Does Bitterness Rule Your Heart?

“I’ve had a few arguments with people,” comedian Buddy Hackett once confessed, “but I never carry a grudge. You know why? While you’re carrying a grudge, they’re out dancing!”

Are you carrying bitterness around in your heart? Bitterness is resentful cynicism that results in an intense hostility towards others. The Bible tells us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31) How? This is accomplished by being “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

You see, bitterness is the most dangerous of all attitudes to healthy Christian living! If not checked, it will eat away the vitality of your spiritual life until your testimony is in shambles. Think of bitterness as a cancer of the soul, claiming millions of victims each year. It spreads faster than the common cold and, if left to its own devices, will destroy families and churches.

The problem with bitterness is that you can’t hide it, nor contain it! It spreads like a plague until it affects everyone around you. Some of you may be so bitter that you can’t talk about your husband or wife, parents or children, friends or relatives, pastor or church without expressing bitterness about how much they’ve hurt you. The reality is that life is full of hurts! Jesus himself warned, “it is impossible but that offences will come:” (Luke 17:1). Life is full of hurts and it always will be!

As long as you live, people are going to hurt you, offend you and disappoint you. But you don’t need to be the victim of their offenses. You can learn to rise above life’s disappointments. A good place to start is Ephesians 4:25-32. Here, the Apostle Paul gives us several keys to overcoming bitterness. Let’s take a look, shall we?

1) Stop lying and start telling the truth (Ephesians 4:25). Honest communication depends on honest conversation. Telling the truth builds bridges; lying builds barriers.

2) Stop hating and start loving (Ephesians 4:26-27). In this passage we are warned not to stay angry, because anger destroys communication. Anger will lead either to aggressive or depressive behavior. It causes us to strike out at others or to put ourselves down. Either way, its destructive force hurts us and those whom we are angry.

3) Stop stealing and start giving (Ephesians 4:28). Stealers are takers and selfish by nature! In personal relationships ask yourself, “Am I a giver or a taker?” Givers tend to see the worth and importance of other people and therefore are apt to bring out the best in others. Takers, on the other hand tend to see the world solely from their own standpoint.

4) Stop cutting people down and start building up (Ephesians 4:29-30). Some people excel at cutting down everything and everybody! This passage warns that such negative communication grieves the Spirit of God.

5) Stop overreacting and start acting like a Christian (Ephesians 4:31-32). Paul reminds us not to handle our problems like pagans. Don’t blow up, it only makes things worse! We start with bitterness, which soon leads to wrath and anger. This in turn leads to yelling at each other, which takes us on to evil speaking, blasphemy, or slander. And finally, we are led to malice which can result in a deliberate attempt to do bodily injury! Such behavior is not of God. It is a worldly response to problems, not a Christian response.

6) Stop retaliating and start forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). True Christians are know by their forgiving spirit. (Luke 17:5) Selfish and insecure people get angry quickly. They can never figure out why God’s world does not revolve around them and their plans, therefore they suppose that God doesn’t really care for them. In order to learn to forgive others effectively, we must ultimately see ourselves for what we really are...unprofitable servants, yet unconditionally loved by God. Only then are we in a proper position for God to work in our lives. Remember...forgiveness is the key!

Why not release the power of God in your life today! The scripture clearly states that wrong attitudes grieve the Holy Spirit and hamper work in our lives. We must put away all wrong feelings that stem from bitterness. We must learn to forgive others just as completely and totally as God has forgiven us. If you don’t know Him as your Savior, you can come to Him right now. If you do know Christ as your Savior, but you have let hurt turn to bitterness, ask God to forgive you and set you free!

Scripture: Numbers 14:19-21; Proverbs 20:22; Micah 7:18-19; Matthew 5:24; Matthew 5:44-45; Acts 10:43; Colossians 3:13; 1 John 1:9-10

Prayer:

Lord, grant me the strength to forgive others, and to excuse their transgressions against me, so I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit; to obliterate any persistent feelings of malice, to let each trespass end as a closing chapter, to continue on the road of righteousness, and forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others. Amen

Peace be with you,

Heather

Have You Prayed Today?

Doctor Charles Parkhurst, distinguished preacher and reformer of New York, in an address in which he dealt with his early religious life related how he had often heard his father pray in the church, at the family altar, and at the family table. But it was only when he heard him praying aloud on his knees in the barn that he knew the reality of prayer and the deep reality of the religious life.

The Bible urges us to pray. Yet too many of us complain that prayers are not being answered. We have not received the results that we were looking for. Has God failed to keep his promises? Are Jesus' words empty and meaningless? If there is no answer to our prayers, the fault lies with us. We need to persistently search the Bible and, like the disciples, ask the Lord to teach us how to pray. God has laid down certain principles of prayer, which, if followed, assure us of God's answer to every humble request we make. Let's take a look a some of these principles now and the rest next time...

First, we are to pray according to God's will (1 John 5:14-15). We must not forget to recognize that God is Lord of all things. Who are we to tell the almighty, all-wise God what he must do and how he must do it? God knows better than we know! Too often we think that we cannot live unless we have our way. In everything we need, let us always pray that the will of God be done.

