We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

Our God will allow us to be tested so that
good things may come into our lives.
(Jer 17:9-10)
We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

NKJ Jeremiah 17:9 - " The heart is
deceitful above all things, And desperately
wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD,
search the heart, I test the mind, Even to
give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
We can allow the past to destroy us if
we are not careful.

One of the purposes of a test from God is
for us to see ourselves!
We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

When handled properly, this is always a
humbling process that allows us to see
both God and ourselves better.
We can allow the past to destroy us if
we are not careful.
When handled properly, this is always a
humbling process that allows us to see
both God and ourselves better.
 We are in a constant battle for our hearts
and minds. It is difficult to keep a heart
tender and faithful before God.

We can allow the past to destroy us if
we are not careful.
When handled properly, this is always a
humbling process that allows us to see
both God and ourselves better.
 We are in a constant battle for our hearts
and minds. It is difficult to keep a heart
tender and faithful before God.
 You do not really know another or even
yourself until you go through a test.

We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

Do you have an approved character?
(Rom 5:3-5)
We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

NKJ Romans 5:3 - And not only that, but
we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and
perseverance, character; and character,
hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured
out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was
given to us.
We can allow the past to destroy us if we
are not careful.

The main cause of Christian’s falling away
in my experience is here. They allowed their
minds to be consumed by their hurt rather
than on the hope of heaven!
We must constantly be moving forward

Many make the mistake of stopping.
(Lk 9:62)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Luke 9:62 - But Jesus said to him,
"No one, having put his hand to the plow,
and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of
God.”
We must constantly be moving forward

We need to have the courage to face a
problem and take the time necessary to
do what the Lord has said.
We must constantly be moving forward

I am not suggesting that we run from any
problem. If we run from a problem it will
only get bigger!
We must constantly be moving forward
I am not suggesting that we run from any
problem. If we run from a problem it will
only get bigger!
 What do you do when you have responded
as the Lord has instructed?

We must constantly be moving forward
I am not suggesting that we run from any
problem. If we run from a problem it will
only get bigger!
 What do you do when you have responded
as the Lord has instructed?
 We often get bogged down in things that are
not given for us to do by God!

We must constantly be moving forward

Consider the limitations of teaching God’s
word. (1 Cor 3:5-7)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:5 - Who then is Paul,
and who is Apollos, but ministers through
whom you believed, as the Lord gave to
each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but
God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he
who plants is anything, nor he who waters,
but God who gives the increase.
We must constantly be moving forward

What has God given us to do? What do we
do with the rest? (Phil 4:6-7)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your
requests be made known to God; 7 and the
peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.
We must constantly be moving forward

This is where we learn if we are walking by
faith or if we want to “whittle on God’s end
of the stick!”
We must constantly be moving forward

How many Christians are burdened and
ready to quit because of this?
We must constantly be moving forward

We must accept the things that we cannot
change! (Phil 3:12-14)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have already
attained, or am already perfected; but I press
on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ
Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I
do not count myself to have apprehended; but
one thing I do, forgetting those things which
are behind and reaching forward to those
things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the
goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus.
We must constantly be moving forward

We can break down and act like a baby
when we lose our focus. Consider
Elijah! (1 Kings 19:2-4, 14, 18)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ 1 Kings 19:2 - Then Jezebel sent a
messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the
gods do to me, and more also, if I do not
make your life as the life of one of them by
tomorrow about this time." 3 And when he
saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and
went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah,
and left his servant there.
We must constantly be moving forward

4 But he himself went a day's journey into
the wilderness, and came and sat down
under a broom tree. And he prayed that he
might die, and said, "It is enough! Now,
LORD, take my life, for I am no better than
my fathers!”
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ 1 Kings 19:14 - And he said, "I have
been very zealous for the LORD God of
hosts; because the children of Israel have
forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your
altars, and killed Your prophets with the
sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take
my life.”
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ 1 Kings 19:18 - "Yet I have reserved
seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees
have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth
that has not kissed him.”
We must constantly be moving forward

