As we learn to apply Philippians 3:13 to our lives, and “forget those things which are in the past” we need to understand that our past can potentially hinder our growth in Christ in at least if we allow it. We need to understand the Word of God and seek direction from it to overcome the struggles of life. I am often reminded of Joseph and the struggles that he faced in Genesis 37-50. In all these things, he places his faith in God and recognizes that God will use those things not only for his benefit, but also for the benefit of others. We read his evaluation of those events in his life in Genesis 50:20 as he tells his brothers, “I know that you meant evil against me, in what you did, when you sold me into slavery, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (paraphrased by me). Joseph was able to understand that God’s plan for his life was bigger than his hopes for his present circumstances. When God was ready for Joseph to be used in a mighty way, He put … READ MORE

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