Paul records in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” People tend to drift between two extremes when considering the past, Some, believe that past is nothing and say “just suck it up and move on” others believe that the past is everything and blame the failures of today on their shaping influences in the past. They argue, “I can help it, it is just the way that I am!” We need to develop a biblical theology of the past on a practical, understandable level. While we are not to allow the past to control our present, at the same time we need to learn from our past so that as we make decisions in the present that will make for a better future. Our past is simply the accumulation of events, choices, responses, habits, attitudes, desires, feelings, and beliefs that frame the patterns, interpretations, and routines of our lives today. We need to learn that as we learn from the past it will help us as we “press toward the goal for … READ MORE

Zechariah 3:1-5 is an interesting passage. It is the beginning of the fourth vision given to Zechariah, and it demonstrates the work of the Messiah in is intercession for us in verses 1-2, and His intercessory work for in verses 3-5. In the vision Zechariah was allowed to see a confrontation between the high priest, Satan, and The Angel of the LORD (in the context that is the Messiah), and we see how The Angel of the LORD, shuts down the accusations of Satan against the high priest, and this demonstrates the reality of the Messiah’s intercession as described in the book of Hebrews 4:14-16. What a privilege it is to know that we have an advocate with the Father, who is Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1), the second part of this passage, pictures the work of imputation of The Angel of the LORD’s righteousness, as we see The Angel (Messiah), commanding that the high priest’s filthy garments be removed, and that he be dressed in fine attire! This is a reminder that the righteousness that we have that permits us to stand in the presence of God is that of our Savior! What a wonderful reminder of the privilege … READ MORE

Humility reminds us that our position in live is achieved and maintained by the grace of God. Personal candor causes us to recognize that in the ongoing battle that we each face, we need to learn to walk in the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “by the grace of God, I am what I am…” When we recognize that we do not deserve anything, we will begin to focus on what we have, and recognize that we are indeed very blessed. Take time today to count your blessings, do not compare yourself with others, simply look at what you have and learn to be grateful (Philippians 4:8). … READ MORE