The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 6

“For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:25

Satan is always at work, seeking to blind the minds of men and women. His darkest work is to obscure man’s lost condition due to his sin and his need for Jesus Christ as his Savior, Lord, and Life. When the devil fails in this endeavor, he does not retire. Rather he is operating constantly to cause even the believer to exchange “the truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25). We do so when we allow the wrong thoughts of our childhood years to influence us. Perhaps you were one who could never please your father. Now you have a difficult time understanding how you can please your Heavenly Father.

We exchange the truth of God for a lie when we adopt the distorted cultural views of our society rather than the authority of the Scriptures. The world around us endorses the concept of “rights;” God talks about responsibility. The world sees sex as a mere physiological function without moral implications; God created sex for pleasure and procreation within the context of marital fidelity.

Is there any area of your past or present life in which you have accepted the lies of others about yourself instead of agreeing with God’s standard of truth about you once you are His child? If so, embrace God’s truth.

“...walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:8

The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 5

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

One of the greatest enemies of the truth of Christ is our feelings. We feel unworthy - even though God says we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and called by His name (Acts 2:21). We feel insignificant - even though everything we do can be done to the glory of God and used by Him to accomplish His sovereign purposes (Col. 3:17). We feel unloved - even though God says He cares for us like a shepherd for his sheep (John 10:11).

We must learn sooner or later to move past our feelings and instead lean on the indisputable fact of God’s Word. How can we do that? The best way is to compile a list of Scriptures which deal with the troubling emotions that beset us.

If we are depressed, we should take a week or so to find Scripture passages which deal with God’s joy and His comfort. Then we should write them down so that we can carry them with us. When these feelings assault us, we should turn to the Scriptures and read them aloud. We should tell the Lord Jesus Christ that we choose to believe His truth rather than our emotions. Then we should praise Him for His answer.

Refuse to budge. Your feelings may linger, but they will eventually will crumble under the weight of God’s mighty truth.

“...Your word is truth.” John 17:17

The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 4

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Imagine this scene: A young boy lives in a small frame house in the inner city. He is surrounded by poverty and crime. His days are filled with emptiness and despair. There seems to be no way out. He does poorly in school because he has no motivation.

One afternoon a gentleman knocks on the door. He shares staggering news - the young boy is a direct descendant of a writer of world renown. From that moment on, the boy is never the same. He studies hard; he goes to the library; he helps his parents. Yet all that is changed is how he views himself.

Do you see why it is so important to see ourselves in the light of God’s truth? We are not plain Joes and Janes; we are God’s sons and daughters. We are not rescued sinners with streaks of goodness; we are saints - the holy people of God. We are not the same, ordinary people we were before we received Christ; we are entirely new creations. There has been a radical change. We are now heirs with Christ. All that God has is ours as we receive His blessings humbly by faith (John 16:13-15).

How do you see yourself today? Lonely, inadequate, defeated, afraid? The truth of who you are in Christ will set you free.

“...Let Us make man in Our image...” Genesis 1:26

The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 3

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6

In the Fifty-first Psalm, David’s psalm of contrition, he declares, “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). God’s truth, woven richly into our innermost beings, is the foundation for freedom. God wants His truth to sink deep to establish His perfect wisdom in our minds and hearts.

When we understand the truth of our position in Christ, we understand that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit - that we are secure in the family of God. No act or thought can ever alienate us from the love of God. We no longer have to depend on others or other things for our identity. We belong to Christ; we are His and He is ours.

When we understand the truth of our personhood in Christ, our feeling of inferiority can dissolve. We are of infinite worth to God Who died on our behalf. It is not our income level or social status that determines our value; it is God’s estimation of our lives. We are so valuable to Him that He desires our company for all eternity.

When we understand the truth of our possessions in Christ, any incompetency or inadequacy we may feel is overcome. We have everything we need in the indwelling Christ. He makes us adequate for every demand.

