As crazy as that sounds, most of us are tempted to "look back," sometimes paralyzing us of any forward movement at all.  

Paul became a Christian later in his life.  He had done a lot of things he regretted.  Even after he became a follower of Jesus he messed up.  Some questioned his calling to leadership; others out right opposed him.  He himself said, "the things I know I should do, I don't; and the things I need to avoid, I find myself tangled up in time and again."  But Paul also knew that "his past sins were forgiven" and his "future secure."  Not based on what he himself had done, but because of what Jesus had done for him upon the cross.

If you are mired in all the mistakes of your past - turn to Christ who said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give."  If you are tempted to keep glancing at the "rear-view mirror," remember what Paul said, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Safe Driving out there - and forward living!

This week begins the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament affectionately called "March Maddess."  This season of the year is also the "high water-mark" of the Christian faith - the weeks leading up to Easter, the cornerstone of Christianity. 

In a sense, "The "Passion" of Jesus Christ - his betrayal, the trials on trumped up charges, his brutal beating at the hands of the Roman Gaurd, his suffering and death on the cross; as well as being abandoned by his closest disciples and mocked by his enemies - was "March Maddness" . . .  that turned into "Gladdness."

A few weeks from now one team will come through this season's NCAA Basketball tournament "glad."  They will be crowned champions and the rest of their life they will celebrate their championship season.

When we get to Easter here in a few weeks, we should be glad as well.  Knowing we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, a Savior who understands us and the Holy Spirit to guide us.  

By his victory over the grave Jesus has crowned all of those who have trusted in him as "champions" over sin and death.  

That's worth celebrating!