Reflect, Forgive, Move Forward:
Sermon Notes
“Where you are now is not where you’re going to end up. There is more.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
As we stand at the close of another year, it’s vital to take time to reflect on where we’ve been, forgive where necessary, and move forward with renewed faith and vision. These three steps—Reflect, Forgive, and Move Forward—are not just practical principles but deeply rooted in biblical truth.
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REFLECT
Psalm 77:11-12 (NKJV)
Definition: To think deeply or carefully about something.
Reflection is important because it moves you from EXPERIENCE TO UNDERSTANDING.
Reflection allows you to learn from past experiences, identify areas for improvement, gain self-awareness, and make informed decisions by actively analyzing your thoughts, actions, and emotions, ultimately leading to personal growth and better decision-making in various aspects of life.
Application: Take a quiet moment this week to write down key lessons, blessings, and challenges from the past year.
“Make allowances for other people’s faults.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
FORGIVE
Luke 23:34
Definition: To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense or mistake.
Forgiveness is important because it allows you to release negative emotions like anger and resentment, which can significantly improve your mental and physical health by reducing stress, promoting peace, freeing you from past hurts, and allowing you to build healthier relationships with others.
Application: Write down one person you need to forgive (including yourself if needed). Pray for the strength to forgive and let go.
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MOVE FORWARD
Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
Definition: To make progress; to advance to the next stage.
Moving forward in life is important because it allows for personal growth, the pursuit of goals, experiencing new things, and embracing opportunities that come with change; essentially, staying stagnant can hinder your ability to learn, achieve, and live a fulfilling life.
Application: Set one spiritual, personal, and professional goal for the new year. Commit them to prayer.
“I will not be stuck, stagnant or stale. I will move forward.” – Pastor Billy Johnson
