Don't Get Bitter

               
'...Watch out that no...bitterness grows up...' Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Good morning everyone! We are back from vacation and had an incredible time of ministry at the rally in Eureka Mt. The Tribe of Judah is a wonderful group of men and women who have a heart to see people saved and healed. Sleeping in a tent in 35 degree weather wasn't to fun, but God made up for it in many different ways. Amy had the chance to minister to one specific woman and she made a lifelong friend. One of the things that we as believers must be careful of is bitterness. I was listening to a story recently about this subject of betrayal. Betrayal is something others do to you; bitterness is something you do to yourself. It's impossible to go through life without being hurt. It may be an unfaithful spouse, an employee who slanders you or a boss who fires you without explanation. Sitting at supper with His disciples, Jesus said, 'One of you will betray Me.' (Mark 14:18 NIV) Shortly after that, Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. Some folks will kiss you today and kick you tomorrow. But Jesus refused to become bitter. That's because He knew Judas' kiss would usher Him into His destiny. Nor did Jesus turn His back on Peter when he denied Him. Instead, Peter was the only one He mentioned by name when He arranged to meet His disciples for breakfast following the resurrection. Jesus saw Peter in the light of his potential, not his problems. What Peter did at one moment didn't keep Jesus from seeing what he would become when His grace touched Peter's life. And you must be that way too. This is why Paul wrote: 'Get rid of all bitterness... Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.' (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT) So eliminate any words of bitterness from your conversation. Stop rehearsing the details of your past unless it's to teach and encourage others to rise above theirs. Finally, God will never tell you something that goes against His word, the Bible. God will never tell you its ok to walk away from the church or from loving those who hurt you. Why? Because the Bible tells us so. What are you doing to make sure no bitterness remains in your heart? God says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.' (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV) You are loved...We missed you all!