[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":11},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-living-with-the-past":3},{"id":4,"documentId":5,"title":6,"text":7,"createdAt":8,"updatedAt":8,"publishedAt":9,"slug":10},605,"ge9x2ybemcxglp1rhyyis944","Living With The Past","\u003Cp>LivingLiving With The Past*  With The Past\u003Cbr>Philippians 3\u003Cbr>KJV\u003Cbr>13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>14+ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Many a life has come to a standstill because of its fixation on the past. Friend, there is no one with a clean past not even the sages of the past.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Each had a past concerning which had they been mindful of none of the achievements accredited to them would become a reality. It is therefore not our imperfections but God’s perfection.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>This is echoed by Paul in his often-quoted statement; \u003Cbr>👇\u003Cbr>Philippians 4\u003Cbr>KJV\u003Cbr>13+ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>The limitations our past imposes on us is removed if we focus on Christ and the Holy Spirit who works in and through us.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Hear Paul again\u003Cbr>👇\u003Cbr>1 Corinthians 15\u003Cbr>KJV\u003Cbr>9+ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Did you read this “ but by the grace of God I am what I am?” \u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>To focus therefore on your horrible past is to put a noose around your neck ready to commit suicide!\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Elsewhere Paul said his past was forgiven so he could be a living testimony of the transformative power of God   The same applies to us with horrible pasts who now serve God   Read it \u003Cbr>👇\u003Cbr>1 Timothy 1\u003Cbr>KJV\u003Cbr>15+ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>He said God did this to show His long-suffering and tolerance to those who will hereafter give their lives to Jesus! He was therefore an example of what God can do with anyone with a horrible past.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>So do not let your past lock you up! Do not be a prisoner of the past, break jail and come out. Do not worry if some call you an ex-convict, for such were we before.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>These words I address to you as a former prisoner! Please break out of jail and free yourself.\u003C/p>\u003Cp> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>A thought to share \u003C/p>","2026-05-31T22:18:07.604Z","2026-05-31T22:18:07.599Z","living-with-the-past",1780324172359]