Secondly, when we go to the Lord in prayer, sins may form a barrier between us and him. Therefore, it only makes sense that these sins need to be removed. There's just one catch. We can't remove them ourselves. Jesus must remove our sins! Fortunately for us, He has done this by the blood of the cross. Because of this unselfish act, in the name of Jesus we can approach the prayer-answering God. If we come to God through Christ, in other words, pray in the name of Jesus, we will find a loving Father who can lift our burdens or give strength to bear them (John 14:13-14).

Lastly, sometimes, for various reasons which are too lengthy to list here, we just don't have it in us to pray as we should. In those times of weakness, or where we can't find the right words to say, the Holy Spirit will pray on our behalf. The Holy Spirit, who knows our thoughts and what is in our hearts, helps us by stepping in and praying for us (Romans 8:26). Now that's an extremely comforting thought!

Dear friends, what I want you to take away from this message is not that you feel guilty about your lack of a prayer life. I want you to feel hungry for a greater prayer life. I want you to come to see prayer not as a duty but as a privilege. I want you to pray not because of our battle with Satan, or because of the pain of those around you. I want you to pray because of the sweetness that comes from spending time with the Father!

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 6:18; Mark 11:22-25

Prayer:

"Bestow upon me, O Lord my God, understanding to know thee, diligence to seek thee, wisdom to find thee, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace thee." -Thomas Aquinas

May God bless you always,

Ginger

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 13:1-14

Hi, everyone!

I'd like to thank you for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all is going well in your life! It is also my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God. In this session, we will study a new chapter. The chapter is Romans, Chapter 13, verses 1-14.

Here is this week's study in summary...

Continuing to instruct concerning the "transformed life," Paul now discusses the Christian's responsibilities to governmental authorities. Understanding that all governments are in power due to the providence of God, and that they serve as ministers of God to avenge the evil doer, Christians are admonished to submit to "the powers that be." This submission involves payment of taxes and having respect for those in authority.

Paul's next message deals with the importance of love and moral purity. Christians are to be indebted to no one, save to love one another. When love is properly demonstrated, even the requirements of the Law are adequately met. This admonition to love, however, is carefully balanced with the reminder that time is short and it is imperative that Christians maintain moral purity. This is done by Christians putting on the Lord Jesus and not making provision for the fulfilling of the lusts of the flesh.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 13:1-14. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Who are we to subject ourselves to (Romans 13:1)?
2. Why is it that we are to subject ourselves to them in this way (Romans 13:1)?
3. When a man rebels against this authority, who else is he resisting (Romans 13:2)?
4. What happens as a result of this rebellion (Romans 13:2)?
5. How do we get rid of our fear of the governmental authorities (Romans 13:3)?
6. What are the governmental authorities called in Romans 13:4?
7. What therefore is the responsibility of the governmental authorities (Romans 13:4)?
8. Besides fearing what the government might do to you if it catches you doing something wrong, what is the other reason we are to submit to the government (Romans 13:5)?
9. According to Romans 13:6, what are taxes for?
10. What does Paul say about all the preferential treatment the government might expect (Romans 13:7)?
11. What does Romans 13:8 say about debt?
12. What command summarizes the others (Romans 13:8,9)?
13. Complete this sentence from Romans 13:10, “Love is the ___________ of the law.”
14. According to Romans 13:11, what are we to be doing now?
15. List the behaviors he tells us to avoid (Romans 13:12-13)?
16. Memorize Romans 13:14. Put a check here once you have completely memorized it.
17. How are we to respond to those people who would encourage us to rebel against a wicked and corrupt government (Romans 13:13:1-7)? Does our response change if our own constitution mandates a rebellion against evil rulers?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 13:1-14. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 12:9-21

Hi, everyone!

I would like to thank you for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all is well in your life! It is also my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God. In this session, we will be studying Chapter 12, verses 9-21.

Here is this week in summary...

He (Paul) began with a plea to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so that they could demonstrate in themselves that the will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect. He then encouraged them to fulfill their proper place in the Body of Christ with proper humility and passion.

Finally, there are a list of commands which are to govern the Christian's life and attitude towards love, good and evil, brethren in the Lord, service to God, and response to persecution.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 12:9-21. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. What does Paul say our love toward others should be like (Romans 12:9a)?
2. What does “cling to what is good” in Romans 12:9 mean?
3. What two other ways does he describe a Christian’s love in Romans 12:10?
4. List the counsel Paul gives in Romans 12:11-13 for our spiritual lives? Circle the ones that you consider to be ‘difficult’ to carry out consistently.
5. How are we to respond to those who persecute us (Romans 12:14)?
6. How do Romans 12:15 and 16 compliment each other? How do they say the same thing?
7. Can we ever pay back evil for something someone has done to us or someone else we love (Romans 12:17)?
8. What does Paul say regarding making peace between you and everyone else (Romans 12:18)?
9. List a few attitudes or thoughts we should have toward our desires to take our own revenge {from Romans 12:19-21}. {At least give one principle per verse}.
10. Think about the exhortation (or urgent plea) to godly living that you have most difficultly with as listed in Romans 12:9-16. What are you actually doing or not doing which puts you in the wrong? What is keeping you from doing what is right
11. Many people live bitterly hoping for a chance to take revenge. Using the verses in this section, what could we say to them to urge and encourage them to get rid of bitterness? Do you think they would listen to you? Why or why not?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 12:9-21. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 12:1-8

Hi, everyone!