“...From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 2

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
John 8:44-47

A highway designed to exacting specifications gives us the freedom to drive. Medicine formulated with precise chemical components gives us the freedom to enjoy its benefits. In every instance it is the truth - accurate, unbending - that is the foundation for lasting success.

It is the same with the spiritual realm. It is the eternal, unchanging, applicable, divine truth that sets us free to enjoy God and experience His blessings. That truth is Christ and His Word. When we have Christ within and when we abide in (live in, meditate on, internally assimilate) His unerring Word of Truth, we are on the road to freedom in our emotions, our wills, our intellects; in our families, our jobs, our relationships, and our future.

Our constant battle is against our deceiver, the devil. His tactics always are to distort and twist the truth He is the cursed liar who seeks to enslave our inner man. The devil tells us: “You are no good. God cannot possibly be pleased with you. You will never amount to anything. You cannot measure up to others. You cannot overcome this habit.” This master liar can be overcome only by the truth of God as revealed in His Word and applied by the Holy Spirit.

“Enter through the narrow gate...” Matthew 7:13

The Truth Will Set You Free

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

Freedom - some people spend a lifetime seeking it. They may endure tremendous hardships waiting for it. Yet the cost is borne because the alternative of oppression is too horrible for them to bear. Christ Jesus was and is the Great Emancipator. He came to set men and women free - not from political or military tyranny but from the far worse grip of sin.

When you embraced Christ as your Savior, Lord, and Life, you were liberated immediately from the penalty of sin - eternal death. Its mastery over you was shattered instantaneously and permanently. That was only the beginning. Christ did not come to loose you from sin’s penalty only but to unshackle you from its power that still seeks to enslave your emotions, will, and personality.

“...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” Jesus declared (John 10:10). Was He only joking? Did He really mean that we can attain to a life that is surpassingly free from the chains of habits and fears and worries Did Christ ever speak a false word? No, He wants you to be free to experience the most wonderful life you can imagine - His life expressed through your personality. Are you ready to learn how?

“...Your word is truth...” Psalm 119:160

No Condemnation!

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, ‘FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.’ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:34-39

Many Christians fail to grow in their relationship to Christ - not because of indifference or sin - but due to nagging feelings of guilt and condemnation. We feel unworthy of God’s blessings. We are convinced He cannot love us anymore because of what we have done or said.

This inner turmoil is the work of Satan who seeks to destroy our fellowship with the Father. A distorted view of our performance lies at the root of this evil. We somehow think if we live righteously enough, then we merit God’s approval; if we falter, we must face His disapproval. This kind of thinking is false.

God has accepted the Christian completely - based on the forgiveness provided by Christ Jesus on the cross. We are no longer under God’s wrath, but we are recipients of His grace which is given without respect to performance. Grace came to us freely at salvation and continues to flow thereafter.

No misdeed can sever our personal relationship with God. If we have sinned, confession and repentance restore total intimacy. Sacrifice or penance in the form of good works or self-denial are useless.

If feelings of guilt have stunted your fellowship with Christ, they can be removed instantly by your humble confession. Never let your performance hinder God’s grace.

“Who is the one who condemns?...” Romans 8:34

Dealing with Guilt

“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21

Why is the cross the resource for dealing with guilt? Because all men and women one day will stand before God to have their sins judged. Those who have received God’s pardon by faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice will not be condemned. Those who have not had their guilt removed through the cross will be condemned for eternity. The cross is the basis for dealing with guilt.

The ten-year-old who steals a pen in school, the teenager who cheats on a test, the adult who cheats on his income tax - all experience certain degrees of guilt. For the believer, that guilt is the work of the Holy Spirit Who seeks to convict us. He does not condemn us. His conviction is to bring us back into fellowship with the Savior. That happens when we admit our wrongs, confess our sins to God, and receive His forgiveness.

