"You can't change the past. Whatever has happened in your life so far, both good and bad…all the decisions and events that have made you what you are today are indelibly inscribed in the story of your life. But with God's help you can change the future." Billy GrahamI tried to keep a grin on my face but I really wanted to turn and run. My sister, Joyce, invited me to a beach party with the church's singles group. As we walked across the sand she said, “I’d like you to meet the people who prayed for you.” What had she told them about me? I felt naked, unable to put one foot in front of the other. These were the very people I did not want to meet. I wanted to get away from my past and immerse myself in a new circle of friends that only knew my changed life. I felt by meeting these people who knew my past, it would label me with all the things I preferred to forget. I resumed walking, but with less enthusiasm. My original smile had faded. Joyce, sensing my discomfort, said, “Libby, it’s okay. We're all sinners saved by God’s grace.” Within minutes of being introduced all my fears were allayed. These people that had some knowledge of who I had been, greeted me with welcome smiles and friendly conversation. Was this for real? No one looked sideways at me. No one seemed to be whispering when they thought I wasn’t looking. They seemed genuinely nice. I admit the thought never occurred to me that they were sinners, too. They were all such nice people. It didn’t dawn on me that each of them also had a past, but their futures were made new when they met Jesus. Gradually I relaxed. My hope for a fresh start among a new crowd settled back over me as I enjoyed the evening. It was a while before I understood what Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away, behold new things have come.” Are you trying to live a new life? Have you buried your past and want only to be known for your current reputation? What can you do right now to release the past and live for the future? (*) Lord, thank you that I don’t have to erase my past because you have already forgotten it, “as far as the east is from the west.” Give me direction and strength to live a life pleasing to You, that I will not be ashamed of. Amen “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 What are your thoughts? Libby
(*) An example of a prayer, said with a sincere heart, is all it takes to have God put your past permanently behind you. God, I don’t understand all about you or your son Jesus, but I want to! I give up trying to control my life…I’ve made a mess of it on my own, making all sorts of mistakes that I'm ashamed of. I want to follow your lead all my life and try to live in a way that is pleasing to you, but I need your help. Please come into my life, forgive my mistakes, and be my Friend, my Savior and Lord. If you just prayed this prayer, please feel free to contact me.
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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