After instruction God put Elijah back to
work. (1 Kings 19:15-16)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ 1 Kings 19:15 - Then the LORD said
to him: "Go, return on your way to the
Wilderness of Damascus; and when you
arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16
"Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of
Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the
son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall
anoint as prophet in your place.
We must constantly be moving forward

We can be satisfied with the past and allow
that to be our focus. (Rev 2:2-4)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Revelation 2:2 - "I know your works,
your labor, your patience, and that you cannot
bear those who are evil. And you have tested
those who say they are apostles and are not,
and have found them liars; 3 "and you have
persevered and have patience, and have
labored for My name's sake and have not
become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have this
against you, that you have left your first love.
We must constantly be moving forward

A living faith is full of zeal and moves you
forward.
We must constantly be moving forward

How do you identify yourself before God?
(Rom 1:14)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Romans 1:14 - I am a debtor both to
Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and
to unwise.
We must constantly be moving forward

When we remember what God has done for
us and what He is doing for us, then we will
with strength move forward!
(Titus 2:11-14)
We must constantly be moving forward

NKJ Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God that
brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present age, 13
looking for the blessed hope and glorious
appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus
Christ,
We must constantly be moving forward

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might
redeem us from every lawless deed and
purify for Himself His own special people,
zealous for good works.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Our minds are very complicated and not
easily controlled.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day
Our minds are very complicated and not
easily controlled.
 Have you had occasions where you could
not stop thinking about a matter when
you really wanted to stop?

We must win the battle for the mind
each day

We must develop a daily renewal and focus
on God’s word with a personal application
for my life. (Rom 12:1-3)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Romans 12:1 - I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is
your reasonable service. 2 And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

3 For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone who is among you, not to think
of himself more highly than he ought to
think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt
to each one a measure of faith.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Notice how the immediate warning of pride
in our thoughts is given.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

We need to constantly be looking ahead
with the word of God. (Prov 4:20-27)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Proverbs 4:20 - My son, give
attention to my words; Incline your ear to
my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from
your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your
heart; 22 For they are life to those who find
them, And health to all their flesh. 23 Keep
your heart with all diligence, For out of it
spring the issues of life.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let
your eyes look straight ahead, And your
eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the
path of your feet, And let all your ways be
established. 27 Do not turn to the right or
the left; Remove your foot from evil.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

We must win the battle over fear.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Fear can change reality. You can easily
create an image of another person or
even an entire church! (1 Sam 22:8)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ 1 Samuel 22:8 - "All of you have
conspired against me, and there is no one
who reveals to me that my son has made a
covenant with the son of Jesse; and there is
not one of you who is sorry for me or
reveals to me that my son has stirred up my
servant against me, to lie in wait, as it is this
day.“
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Fear can be easily shared. How many have
died because of shared panic of a crowd
(Num 13:30-14:9)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Fearful people do not want to see the truth.
It is not uncommon for fearful people to be
surrounded by “yes” men (or women).
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

When we are convinced that we cannot face
a certain consequence then in our minds we
will not! I have seen this in home studies.
(Lk 10:29)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Luke 10:29 - But he, wanting to
justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is
my neighbor?”
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Fearful people do not want open
communication!
We must win the battle for the mind
each day
Fearful people do not want open
communication!
 The Lord will test our faith by our fears.
Surround yourself with men of faith!

We must win the battle for the mind
each day

We must win the battle over anger and
bitterness. (Heb 12:14-15)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all
people, and holiness, without which no one
will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest
anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest
any root of bitterness springing up cause
trouble, and by this many become defiled;
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

Cled Wallace wrote this about bitterness and
church conflict:
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

“Every observer of church troubles has noted
conflicting reports of what actually happened
by men who were considered reliable in
matters where their personal feelings were not
so deeply stirred. A truthful man can earn a
reputation for being a consummate liar in a
short time in the middle of a church fuss. And
too often the reputation is deserved.” –
“Bitterness, A Form of Religious Insanity”
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

