The Destruction of Bitterness

Last night the ladies from our church celebrated an evening out at Panera Bread. It was an awesome night. The fellowship was sooooooo good. We had a great time and I appreciate each of them so much. We need Christian friends so that we can encourage and pray for one another. God never intended for us to be satisfied on an island.

I am excited! Brandon and Casey are on their way to the east coast!! They should arrive late this afternoon. Bobby and I are taking vacation next week. Family Time!!!!! Love it!

I am constantly hearing so many storiees of people who are dissatisfied with their church and pastor. It breaks my heart to hear people bash their church and the man or woman God has called to shepherd the church. Folks, it isn't our church. It is God's church and His ministry. When are we going to realize that life isn't all about us? People need to dig into their Bibles and diligently seek God's face for forgiveness in their own lives. It seems like so many today are quick to criticize others but have failed to take inventory of their own house.

In churches all over the world people become disgruntled with the church, pastor, or people in the congregation weekly. Choosing not to confront the issues they elect to leave the church. Unfortunately they usually don't leave quietly and even after they leave often times they continue to sow seeds of discontent because they are harboring a bitter and contrite spirit. Oh yes, they tell everyone that life is grand and they could not be happier but the discernment of God clearly reveals the opposite. Because they did not resolve the issue that caused them anger, bitterness will overpower their lives. You can lie to yourself repeatedly but a bitter person does not attract friends or grow God's Kingdom.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

God commands each of us to get along with one another. The Bible also instructs us to go to the person who has offended us and discuss the offense. Anger turns to bitterness and bitterness grows like a cancer causing hearts to become very cold and callous. Bitterness is sin and if the devil has convinced you otherwise you have certainly been deceived. Sin always blocks our vision of God.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Bitterness is clearly described as a root. Most of the time you cannot see a root because it is buried deep within the ground. If the root of a tree is damaged the tree will perish. If we harbor bitterness in our hearts it will most definitely affect every area of our lives. When we bury bitterness and anger deep within our hearts we can never live in victory. We will never be happy. We will not experience peace and joy is totally out of the question. Our walk with Christ will be tainted. If things are not resolved with the person who hurt you, bitterness will contaminate everything about your life. Your personality, your attitude, and most importantly your walk with Christ. When bitterness shows up in our hearts it overshadows even our deepest Christian relationships. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills our lives, however, he leaves no room for bitterness.

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing - but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. Hebrews 12:14-17 (The Message)

If we are sincere about chasing God and fulfilling His will for our lives, holiness and God's character must permeate our lives. There is no place in a Christian's life for bitterness. If you have elected to leave your church and have recently started to attend another church don't criticize and destroy the work of the former pastor and church. You are living in a very dangerous place if you are constantly gossiping. No sin will enter heaven. The Bible doesn't say some sin or a little sin will enter heaven. The Bible clearly states that sin separates us from God and no sin will enter heaven.

We are truly living in the last days and people who served the Lord all their lives are being deceived and have turned away from God. Seek God daily by reading your Bible and praying. Grow a close relationship with Christ. Walk so close to God that you will know without a shadow of a doubt that when that trumpet sounds you will be gone! Life is too short to carry bitterness and anger in your heart. Make things right today. No one is worth missing heaven. And besides that ....... God has a great plan for your life!

Blessings to you today! Have an awesome weekend!