DOUBLE VISION!
Sunday’s Monday
Lately, I have entered into different conversations about the past, remembering the past and in a couple of conversations scripture was even quoted against remembering the past. I heard Philippians 3:13 (ESV), Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Plus, Isaiah 43:18 (ESV), “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Now I agree with what is being said if it can or will hold one back from being all that one can be in Jesus. As well I agree one should not spend too much time dwelling on the past. But from my point of view, my past is a beautiful place to visit, especially first thing in the morning. There is nothing stronger at motivating me to have a great day with Jesus.
Allow me to explain my view; Every morning when I look in the mirror, I see two faces, one is me 30 years ago and the other is me today. I can’t help myself my emotions explode with such joy that I usually overflow with tears of thanksgiving at the thought of where I was and where He has me. My past is a very important part of my future as I am the greatest miracle that I’ve witnessed Jesus perform. I realized the importance of my past that day I surrendered to Jesus and asked Him to help me never forget that awful feeling of complete and total loneliness and to date, He has been faithful in helping. I usually get this question when I tell this to people so over the years, I’ve learned to incorporate my response. I know in my heart that if I never forget how lost, “lost can really get,” I will always strive to help the needy God sends me to. As in Matthew 4:16 (ESV), 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them, a light has dawned.”
I live a joy-filled life, for the most part, using the pattern from the story of the boy throwing sand dollars back into the sea after they had washed on shore. When a man asked what are you doing, you can’t save them all you can’t make a difference and the youngster threw one and said it made a difference to that one! Now I realize people are not sand dollars and I cannot save them, but I can be God’s chosen tool for Him to save them. I am happy just being the billboard that points people to Him. To serve Him as a doormat is better than being a king over darkness. Darkness is where I come from, I’ve been there and done that and did not enjoy or like it there. I thank God daily for His calling me into His light and for placing the people I needed in place as I needed them. The scripture that best describes my need is Psalm 18:28 (ESV), For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. “From what I was; to where I am; just ignites my fire for Jesus.”
Now I guess this is a good place to advise cautionary discernment, in that the system that is working for me may be detrimental toward your walk with Jesus. There are many that have not made enough peace with their past to look back without falling. The subject chosen is one of my strong areas because Jesus allows it to work for me and even though the bible warns me not to, I trust Jesus when He overrides what is written. Now don’t get me wrong, I do not dwell on my whole past for any length of time, but I do have dozens of moments, feelings, and God events that spark my spirit and I love it. I don’t know about you but for me, double vision in the mirror followed by a big cup of coffee can set my walk with Jesus on fire for the day. You may be different, but I can’t appreciate where I am without knowing where I come from and how I got here. Luke 11:28 (ESV), But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Please don’t ever allow my writings to lead you in any other direction than that you hear from Jesus. I am still in the process as are the rest of you and Jesus has situations and events for each of us as we travel through this world. What I write works for me, and I know that I have been brought from the outhouse into the courts of God’s Kingdom through the love of Jesus I’m not sorry or apologetic for my past because I realize that, if the smallest of things had been different, I may have missed the call of Jesus. So, as I use my past as a vital tool toward my future, you’ll need to talk to Jesus about yours.
Lord, I pray that this writing would be accepted in the same attitude as it is written. I want us to be Matthew 5:16 (ESV), In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. That everyone would seek you to find what sparks their spiritual fire into an inferno of thanksgiving and a zeal for walking with you each day. Help our want to Lord! Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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