Will we still endure the consequences? Yes. The ten-year-old may have to stay after class; the teenager may be suspended; the adult may pay a fine or spend time in jail. Still, forgiveness of our sins restores our relationship to God and releases guilt’s grip on our emotions. Our guilt has been atoned for by Christ for which we can be eternally grateful.

“...Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow...” Isaiah 1:18

How to Handle Guilt

“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

The newspaper headline read: “Bank Robber turns Himself in After 20 Years.” The accompanying story told how a man finally had gone to a local jail and confessed to a crime he had committed twenty years before. Why would he voluntarily surrender to authorities when he might not be found out - at least on earth? “I just could not live with the guilt anymore,” the man said.

Guilt afflicts the entire human race. We know the inner gnawing and churning that come with having violated the moral or civil code. It drives some to depression, others to compulsive behavior, others to suicide.

The foundation for dealing with all guilt is the cross where Christ died. Jesus, the Son of God, became a guilt offering for us. Because Christ bore God’s ultimate judgment, we are free to experience the forgiveness of God.

When we receive Christ by faith, God declares us “not guilty.” The slate is clean. We are pardoned from our sin - from both its penalty (which is death) and its guilt. Our consciences are cleansed and our burdens are lifted.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found...For He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

The Place of Fasting in Prayer

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

We want the power to live the Christian life. The problem is that often we are unwilling to employ or submit to the disciplines which release the power of the Lord Jesus.

In his book, How to Pray, R.A. Torrey explains the relationship of fasting to prevailing prayer: “If we want to pray with power, we should pray with fasting. This, of course, does not mean that we should fast every time we pray. But there are times of emergency or special crises, when men of earnestness will withdraw themselves even from the gratification of natural appetites that would be perfectly proper under other circumstances, that they may give themselves up solely to prayer.

There is...power in such prayer. Every great crisis in life and work should be met in that way. There is nothing pleasing to God in our giving up things which are pleasant in a purely Pharisaic and legal way.

But there is power in that downright earnestness and determination to obtain, in prayer, the things of which we strongly feel our need. This feeling of urgency leads us to put away everything, even things that are normal and necessary, that we may set our faces to find God and obtain blessings from Him.”

“So we fasted and sought our God...” Ezra 8:23

Needed: A Positive Confession

“You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

If you attached a tape recorder to yourself, what would the playback reveal concerning your speech at the end of a day? Our conversation can reveal much regarding our spiritual commitment. Do we truly believe in and live by the truth of the Scriptures, or does our language mirror an ordinary worldview?

A positive confession, based on the Scriptures, bolsters our faith and encourages others. We may be in a bad financial situation. Do we complain about our state? Or do we confess the truth that our “God will supply all (our) needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19)? Our confession in such circumstances mirrors our genuine belief in the power of God and His Word which sustain us, encourage us (and others), and build truth into our lives.

A positive confession is a testimony to others. As they hear our trust in God verbalized, they are confronted with the truth. Our words and our lives are sermons that preach to everyone around us. What we say can point an unbeliever to Christ while keeping our spiritual compass fixed on Him.

Let your speech be an accurate sounding of God’s truth.

“Let the words of my mouth...be acceptable in Your sight...” Psalm 19:14

The Key to Contentment, Part 2

“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

How is God sufficient for our every need? “My grace is sufficient for you...” (2 Cor. 12:9). The unlimited, immeasurable, superabundant grace of God is adequate for all our needs. What is grace? It seems so vague. It sounds nice, but how do we grasp it?

Ron Hutchcraft, a popular radio speaker, defined God’s grace in this way: “Grace is whatever you need, whenever you need it.” In other words, grace is custom-tailored to your personalized set of needs.

Do you need courage? God’s grace is sufficient. Do you need hope? God’s grace will supply it. Do you need wisdom? God’s grace is more than adequate. Do you need financial help? God’s grace will provide a channel of aid. Knowing the sufficiency of God’s grace, we can learn to be content in our circumstances. Regardless of the situation, there is nothing that God cannot supply with His abounding love and favor.

