Often it is difficult for us to say, "But that was yesterday. Yesterday is gone. let's forget it!". It is often difficult for us to forgive.  When found in that position it is good to remember what Paul asserts in his letter to the Philippians.  It explains much of Paul's power in dealing with the past.  Listen to what Paul has to say, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 3:13-14).
Forget those things which are behind, that was yesterday!
There are many people who hold a grudge or have much bitterness in their heart because of what happened yesterday, last month, last year, maybe even years ago.  Bitterness always inflicts a deeper wound on the person who harbors it than the person against whom it is directed. There is a story about a man who had car trouble on a lonely road and asked a farmer to tow him to the nearest garage.  On the way, his wife was protesting to her husband the fee the farmer charged. "It is scandalous," she said, " to charge us ten dollars for towing this car only three miles." To which her husband replied, "Never mind, dear. I'm having my revenge -- I've got my foot on the brakes!"  Not too long after this incident the man wondered why he had to spend so much money to have his brakes replaced.  Many a person has though himself to be getting revenge, but all the time the major damage was being done to him.
Forget those things which are behind, that was yesterday! Don't hold a grudge. It only makes you the worse off!  Forgive others.  Scripture tells us, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
(Matthew 6:14-15)
 
MAY THE LORDS BLESSING BE UPON YOU!
 
See you Sunday,
Steve Sandlin