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As we stand at the beginning of a new year, it is a sacred moment to hold firmly<\/strong> to the truth we have received in Christ and press forward<\/strong>. This is not<\/em> the time to look back.<\/p>\n \u201cBut one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on\u2026\u201d<\/em> Don\u2019t go back to the sins that once held you captive. Don\u2019t long for the very things God delivered you from. The old man is crucified with Christ.<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.\u201d<\/em> You left behind drunkenness, sexual sin, and secret battles like masturbation\u2014keep them in the past<\/strong>. You turned from immodesty and worldly fashion\u2014stay separated<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.\u201d<\/em> \u201cDo not love the world or the things in the world\u2026\u201d<\/em> The enemy is strategic. He aims to weaken your faith and pull you back spiritually\u2014especially at transition points like the start of a year. He often targets three areas:<\/p>\n Satan may try to afflict your body or the health of your loved ones\u2014including reproductive health. But God is your Healer.<\/p>\n \u201cMany are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.\u201d<\/em> \u201cHe Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree\u2026 by His wounds you have been healed.\u201d<\/em> Financial pressure may arise\u2014but God is still Jehovah Jireh. Do not return to ungodly methods or covetousness. Resist the pull toward illegal dealings or materialism.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em> \u201cKeep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.\u201d<\/em> You may face conflict in your home. This is often a tactic to rob you of your peace and derail your walk with God. Don\u2019t return to old habits\u2014keep your eyes on Christ.<\/p>\n \u201cThe thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.\u201d<\/em> It\u2019s okay to think ahead, but don\u2019t be overwhelmed with anxiety about tomorrow. Fear opens the door to spiritual retreat.<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.\u201d<\/em> \u201cCast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.\u201d<\/em> When you’re in Christ, you are not fighting for<\/em> victory, but from<\/em> victory. Christ already overcame.<\/p>\n \u201cBut thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/em> So don’t look back:<\/p>\n Father, don\u2019t turn back.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mother, don\u2019t turn back.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Brother, sister, child\u2014press on.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Returning to your old ways grieves God.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.\u201d<\/em> Be like Job, who treasured God\u2019s Word more than his own needs:<\/p>\n \u201cI have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.\u201d<\/em> Repent. Return to God. His mercy is available right now.<\/p>\n \u201cI will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.\u201d<\/em> \u201cThe Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.\u201d<\/em> But if you persist in turning back, the Bible warns:<\/p>\n \u201cFor the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.\u201d<\/em> If you need prayer or someone to stand with you spiritually, call: 0789 001 312<\/strong><\/p>\n God loves you. God bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n Share this message and encourage someone else.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
\u2014Philippians 3:13\u201314, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nDo Not Return to What God Has Delivered You From<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u20142 Corinthians 5:17, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u20141 Peter 1:14\u201315, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u20141 John 2:15, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nThis Is the Season When the Enemy Attacks \u2014 Be Watchful<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n1. Your Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014Psalm 34:19, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u20141 Peter 2:24, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n2. Your Finances<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014Philippians 4:19, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u2014Hebrews 13:5, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n3. Your Family & Marriage<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014John 10:10, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nDo Not Fear the Future<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014Matthew 6:34, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u20141 Peter 5:7, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nVictory Is Not Optional \u2014 It\u2019s a Divine Mandate<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u20141 Corinthians 15:57, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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\u20141 Samuel 15:11, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nLet This Year End in Praise, Not Regret<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014Job 23:12, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nHave You Already Started to Turn Back? There\u2019s Still Time.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u2014Hosea 14:4, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u2014Isaiah 50:5, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u2014Proverbs 1:32, ESV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nDO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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