Comments on: Wk.6: Keep Going and Don’t Look Back!

By: Jaiva

Jaiva — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:57:39 +0000

This is just what I needed. I have a friend that is in a strong storm and keeps reflecting on the past and where he went wrong. I just want him to know its time to move on in Christ.
Praise be to the lord for these scriptures and the words of the author who wrote this bible study.

By: Rindy

Rindy — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:24:37 +0000

1. Great thoughts–and yes, a couple hit home. I know that I held on to many past thoughts/habits, etc. because I never believed that God could really mean what he said. I had never truly experienced unconditional love or trusting with those close to me, so how could I ever trust or believe in one I had never seen. Once that happened, it was so much easier to understand God’s love and promise.

The comment about losing friends also hits home. I actively pushed away some friends/family where unhealthy relationships or influences existed. Although difficult, that was necessary. However, what I didn’t expect was that as I truly moved forward, friends I thought I could count on did not want me to. In my changing (and becoming healthier and in much better places), our relationships changed. They didn’t like that and I have lost some very dear friends because of it…but I know it is where I need to be. Some friends are in our lives for only a season…and that is not easy. (yet, necessary)

Also, I think we hold on because familiar is always easier than the unknown. Even if they are not good–they are known. Changing is risk and venturing out…status quo is easier.

2. I’ve realized I really don’t need much ’stuff’. obviously I would grab my guys…or at this point, they might be helping me…hmmm…at least I hope they would I think I would want pictures/videos of the guys too (and my laptop so I could blog about it all…ok, just kidding on that one…sort of)

By: Lynda

Lynda — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:59:14 +0000

1. I think Satan wants us to forget that Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins. They have been wiped away. I also think we think an old habit won’t hurt us if we don’t do it as much. Unfortunately that is not the case. Why is it so hard to give up the ‘bad’ habits and change to better habits?
2. I would grab my doll Favorite. I received her when I was a day old from my dad’s father (my grandpa). She was a peace offering. My dad’s parents didn’t approve of my parents’ marriage and were not at their wedding. She has been everywhere with me. It is a good thing she can not talk. She could never be replaced.
3. Self – control this is a fruit I need to work on so this was a good passage for me. I forget to keep pressing on and settle for less instead. When I get discouraged I need to focus on God and put Him at the center of my quest.
Thanks for the reminder.

By: Bev

Bev — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:41:14 +0000

Wow—I love people’s thoughts on this week’s study.
1. I think that the reason we often dwell on things in the past is because we have a hard time really believing that God is not like us—he really does forgive and forget, whereas we tend to “beat ourselves up” as someone else said. I have come to realize recently that ruminating on my failings and mistakes really demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s promise of forgiveness, so it is something I am working on and praying about.
2. I think I would want to grab all my scrapbooks, not only because they represent so much time investment, but they also hold so many memories that I hold precious. Is that a bad holding on to the past?? I hope not, but sometimes I think it fosters regret that my children are grown, that our family is changing, etc. instead of living in the moment and rejoicing in the blessings of today. But, it also fosters a real sense of gratitude for all of the Lord’s blessings.

By: Carol Foote

Carol Foote — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:43:02 +0000

1. The older I get, the easier it is to let the past stay there and focus on the future. However, I find that things from the past will come to mind to remind me how to do the “right” thing now and to humble me and thank God for the changes that have occurred in my life.
2. Since there are only two of us at home, once I knew my husband was safe I can’t think of anything I would have a hard time leaving behind, but I imagine I would grab my purse.
3. It seems to me that Paul is exercising self-control by keeping his focus on God and what lies ahead.

By: intensesimplicity

intensesimplicity — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:19:17 +0000

1. There is a holacoust memorial in down town Baltimore with the caption “Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it.” I wonder what the literal translation of the word “forget” from the original language this passage in Philipians was written. It wouldn’t surprise me if it meant to “set aside.” Even though it may not be possible to forget, I can certainly see how God would not want us to let our past errors keep us from moving forward and using those experiences to show compassion and understanding towards others. But “dwelling in an unhealthy way”? This sounds like beating yourself up. It also sounds like perhaps there’s some unresolved issues that need to be faced. Maybe there is some unrest, unforgiveness, or unrestitution. Why do we dwell like that? Because the devil seeks to devour…Because we are vulnerable human beings that need to be unified with and not judged by the body of believers…because we need to confess to one another so that we can pray for one another and be healed. We find it hard to believe that confession will result in forgiveness, prayer and healing, but rather condemnation and rejection.

By: Shalyn Zak

Shalyn Zak — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:07:22 +0000

I love these verses. Several things ran through my head as I read them.
1. Old habits die hard is a common saying for a reason. It takes time to change and we humans are not the most patience creatures. I’m sure at one time or another I can answer yes to all of those bulleted questions. Some of those I am going to have to really think about and pray about.
2. Well, as I look around my home that God blessed us with, I can’t really come up with anything. The scenero I am imagining is a fire in my home what would I want to grab. All I keep thinking is my kids, assuming that my husband can get out on his own, I could not leave without them but the stuff could go. I may come up with something later but for now all I can think is my family.
3. I love God’s timing. By no coincedence, I’m sure, this weeks study is excatly what God has been speaking to me. I just hadn’t put the words “fruit of self-control” to what I am trying to change about myself. Some situations lately have not gone all that well and my self-control does play into it whether I like it or not. This passage points out that yeah you could do what you want and no one (God or Satan)is going to stop you but there is a price to pay for the way you live. This passage is filled with good advice about self-control.
I do think this passage is filled with encouragement as well. I felt empowered by Jesus to keep running the race dispite the potholes. He is always running with us.