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ today for His amazing grace that fits your most pressing demands - perfectly.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16

The Key to Contentment

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Secrets - whether a grandmother’s special recipe or a company’s unique product formula - are rarely revealed. In his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul provided all who would read the Scriptures with the secret of contended living. Paul announced to them and us that he was content in life - whether he had scraps for dinner or a feast, whether his purse was bulging or flat. His secret is shared in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

The Greek word for contentment is translated “self-sufficiency” or “self-satisfaction.” That may surprise you. At first glance, Paul appears to say that the secret to contentment lies in his own resilient self. But what he was expressing was this: “My self-sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy because through Him I am equipped and sustained.”

Paul’s secret is yours. Despite the circumstances, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need - in good times and bad.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” 1 Timothy 6:6

Do You Believe It?

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

The startling command of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 bewilders even committed believers at times: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” How do we give thanks in times of catastrophe? For what are we grateful when disaster strikes?

As foreign as it may seem, we give thanks to God in all things because His sovereign, loving power is able to weave our grief, sorrow, and pain into the fabric of His eternal plan for our lives. God does not cause evil, and neither is He conquered by it. His purpose for us cannot be thwarted by our problems. For that, we can give thanks in the midst of our adversity.

Margaret Clarkson wrote years ago in Grace Grows Best in Winter:
“The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God. All evil is subject to Him, and evil cannot touch His children unless He permits it. God is the Lord of human history and of the personal history of every member of His redeemed family.”

“...no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

Suffering a Faith Failure

“Thus they told him, and said, ‘We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.’ Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, ‘We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.’ But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.’

So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, ‘The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.’” Numbers 13:27-33

“Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, ‘Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!’” Numbers 14:1-2

Of the millions of men, women, and children who trudged through the wilderness, only two (Caleb and Joshua) saw “the promise” of the Promised Land. The millions suffered a faith failure. Like the sinning Israelites, we too hesitate when facing a challenge, allowing the obstacles to frighten us and even immobilize us. Our objectives are not reached, and our faith sags instead of stretching us.

The key to a growing, confident faith is a consistent focus on the power and might of God. Caleb and Joshua saw imposing giants - as did the rest of the Israeli spies - but they measured them against the power of the Most High God. The focus that develops faith to tackle life’s challenges comes from sustained, concentrated meditation on the Word of God. Remember God’s instructions to Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night...” (Joshua 1:8).

Joshua and Caleb kept their gaze on God in an unwavering faith in His Word. Then when the challenge came, they drew their conclusions on the basis of God’s unlimited resources - not theirs. Nourish your faith for tomorrow’s challenges by renewing your mind in God’s Word today.

“If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.” Proverbs 24:10

How to Deal with Bitterness, Part 2

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Once we decide we are able to accept the fact that the situation which brought on our bitterness was allowed by our Father, we are ready to move into the second stage of healing. A bitter spirit can be eliminated completely through unconditional forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive those who offended us, we will not be free from bitterness.

“But how can I forgive the drunk driver who killed my son?” There is only one way: Extend the same unmerited love God has for you to the one who has wounded you by allowing the Lord Jesus to replace your hatred with His love for him. He wants to express His love through you to that person.

Only God’s love and forgiveness are big enough to tackle a bitter spirit. Our own goodwill and intentions are momentary cures. God forgives us despite our grievous sins. He holds nothing against us when we receive Christ Jesus as our Savior, Lord, and Life.

Bitterness retreats when we deliberately forgive another - regardless of how we feel - as we trust Christ to love him through us. A bitter spirit will be deprived of its nourishment - and die - as we continue to express God’s love. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. When you do, the joy and peace of God will be yours.

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” Psalm 86:5

How to Deal with Bitterness

When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:15-21

The first step in removing a bitter spirit is to recognize God’s sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. That means - no matter who hurt you or what trauma you or a loved one have gone through - the Lord Jesus Christ allowed it to happen so that you could experience His grace and sufficiency.

