1) We must let go of past grudges and bitterness by forgiving others, just as God forgave us. 2) We must accept what cannot be changed and not dwell on past grief and losses. It is better to focus on what remains rather than what is lost. 3) We must let go of past guilt by expressing it, then confessing our sins so God can forgive us and make us new.

1. LET GO OF YOUR PAST Eldon Boldt, October 4, 2009

3. We rehearse our resentments . We remember our regrets . We reinforce our remorse .

4. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

5. 1. I MUST GIVE UP MY GRUDGES. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

7. I MUST GIVE UP MY GRUDGES. I MUST GIVE UP MY GRIEF. Samuel 12:16, 18a (NIV) 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 18 On the seventh day the child died.

8. Accept what cannot be changed. 2 Samuel 12:22-23 (NIV) 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

9. Play it down and Pray it up. 2 Samuel 12:22-23 (NIV) After he washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped.’

10. Focus on what is left not what is lost. 2 Samuel 12:22-23 (NIV) Comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son and they named him Solomon.

11. I MUST GIVE UP MY GRUDGES. I MUST GIVE UP MY GRIEF. I MUST GIVE UP MY GUILT. Repress it. Express it. Confess it.

12. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

13. ‘ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are past away, behold all things are become new.’

14. LET GO OF YOUR PAST Eldon Boldt, October 4, 2009