[ampaterry]

Thanks, guys!
SOO true!

for today:

In 1519, Cortez set foot ashore on the East coast of Mexico with the intent of conquering this new land. The fleet he brought with him carried 700 men on it's 11 ships. What incentive could he use to inspire his party to move forward into an unknown land? What could he say to them to ensure that none would turn back if they encountered hardship? He took the boldest action possible, and one that absolutely guaranteed no one would retreat, no matter what they might encounter: He set fire to all the ships.
His men watched the ships burn and sink below the waves and they were galvanized to move forward since there was now no other direction to go.
Each one of us, as we set out on the Christian journey of exploration (of the world) and conquest (of the 'old man'), should use this same method of ensuring we do not turn around and head back to where we once were. This is one of those few times in life when we SHOULD burn our bridges behind us.

Luke 9:62 (KJV);
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 14:26-33 (TLB);
“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple. And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me.
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise he might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh!
“‘See that fellow there?’ they would mock. ‘He started that building and ran out of money before it was finished!’
“Or what king would ever dream of going to war without first sitting down with his counselors and discussing whether his army of 10,000 is strong enough to defeat the 20,000 men who are marching against him?
“If the decision is negative, then while the enemy troops are still far away, he will send a truce team to discuss terms of peace. So no one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings—and then renounces them all for me.”

Forward, my brothers and sisters -
Always forward!