Don't Let Bitterness Destroy Us

Bitterness can destroy us if we let it… so we must not let it!
If we get caught up in the intense feelings of anger or regret, we know all too well the destructive power of these emotions. How can we rid ourselves of these feelings? First, we must ask God to free us from these feelings. Then, we must learn to catch ourselves whenever thoughts of bitterness begin to attack us. Our challenge is this: We must learn to resist negative thoughts before they hijack our emotions.
Barbara Johnson has this sound advice: “It is better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.” And she’s right –it’s better to forget than regret.

Philippians 3: 13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It's Just Stuff

Here’s something we need to remember about stuff: It’s not that important!
Many people are in love with money and the things that money can buy. God is not. God cares about people, not possessions, and so must we.
We should not be too concerned about the clothes we wear, or the things we own. And above all, we should never let our self-esteem depend upon the things that we own.
The stuff that we own isn’t nearly as important as the love that we feel in our heart-love for our family, love for our friends, and love for our Father in heaven.
Too much stuff doesn’t ensure happiness. In fact, having too much stuff can actually prevent happiness.

Can we relate to the excitement of purchasing that "special something" but felt another round of emptyness by the next day. We must be careful not to get caught in the trap of thinking this is how to obtain joy. True and lasting happiness along with joy can only come from God.

Luke 12:15 (King James Version) 15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

How Do We Handle Peer Pressure

Can we say that we are a people-pleaser or a God-pleaser? Hopefully, we can say we’re far more concerned with pleasing God than we are with pleasing our friends. Even being a devoted Christian, we may still feel the urge to impress our friends and acquaintances-and sometimes that urge can be strong and overwhelming.
Peer pressure can be good or bad, depending upon who our peers are. If our friends encourage us to follow God’s will and to obey His commandments, then we’ll experience positive peer pressure, and that’s a good thing. But, if we let someone encourage us to do foolish things, then we’re facing a different kind of peer pressure and we’d better beware.
We always have choices. We can choose to please God first, or we can fall victim to peer pressure. The choice is ours along with the consequences. Those who follow the crowd will usually get lost in it.
Since we can’t please everybody, it would be better trying to please the people who are trying to help us become a better person.

Purpose

“What on earth does God intend for me to do with my life?” It’s an easy question to ask but, for many of us, a difficult question to answer. Why? Because God’s purposes aren’t always clear to us. Sometime we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making. And sometimes, we struggle mightily against God in an unsuccessful attempt to find success and happiness through our own means, not His.

Are we genuinely trying to figure out God’s purpose for our life? If so, we can be sure that with God’s help, we will eventually discover it. So we keep praying, and keep watching. And rest assured: God’s got big plans for us…very big plans.

Discovering God’s purpose for our lives requires a willingness to be open. God’s plan is unfolding day by day. If we keep our eyes and our hearts open, He’ll reveal His plans. He may have quite a few lessons to teach us before we are fully prepared to do His will and fulfill His purposes.

Gratitude

For most of us, life is busy and complicated. We have countless responsibilities, some of which begin before sunrise and many of which end long after sunset. Amid the rush and crush of the daily grind, it is easy to lose sight of God and His blessings. But, when we forget to slow down and say “Thank You” to our Maker, we rob ourselves of His presence, His peace, and His joy.

Our task, as believing Christians, is to praise God many times each day. Then, with gratitude in our hearts, we can face our daily duties with the perspective and power that only He can provide.

Need to Love God's People

You can't love God without loving God's people...

Do We Have The Answers?

In Matthew
Jesus made the statement: I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?

Jesus made the statement: You must first answer my question then I’ll answer your question. Have you ever been in the place where you wonder why God doesn’t answer your questions? Could it be that we haven’t answered the questions that He has asked us? We wonder “what question is He asking me?” He may be asking us if we are willing to obey "all" of his word or trying to direct us about an obstacle in our lives. Could it be that maybe He’s talking to us through convictions and we let them roll off our sleeves long enough that we miss his conversation? Are we waking up at night thinking we just can’t sleep but maybe it's Him gently calling us to prayer at a time when nothing else can distract us? Our spirit knows when He is calling. Each one of us have witnessed his tug - I pray that we will answer so we can hear Him answer. True peace comes when we are right with Jesus. We will never be perfect, and he doesn't expect us to be. He just wants us to be a willing vessel that will heed to His call...

He truly wants us to have the answers to some of our questions. Don't forget prayer and fasting, and the more you pray the more you want to pray. A little sacrifice will soon feel like no sacrifice at all because our love for God is stronger.
Above all else this week, seek God...

Renew A Right Spirit Within Me

One scripture I have memorized is:

Psalms 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
According to my bible the word “right” means steadfast.
So I went to Dictionary.com and the word steadfast means the following:
1) Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable; “firm convictions”; “a firm mouth”; “steadfast resolve”; “a man of unbendable perseverance”; “unwavering loyalty”.
2) firm and dependable especially in loyalty; "a steadfast ally"; "a staunch defender of free speech"; "unswerving devotion"; "unswerving allegiance".

I have always thought a right spirit meant just to do what’s right towards God and others. To be nice, giving, understanding and so on. I never took it deeper with the meaning of being steadfast, firm, loyal and unswerving. I would like to think that I am these things, but now this has given the scripture a whole new meaning to me. When I pray for a "right spirit", I will now understand that Jesus will be working on me to be more dependable, usable, not given to unbelief, trusting more. I could go on and on. The words are flooding my mind to how much deeper this scripture goes.

If you have more insight to this scripture, I would love to hear your thoughts.

You're Not Alone

Sometimes we may feel all alone. But Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us. Sure, I wish I could see him sitting beside me or walking with me, but that's not going to happen. We need to know by faith that He is there. Each time you can imagine this in your mind, your faith will grow and you will always know that He is beside you.