Day 5
Pastor Larry Perry once preached, “The past is important. God wants us to learn from our past but it is important we do not set up camp there.”
As we began seeking our current and past connection points the idea of camping there became enticing. It is amazing how stress free the distant past looks when compared to the present, how rich the relationships were compared to our current relationships and how witty and good looking we were compared to now. If only we could go back and make different decisions. If only we could go back and say what we should have said. If only knew then what we do now.
We recognize who we are now is a product of everything we have experienced, and all things considered we are right where we need to be. However, imagine you are not in a good place and you recognize it too is a result of past experiences and choices. Many people who are experiencing homelessness remain trapped in their past, unable to see a future. Unfortunately, the struggles of the past are often brought forward into the present. Reaching people whom dwell in the past is challenging. Even the darkest times in their past may seem brighter to them than today.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Forgiveness arrests the fall into the darkness of yesterday and allows us to live in the present. Past mistakes and poor decisions detach themselves, giving us the ability to learn from them and apply the lesson to our present. Forgiving ourselves and forgiving others is essential if we want to avoid becoming trapped in the past.
Fortunately, God has a short memory and is willing to forgive. We all fall short, make wrong turns and get stuck, but God does not want us to live where we end up. He stands ready to forgive and direct our steps back in the right direction. No one is beyond his grace and mercy. All who are willing to ask forgiveness will receive it.
Connections will share this message with all the people we serve. We will encourage them to seek God’s forgiveness while forgiving themselves and others. They will be freed from their past and empowered to live in the present.
Read the following passage. This is our favorite illustration of God’s desire to forgive and may hold special meaning for fellow prodigals. Why is it so hard for people to forgive? Is forgiveness something we offer for the one who committed the wrong? After we have forgiven someone, does God expect us to trust them as well?
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
Pastor Larry Perry once preached, “The past is important. God wants us to learn from our past but it is important we do not set up camp there.”
As we began seeking our current and past connection points the idea of camping there became enticing. It is amazing how stress free the distant past looks when compared to the present, how rich the relationships were compared to our current relationships and how witty and good looking we were compared to now. If only we could go back and make different decisions. If only we could go back and say what we should have said. If only knew then what we do now.
We recognize who we are now is a product of everything we have experienced, and all things considered we are right where we need to be. However, imagine you are not in a good place and you recognize it too is a result of past experiences and choices. Many people who are experiencing homelessness remain trapped in their past, unable to see a future. Unfortunately, the struggles of the past are often brought forward into the present. Reaching people whom dwell in the past is challenging. Even the darkest times in their past may seem brighter to them than today.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Forgiveness arrests the fall into the darkness of yesterday and allows us to live in the present. Past mistakes and poor decisions detach themselves, giving us the ability to learn from them and apply the lesson to our present. Forgiving ourselves and forgiving others is essential if we want to avoid becoming trapped in the past.
Fortunately, God has a short memory and is willing to forgive. We all fall short, make wrong turns and get stuck, but God does not want us to live where we end up. He stands ready to forgive and direct our steps back in the right direction. No one is beyond his grace and mercy. All who are willing to ask forgiveness will receive it.
Connections will share this message with all the people we serve. We will encourage them to seek God’s forgiveness while forgiving themselves and others. They will be freed from their past and empowered to live in the present.
Read the following passage. This is our favorite illustration of God’s desire to forgive and may hold special meaning for fellow prodigals. Why is it so hard for people to forgive? Is forgiveness something we offer for the one who committed the wrong? After we have forgiven someone, does God expect us to trust them as well?
Luke 15:17-24 (New International Version)
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father."But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
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