Matthew 9:17 ; Philippians 3:13 ; col 3:3; Galatians 5:24

^24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts”.

^3” For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God”.

Have you ever found yourself in a state of self-pity as you reflect on all the ‘calamities’ that have hit you in life? The job you lost, the loss of a loved one, the betrayal of a trusted friend, the divorce you went through, the financial resources you never had, your heartbreaks, and brokenness, etc.

Or maybe, you have found yourself enraged by all the ills done to you in the past. How people have cheated you, hurt you, humiliated you, ignored you, trampled on your rights, disregarded you, wrongly accused you, abused you, despised you, disappointed you, etc.

There is no doubt – these experiences hurt a lot! To such an extent that you sometimes begin to plan a revenge, or on a lighter scale, you plan a ‘show down’. By giving ‘them’ a piece of your mind, for your peace of mind, or to alleviate the pain.

God is saying you have to let go of the past! If you have to step into a glorious future, forget the things behind and press forward to the things ahead. You cannot put new wine into an old bottle; it’s either you keep the old wine in the old bottle, or you get a new bottle for the new wine.

Secondly, you have to die to self! That is, put the flesh in complete (100%) surrender to God. Believe that everything He has allowed, will make you, and accomplish the great destiny He has for you in Christ Jesus.

Empty yourself of everything you think you are (or have) – your pride, your rights, your wishes, your desires, your honor, etc. – and come naked before God. Then watch God fill you with all of Himself! This is the pathway to abundant blessings in Christ.

Come empty to the throne today, and leave full; full of God HIMSELF! (His presence, His grace, His gifts, His power, His character, etc.) He will make you a channel of blessing; a vessel of honor, showing forth the beauty of our dear Savior.