Memorize: Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old; Isaiah 43:18
Devotional Reading: Philippians 3:13-21
Couple of days ago, I told us about Paul the Apostle a man that made some costly mistakes before accepting Christ into his life, some of those mistakes are humanly difficult to forget because lives were lost as a result of his past failures. But, he realised that for him to press forward, he must forget those things of the past; he considered them as things of old and was willing to move on to better things in life.
This is what many of us need to do with our past mistakes and failures; we must learn to forgive ourselves and others, and move on to greater and better things which lie ahead, not forgiving yourself will hinder those great things from manifesting within you. If Apostle Paul did not forgive himself of his past mistakes, the greater glory of his future wouldn’t have manifested. 1 Corinthians 15:10; But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Apostle Paul is a good case study for us to learn from.
You too might have made some costly mistakes in the past. Even if you have committed abortion many times, or committed murder, belonged to a secret cult or once an armed robber, whatever it is you have done, in as much as you have repented, asked God for genuine forgiveness and you are now born again, then let go of your past. I know sometimes the devil can come quietly to remind you of those unpleasant past, you have got to be strong, bold and courageous to tell him you have no past again because JESUS has paid the price and erased them with his shed blood at Calvary, so devil get thee behind me.
Paul learned to forgive himself, as a result, he was able to accomplish his purpose in life and fulfil his destiny. Paul went on to succeed in his earthly race and had a glimpse of his heavenly reward before departing this world, a honour and glory that is unique and rare. 2 Timothy 4: 7&8; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
I wish to encourage you to act like Apostle Paul, commit to forgive yourself of your past failures and forget them, you will see bright future start to unfold. I pray that the Lord will give you the grace to forgive yourself and others that may have offended you, so that you too can be fulfilled and be accomplished, like Apostle Paul in Jesus name.
Prayer point: My great redeemer, please help me to forgive myself of all my past errors in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Heart of forgiveness is heart of God. If God can forgive you, then you must forgive yourself and others.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
