22 February 2016

REGRETS

By John Ollis

Most of us have regrets for the stupid sinful decisions we made prior to being born again, sadly some of us have regrets relative to stupid sinful actions post conversion. Some of those decisions were done in ignorance, others unwittingly, and others were deliberate wilful sins  (Psalm 19:13).
We, of course have repented and clamed the cleansing and forgiveness so wonderfully offered to us by the Lord. But there are times the evil one reminds us of those sins and we lose our peace and joy until we take the weapons He gave us and stand against those thoughts. Weapons like:
Claiming the protection of the blood of Christ over our minds.
Taking authority over the thoughts “In the Name of Jesus”.
Confessing the Word of God against the thoughts.
Using our prayer language in spiritual warfare.
Using the power of praising God against those thoughts.
Reminding ourselves that Jesus is coming soon. 1 John 3:3.
Sometimes it takes minutes, hours and even days sometimes before the peace and joy fully returns.
I heard a true very recent story this morning that really blessed and encouraged me, and I want to share it with you.
This couple went to North Queensland for a holiday, and were taken out to the Barrier Reef by friends to swim and snorkel. The friend told them there were sharks in the area but not to worry, as they were not dangerous and were not disturbed by humans in the water. These sharks have a white spot or strip on their fin. As the man came up from snorkelling he noticed a shark just 4-5 feet from him, and initially he of course got fearful, then he saw the white stripe and relaxed.
These thoughts from our past see like monsters in our head  and cause us to have fear and doubt and unbelief, but like the shark with the white stripe THEY ARE POWERLESS AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. Sure, we still need to cast them down (2 Cor. 10:5) but we do not need to lose our peace and joy for a moment.

OUR PAST IS UNDER THE BLOOD OF CHRIST AND IS FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN.

Can you shout hallelujah ? This really encouraged me as I heard it today, then I read in my Quiet Time Psalms 16:7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel. I needed to hear this story today, and receive this word of counsel from the Lord. I trust it will bless you too.

Please write and express your thoughts with me.