This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching unto those things which are before me, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
I know from experience that it is the devil's desire to keep me focused on my past sins and failures...
and reaching unto those things which are before me, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
I know from experience that it is the devil's desire to keep me focused on my past sins and failures...
This is a common strategy which he often deploys, especially upon those such as myself who have a very sordid past. He knows that the more I look back, the less time and energy I will have to move forward towards the good future God has planned for me.
As a follower of the Lord Jesus, it is important that I know the Scriptures, especially the ones about forgiveness. If I don't know them and how to apply them to my life, I could inadvertently be overtaken with needless feelings of guilt and condemnation. I have seen many a Christian shipwreck his faith by looking back.
I know that society would love to keep me chained to the dark days of my past. With the media, for instance, it is profitable for them to do so. Stories about murder and derangement are big sellers, while stories about repentant felons, not so much so.
The Lord, however, always has the last word. Jesus declared, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36 NLT). So I am free. The chains of bondage to my past have been broken. I am a no longer a child of Satan, I am a child of God. "Thank you, Messiah Jesus, for paying the price for my sins and for your generous forgiveness, which is available to all."
D.B.
As a follower of the Lord Jesus, it is important that I know the Scriptures, especially the ones about forgiveness. If I don't know them and how to apply them to my life, I could inadvertently be overtaken with needless feelings of guilt and condemnation. I have seen many a Christian shipwreck his faith by looking back.
I know that society would love to keep me chained to the dark days of my past. With the media, for instance, it is profitable for them to do so. Stories about murder and derangement are big sellers, while stories about repentant felons, not so much so.
The Lord, however, always has the last word. Jesus declared, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36 NLT). So I am free. The chains of bondage to my past have been broken. I am a no longer a child of Satan, I am a child of God. "Thank you, Messiah Jesus, for paying the price for my sins and for your generous forgiveness, which is available to all."
D.B.