I would like to thank you for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all is well in your life! This week, we will be studying Chapter 12, verses 1-8. It is my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

This week in summary...

Having concluded his sermons concerning the gospel (chs. 1-8) and God's dealings with the nation of Israel (chs. 9-11), Paul now inspires his readers to full service in the kingdom of God.

He begins with a plea to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so that they can demonstrate in themselves that the will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect. He then encourages them to fulfill their proper place in the Body of Christ with proper humility and passion.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 12:1-8. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. What does Paul urge his brothers and sisters to do (Romans 12:1)?
2. What do you think the difference between a living sacrifice and a dead sacrifice is (Romans 12:1)?
3. So how does Paul define “spiritual worship” in verse 1?
4. What are we not to pattern our lives after (Romans 12:2)?
5. How do we transform our lives (Romans 12:2)?
6. As a result of transforming our minds, we will then “be able to _______ and _______ God’s will is” (Romans 12:2).
7. What three ways does Paul describe God’s will at the end of verse 2?
8. How are we not to think of ourselves (Romans 12:3)?
9. How are we to think of ourselves (Romans 12:3)?
10. How do verses 4 and 5 relate to the way we think of ourselves (Romans 12:3-5)?
11. List the analogy (illustration) of the church in Romans 12:4-5?
12.In which way are the different gifts spread out among the members of the church (Romans 12:6)?
13. List the different gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8, and describe the way we are to use it.
14. What is the difference in the way Paul talks about our view toward ourselves (Romans 12:3-5) and the way the world or friends understand “self-esteem”?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 12:1-8. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri

Letter to Our Faithful Readers

A letter to our faithful readers...

If you are a regular follower of our ministry blog you have probably noticed a recent reduction in our usual weekly entries. I would like to assure you that we are still up and running and doing God's wonderful work! The reason for the sudden drop in our production is due to us giving our wonderful contributors some well-deserved time off to rejuvenate and refresh themselves, both personally and spiritually.

During this time, some of our ladies have been serving the Lord in different capacities other than writing. They have been actively attending conferences, retreats, preaching, teaching, conducting mini-seminars, and of course spending time with family and friends. Meanwhile, a few members of our staff graciously volunteered to keep things going for us. I would like to personally thank Sheri and Rochelle for being such beautiful examples of God's work. "Thank you ladies, we love you!"

We will return in full force once again at the beginning of October totally re-energized and ready to serve the Lord and spread the Word around the world. Until then, you are welcome to continue following our blog and searching our blog archives. We will definitely be back. May God bless each and every one of you!

Love,

~Eve

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 11:25-36

Hi, everyone!

I would like to thank you for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all is well in your life! This week, we will be studying Chapter 11, verses 25-36. It is my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

This week in summary...

As Paul draws to a conclusion, he explains that this is how "all Israel" will be saved. Through a "hardening in part" mercy can now be shown to the Gentiles, and by showing mercy to the Gentiles mercy will be available to disobedient Israel. In this way Paul can say that "God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all", proving that God is no respecter of persons and makes His plan of salvation available to all. Paul ends this section with a doxology praising the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 11:25-36. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Why doesn’t Paul want us to be ignorant of the mystery (Romans 11:25)?
2. Either explain this mystery in your own words or quote Paul (Romans 11:25b-d).
3. Will all or part of Israel be saved (Romans 11:26)?
4. How does Paul describe this salvation in verses 26-27 (this is from Isaiah 59:20-21)?
5. Share the two different views of the Israelites expressed in Romans 11:28: From the gospel’s point of view the Israelites are __________. They are His __________ when the Israelites obey.
6. What two things are irrevocable (Romans 11:29)? _________ and __________.
7. The pronouns of Romans 11:30-31 can be confusing. Please fill in what the words stand for: “Just as __________(you) who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of __________(their) disobedience, so____________ (they) too have now become disobedient in order that ___________(they) too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to ____________(you).”
8. For what reason has God bound all men over to disobedience (Romans 11:32)?
9. List at least five of the ways God is described in Romans 11:33-35.
10. Romans 11:36 is an expressive and yet terse summary of God’s power and being. Explain each of the given clauses given in your own words:
1) “from Him”
2) “through Him”
3) “to Him”
11. How does Paul close this message about election and salvation (Romans 11:36)?
12.Look back over Romans 11:33-36. What are some differences between God and yourself. Check and see if you have a tendency to complain or argue with God about something you don’t fully understand?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 11:25-36. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri