Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
I want to thank you for your friendship, love and prayers for OTM over many years. We had a wonderful year in 2024 and are continuing to reach and impact many men. I think we can all agree that this past year has been intense on so many levels. So much uncertainty as we navigated our presidential election and deep concern as we continue to experience an unprecedented moral decay in our land.
2024 was also a year where we witnessed our Lord working in very special ways through our ministry. In addition to conducting many events around the country I was able to mentor a very special group of young leaders here in Temecula. I am also making progress on our new book/one-year, 365-day, devotional, The Journey, and hope to be publishing that soon.
We just published, however, a new booklet, by that same name. It is a 30-day action plan capturing some of the highlights of the one-year Journey. If you would like to check it out and order a copy please go to our store. https://otm.co/store/
While the darkness pervading our world is getting thicker, we are also seeing God’s light becoming brighter. The Bible predicts all of this as it describes signs of the end times. There is no doubt we are getting close, and this begs the big question—am I ready?
It is clear to me that we are living in serious times which calls for some strategic prayer and action as a believer. As we enter this new year, I want to challenge you to a heightened level of awareness for where we are and especially for a better understanding of the unique role you and I have in God’s plan. For that to happen we need to understand two critical things.
First, let go of the past. I know this is a lot easier said than done for many. But it is critical. Our lead-in verse says it best—we must forget the former things. I have found that the best way to do that is to simply do what the next part of the verse says…do not dwell on the past. In other words, stop going there and every time you do—stop and ask God to clear it from your mind.
If you are burdened by fear, anger, unforgiveness, guilt or shame, the enemy will use that to keep you off track. The next booklet I am getting ready to publish is titled, The Great Exchange and deals with this very issue. You will never be able to see God’s new plan for your life until you are able to let go of the past.
The second, and most important next step is simply found with the next key word—see. See, I am doing a new thing! What an incredible statement by our Lord. He is always doing a new thing, yet we often completely miss it. Why? It comes from our inability to see. My friend, the only way you are going to see the new thing God is doing—to enter His new and living way—is to determine to get closer to Him this year.
Cindy and I have decided that we cannot do business-as-usual. We are doubling down on our commitments to spend more time in His word and worship and to make time every day to pray together. We are getting up earlier and seeking Him first—not the news or any other distractions—HIM!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
To order additional copies of The Journey visit our store or at: https://otm.co/store/
A Message From Vince
This brief 12-minute video is a lead-in to our module two of the Men On Target curriculum dealing with letting go of our past.
https://youtu.be/fMMf8rWh5nI?si=ABZzxNKVbvvhNVMq