Bitterness

Bitterness is the worst kind of disability. It affects every aspect of your mind, body and spirit. When held onto long enough it will destroy you. Bitterness is also a choice. You can choose to keep it or let it go. In the end, it will say more about you than anyone else.

In Matthew 5:5-9 it states, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

The Bible does not say that blessed are the angry, bitter, jealous, and vengeful. Think about that for a moment. Are you hanging onto these emotions?  It's okay to feel angry when you have been wronged or hurt, but you need to forgive and let not the sun go down on your anger as the Bible states in Ephesians 4:26. God understands the feelings we have, but he also wants us to put them aside for the sake of peace.

I've found in my life that when someone is bitter towards me, I pray for them to be blessed. This may not be what you feel like doing but, it restores peace in your spirit and gives rest.

There are times when it best just to stay away from bitter people and pray for them from a distance. God is the only one who can soften their hearts, and nothing you can say or do will change them.

It also helps to forgive one another, for Christ died so our sins may be forgiven, and it is out of respect for our Lord that we do this. Forgiveness is an incredible gift for ourselves, by the way.  Take advantage of it and heal your own heart.

One final thought I have on fighting bitterness is to chose mercy. Mercy is a beautiful word and aids in the ability to forgive. Remember, bitterness is a choice. Guard your own heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23.

Blessing or Curse?

Have you ever felt as though you were like Daniel in the lions den? That no matter how hard you try to do things right they just seem to be going wrong?

Perhaps it's during times like these that our faith is truly tested. How much are we relying on God? Have we surrendered?

Christ lived on this earth with so much faith in God He was willing to trust that God's plan was perfect. He allowed himself to be hung on a cross because he believed, he suffered and then he died. He went to the depths of Hell and told Satan that in the future. anyone who accepted his death, as a gift of forgiveness, would be with him in Heaven forever. He then rose again and now waits for us to join him.

We who have accepted Christ have our salvation and we have our faith, but wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have our faith grow? Maybe instead of seeing all that has happened to us as a curse, we could see it as a blessing, an opportunity for our faith to grow and to become closer to being as faithful as Jesus.

The Prayer of Jabez

I have recently taken to repeating a prayer and have found it to bring blessings in my life. I would like to encourage you to say this prayer, every day for a month, and see what happens for you.

Before I write down the prayer, I'd like to suggest that you repeat the prayer, then repeat it again, replacing the word in red with a word specific for you.

Also, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson wrote a book on this prayer, which I really enjoyed and recommend. It is entitled, "The Prayer of Jabez"

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that your hand would be with me,

that you'd keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain."

So God granted him what he requested.

1 Chronicles 4:19 NKJV

It's that simple. I replace the word in red with things like peace, friendship, love and opportunities.

Peace and Blessings to you all and let me know how this prayer works for you!