Memorize: Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old; Isaiah 43:18
Devotional Reading: Philippians 3:13-2
Yesterday, I told us about Paul 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, learn from them and make a fresh start and move onto 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, make a fresh start and move on to greater and better things which lie ahead, we may not be able to correct those past mistakes, but we can learn from those mistakes, shape the future and make it better. 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 emerged and show forth 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 the past, in as much as you have repented, asked God for genuine forgiveness and you are now born again, then let go of your past and make a fresh start. Don’t allow your past mistakes to imprison you, I know sometimes the devil can come quietly to remind you of those unpleasant past, you have got to be strong, bold and courageous, tell him you have no ugly pasts 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.
One thing you too must pursue vigorously, is to fulfil your God ordained purpose here on earth, and accomplish your great destiny. There is a great destiny inside of you and a supper glory ahead of you which you must seek to accomplish. Great destiny was inside of Apostle Paul but buried when he was Saul of Tarsus persecuting the church – Read Acts 8; Paul only accomplished his great destiny when he gave his life to Christ.
I wish to encourage you to act like Apostle Paul, give your life to Christ, commit to forgive yourself of your past failures and forget them, you will see bright future start to unfold, you too will accomplish your great destiny. I pray that the Lord will give you the grace to forgive yourself and others that may have offended you, so that you can fulfil your purpose in life and accomplish your destiny in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O God of new beginning, please start great things afresh in my life in Jesus name.
Key Dose: It takes courage and humility to make a fresh start.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
