What is on my mind now is testing this to see if it works...I hope so!
Melissa

Keeping The Old Man Down

Sometimes it's hard to stay ahead of the past.

I have had a couple of weeks here lately where I really started feeling alot like Job...each day, something else seemed to go wrong...and each time something went wrong, I tried my best to stay focused on Jesus. I'll admit it, I'm human...I lost my temper, I cried...and when all of that failed, I prayed. Now THAT was the key!

I've posted things here and on my website about my struggles...and how God has had to knock me down on my face in order for me to be able to look up at Him. I've had to deal with anger issues, self-centeredness, pride, and dependence on others rather than on God. And for the last 6 months, I have felt closer to Him than I ever have before. So now, when life's struggles seem to be ganging up on me all at one time, the "old man" (or should I say "old woman") wants to rear her ugly head again. But this time it's not me that's bringing it up.

Sometimes I wonder why, as Christians, we see God change hearts...but we still want to hold someone in their past. Someone did that to me this week, and it brought back a world of hurt in my heart. And it made me think of a song by Brian Free and Assurance called "Keeping The Old Man Down":

I'm my own worst enemy, when I remember back to what I used to be; and despite the love I've found, sometimes it's hard to keep the old man down; it's not because I want to be who I used to be, it's because people keep reminding me

Chorus: But what people can't forget He won't remember; And when they come along and keep fanning the embers; I'll hold my head up high and just remember what I've found; as I keep on keeping the old man down

Some folks try in their own way to help me change; but they don't realize, that all my "want-to's" He has rearranged; it's true I know I have a long long way to go; if He's forgiven yesterday, why won't they let it go?

Bridge: If it's true when He says we're covered in His love; then why won't they let my past, stay under the blood?

Chorus: But what people can't forget He won't remember; and when they come along and keep fanning the embers; I'll hold my head up high and just remember what I've found; as I keep on keeping the old man down.

In the new year, I encourage each one of you to be an encourager - be a Barnabas to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember their struggles so that you can know how far God has brought them and how He has healed their hearts - I know He's healed mine. And the sin of the past was paid for on the Cross and is covered under His blood. If you do see someone struggle, be the brother or sister that helps pick them up....don't be the one that tosses the rock that knocks them down. Love each other....stay away from negativity...let God be the one to make the changes....and most of all, keep your eyes on the Cross - all of our sin was paid for there....and Jesus is alive today! God wants to grow us to be more like His Son...and He can't do that if we stay burdened with the past. Don't forget where you came from, but don't let it keep you from letting Him take you to where He wants you to be going.

Stay safe...take care...and live for Him!

Be God's,

Melissa