The terrible thing about bitterness is that it
is very difficult to let go of. It will in time
eat you up from the inside out.
(Gal 5:19-21)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Galatians 5:19 - Now the works of the
flesh are evident, which are: adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry,
sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies,
outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions,
dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,
drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I
tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in
time past, that those who practice such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

It is important for every member here to let
go of your desire for vengeance and give it
to God. Let it go and move on!
(Rom 12:17-21)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Romans 12:17 - Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good things in the
sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much
as depends on you, live peaceably with all
men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to wrath; for it is
written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,"
says the Lord.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed
him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in
so doing you will heap coals of fire on his
head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

When you do this, the bitter one who is
attacking you with their words get to see 2
things: Your joy in the Lord, and more time
to dwell on their own anger. (Psa 23:4-5)
We must win the battle for the mind
each day

NKJ Psalm 23:4 - Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your
rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You
prepare a table before me in the presence of
my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

Do you think often about heaven and why
you know you are going there?
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven
Do you think often about heaven and why
you know you are going there?
 This is not just a good idea, it is essential!
(1 Pt 1:13; Rom 8:24-25)

We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ 1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore gird up the
loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your
hope fully upon the grace that is to be
brought to you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ;
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Romans 8:24 - For we were saved in
this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope;
for why does one still hope for what he
sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not
see, we eagerly wait for it with
perseverance.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

How can I keep from losing heart?
(Gal 6:9; Eph 3:13)
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow
weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Ephesians 3:13 - Therefore I ask that
you do not lose heart at my tribulations for
you, which is your glory.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

What is before you and what is behind you?
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven
What is before you and what is behind you?
 Judah had cast God and His word behind
their backs. Future terror became a
certainty. (Ezk 23:32-35; Psa 50:17-23)

We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Ezekiel 23:32 - " Thus says the Lord
GOD: 'You shall drink of your sister's cup,
The deep and wide one; You shall be
laughed to scorn And held in derision; It
contains much. 33 You will be filled with
drunkenness and sorrow, The cup of horror
and desolation, The cup of your sister
Samaria.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

34 You shall drink and drain it, You shall
break its shards, And tear at your own
breasts; For I have spoken,' Says the Lord
GOD. 35 "Therefore thus says the Lord
GOD: 'Because you have forgotten Me and
cast Me behind your back, Therefore you
shall bear the penalty Of your lewdness and
your harlotry.' “
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Psalm 50:17 - Seeing you hate
instruction And cast My words behind you?
18 When you saw a thief, you consented
with him, And have been a partaker with
adulterers. 19 You give your mouth to evil,
And your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit
and speak against your brother; You slander
your own mother's son.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

21 These things you have done, and I kept
silent; You thought that I was altogether like
you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in
order before your eyes. 22 "Now consider
this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in
pieces, And there be none to deliver: 23
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to
him who orders his conduct aright I will
show the salvation of God.“
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

Jesus placed Satan and his thoughts behind
His back. (Lk 4:8; Mk 8:33)
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Luke 4:8 - And Jesus answered and
said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is
written, 'You shall worship the LORD your
God, and Him only you shall serve.‘”
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Mark 8:33 - But when He had turned
around and looked at His disciples, He
rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me,
Satan! For you are not mindful of the things
of God, but the things of men.”
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

God has fully equipped us to finish well.
(Heb 10:38-39)
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ Hebrews 10:38 - Now the just shall
live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My
soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are
not of those who draw back to perdition, but
of those who believe to the saving of the
soul.
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

The resurrection of Jesus gives me complete
assurance of the great finish that I am
pressing ahead to find! (1 Pt 1:3-8)
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

NKJ 1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
according to His abundant mercy has
begotten us again to a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and
undefiled and that does not fade away,
reserved in heaven for you,
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

5 who are kept by the power of God through
faith for salvation ready to be revealed in
the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice,
though now for a little while, if need be,
you have been grieved by various trials,
We must fully give our focus to the
finish line of heaven

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being
much more precious than gold that perishes,
though it is tested by fire, may be found to
praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of
Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you
love. Though now you do not see Him, yet
believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible
and full of glory,