Philippians 3:13-14 

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: 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.”

Years ago I read a book by Corrie ten Boom, “Tramp For the Lord.”  Now for those who do not know about Corrie, she and her family lived in Holland at the outset of WWII. They aided the Jews who were being rounded up by the Nazis.

As a result of their ministry of protecting the Jews, their entire family was arrested and placed in a series of concentration camps in Holland and Germany. All of her family, except Corrie, were killed by the Nazis.

Corrie tried to forgive those who had caused her so much pain, but soon she would once again be filled with the same bitterness. She related that she found peace when she visualized a great sea of forgiveness. She imagined herself taking the bitterness and dropping it into the deepest part of the sea and then placing a sign that read: NO FISHING ALLOWED!

I love that!

Are you carrying a heavy burden of bitterness and resentment? Few, if any of us, have ever encountered torture and murder such as Corrie encountered. Even though our situation may be different, we may also have an issue of bitterness.

As today’s Scripture teaches, we are to leave the bitterness and resentment of the past and focus on the goal of pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that there is no fishing allowed!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- – - Pastor Cecil