Stop Focusing on What "They" Did.

Too many believers are stuck in the past. For good or for bad, people just can't get away from what "they" (whether it's the people who hurt us, our parents, or our predecessors) did. Churches don't move forward because they're focused on brother such-and-such and sister so-and-so who did this-and-that in yesteryear, and it was just wonderful. Many Christians can't see Jesus clearly because of this or that person who hurt us, said this or that, or talked bad about us. It is often our relationship with "they," who, for all intents and purposes, we will simply call "the past," that keeps us from seeing Jesus clearly. Focusing on the past, whatever that may look like, will stunt your growth and the growth of the local church. It stunts the local church because we get stuck looking at the past while the present runs away from us, and we lose our youth, young people, and sense of purpose. It stunts our growth because we never move beyond those people or that moment. " Jesus always gives us progress. Step by Step. We may not know where we're going, but if we focus on Jesus, it won't matter because, even if we're called to walk on Water, He will meet us wherever He leads us. And His goal is to always lead us Home.

Psalm 119:97-120 English Standard Version (ESV)

Mem

97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged,[a] for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! 108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules. 109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. 111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.[b]

Samekh

113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 119:100 Or the elders

b. Psalm 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal