Forward

Each of the 50 states has a state motto, as does the District of Columbia and 3 of its territories. A motto is a phrase intended to formally describe the general motivation or intention of an organization. State mottos can sometimes be found on state seals or state flags. Some states have officially designated a state motto by an act of the state legislature, whereas other states have the motto only as an element of their seals. The motto of the United States itself is In God We Trust, proclaimed by Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on July 30, 1956. The motto "E pluribus unum" (Latin for 'out of many, one') was approved for use on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, but was never adopted as the national motto through legislative action. Wisconsin's state motto is "Forward," adopted in 1851 to symbolize the state's continuous progress, innovation, and commitment to moving ahead in industry, education, and community life. As a Christian I truly appreciate our motto “Forward”. Too often as Christian we dwell on the past. We focus on peoples past behaviors, things they have said or done. We hold it against them and it creates a barrier. We need to remove the barrier and move forward.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” In these scripture verses God calls His people to stop dwelling on past troubles or former glories, because He's about to do something new and great. As we live our lives as Christians, we read these words and apply them to our lives. We need to make sure that we don’t live in the past and focus on the negative things, but see what God has done for us through Jesus and move FORWARD with joy!

Prayer:
Lord, help us to look not to our sinful past, but to our forgiven future. Remind us only of your faithfulness in the past and not of things that do not benefit us. We look to a future of eternal life in you. Amen.