I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be,* but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
Philippians 3:12b-14 NLT (© 2003, Ilumina Software, Tyndale House Publishers)
Lately I've done way too much ruminating on things past.
Things I should have done differently
but chose not to for one reason or another.
Words said
that shouldn't have been said.
Deeds left undone
and those that should never have been done.
Some reflection is good--
for God calls His children to lead holy lives-
lives of mercy, grace and kindness to others;
lives that are Christ-like,
and lives that witness to the fact that we love Him.
But I don't always act very Christ-like
and sometimes,
after I've asked God to forgive me
and tried--if possible--to make amends to the ones I've wronged,
well sometimes ...
I just don't seem to be able to let go of that FORGIVEN sin;
or should I say my feelings of guilt and remorse over that FORGIVEN sin?
--
I read this verse recently --
it makes SO much sense and was written by one (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) who needed to let go of his past--
in order to have the energy to do the things God was asking of him.
Because holding onto the guilt over past sins.
which God has totally forgiven us of,
robs us of the energy we need to do His will today.
----
I can't change the past...
but I know the ONE who controls my future and can give me the grace I need to live a more Christ-like life each day.
--
Blessings,
Aimee
--
“Come now, let us argue this out,” says the Lord. “No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Isaiah 1:18 NLT (© 2003, Ilumina Software, Tyndale House Publishers)
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Photos
winter garden views
2 comments:
Just came to your blog for the first time, and was struck by your feelings of guilt and regret. I very recently felt those things lifted from my heart. It occurred to me that maybe my sins were necessary for my growth. That does not make them OK, but it makes me feel a little less angry with myself. My misssteps brought me to a place of better understanding, greater humility, and more acceptance. I am truly sorry for the hurts I caused, but having learned from them makes me feel better about my errors. I believe that God does not expect us not to make mistakes, but only hopes we will learn from them. That's a new realization for me, and thought I'd pass it on. Best wishes.
Thank you your kind and wise comment (and for sharing your own personal experience)! I will ponder what you said...
Blessings, Aimee
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