I) Introduction

How can we ensure next time won’t be like the last time!

We are focusing on our spiritual life but what we are going to discover can be applied to any area of one’s life (finances, relationships, career, etc.).

We learn from our mistakes in the areas that matter least (games, hobbies, sports, etc.).

We repeat our mistakes in the areas of our lives that matter most (faith, relationships, etc).

Illusions

Experience makes me wiser!

Experience alone does not make you wiser.  (Evaluated experience makes you wiser.  Evaluation of one’s experience can be a game-changer)  James 1:2 “Count it all joy . . .”  Count means to evaluate

Since I know better, I’ll do better!

Knowing better ≠ doing better.

Knowing better ≠ the ability to do better.

Time is your enemy!

Time is not your enemy, it is your friend.

Leverage time to work for you by pausing long enough to evaluate and heal.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  God is doing something and God is going to leverage my past for my good.  We must:

Take Responsibility - One must own one’s role in one’s negative history.  Therefore, one must pause long enough to own one’s responsibility.

Renewed Mind – Romans 12:2 “What were you thinking?”  Regret and resolve are not enough to live differently – one must renew one’s mind.

Let Go of it