this day be a reminder that, through Christ, the chains of your past have been broken.
You are free to live a life that reflects His love and grace, leaving behind the weight of guilt and embracing the joy of your future in Him.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Piedmont Atlanta
James Parker
Jeff Brown
June Davis
Kim McClain
Linda Hodge
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher