Dealing with your past

We can do nothing about the past except to confess. When a confession is made, the Bible promises: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Unless the past is dealt with, we are not prepared to live in the present nor to go on into the future. it becomes haunting memories that weaken our strength so we are unable to honor Christ in our daily lives. When we confess our sin, "I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" ). (Isaiah 44:22)Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” We may need to consider very carefully that (a) our failures keep our faith from advancing;
(b) our successes create pride (see Prov. 16:18);
(c) our losses drag us down so we cannot serve the Lord the way we should;
(d) our grievances produce false attitudes (see 1 Cor. 13:6);
(e) we should let God deal with our sorrows and heartaches;
(f) we should not remember our discouragements. We need to remember Christ, not disappointments, thwarted hopes and plans.

Philippians 3:12-14;
Pressing on Towards the Goal Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal
to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
The Lord's Grace to Paul
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(0460) 01 Jan 2008