This phase is probably the most difficult of our healing process. From our perspective, it seems God is not in control, that He does not care, that He could stop the pain. In reality God is in full control, allowing disturbing events or people to come our way.

In the nineteenth century Hannah Whitall Smith in The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life wrote: “It may be the sin of many that originates the action, and therefore the thing itself cannot be said to be the will of God; but by the time it reaches us, it has become God’s will for us and must be accepted as directly from His hands. No man or company of men, no power in earth or heaven, can touch that soul which is abiding in Christ, without first passing through His encircling presence and receiving the seal of His permission....Nothing can disturb or harm us, except He shall see that it is best for us and shall stand aside to let it pass.”

“...But He does according to His will...” Daniel 4:35

Symptoms of Bitterness

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:29-31

Like an infection left untreated, bitterness spreads as a cancer when we refuse to deal with its presence. It spills over into our emotions. We can become easily irritated; we may become sullen and sour; or often we may find ourselves on the verge of tears. We can slide into depression and despair over little things. Our outlook can lean to the pessimistic side. Cynicism and skepticism reign.

Bitterness also can seep into our relationships. The atmosphere in our homes becomes volatile; our children set us on edge. Friendships are stained; isolation advances. Likewise, it taints our work. We are seldom happy at what we do. Our productivity decreases; our creativity diminishes; our orientations toward detail fades. The more the infection of bitterness spreads, the greater our sense of isolation. We tend to withdraw from new ventures or relationships because we fear being hurt again. The most noticeable loss is in our sense of well-being and joy. Laughter and spontaneity surface only occasionally.

Do any of these symptoms strike home? Has bitterness taken its toll on your emotions, your relationships, your home? If so, the disease not only can be checked but cured by a proved biblical prescription. Which we will begin to look at tomorrow.

“And their talk will spread like gangrene...” 2 Timothy 2:17

Bitterness

“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:14-15

Health bulletins routinely carry warnings about leaving water-containing items - such as cans and old tires - scattered around the house or farm. It is not just that these collectors are unsightly, but they are prime breeding grounds for insects. Likewise, the poisonous fruit of a bitter spirit is cultivated in various breeding grounds.

Bitterness is bred in the soil of unfulfilled expectations. We have aspirations and hopes that never mature: “Why didn’t I get that job?” “Why haven’t I accomplished what I wanted in life?” Such dashed dreams can form the perfect atmosphere to nourish a bitter spirit.

Bitterness also is bred in the hearth of adverse circumstances. “Why did my child die so young?” “Why did I get fired from my job?” Affliction can be a hammer that drives us ever deeper into despair, providing the ideal environment for a bitter spirit to grow.

Bitterness also is cultivated through continued anger at people or events. A few days of hostility toward someone or something can become a season, a year, a lifetime of suppressed rage which nourishes a bitter spirit daily.

“And do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:27

How to Handle Fear, Part 2

“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

If you can remember only one verse when the rush of fear would overwhelm you, memorize the previous verse. Its comfort lies in the amazing truth of its message:

Do not fear, for I am with you. God, Who is far greater than your anxiety, is intimately with you. Think of how comforting it is to have this Friend with you in your time of need. Now think of the steadiness of the presence of your mighty Friend, Jesus Christ.

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. In all of His power and love, the Lord is bound by His covenant to you. He is interested in you personally, and He wants you to focus on Him.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Our Lord, Who is with you and cares for you, will come to your aid. He will sustain you; He will not leave you helpless.

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. You may be weak and feeble, but God has gripped your life with His steadfast love. He will not let you go (John 10:27-30).

Let the deep significance of these divine words sink deep into your heart. By God’s grace, they can calm the inner storms generated by your fears and eventually uproot them as Christ becomes your peace and trust (Eph. 2:13-16).

“It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20

Happy Mother’s Day!

“Her children rise up and bless her;
her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
‘Many daughters have done nobly,
but you excel them all.’
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:28-31

The following is a list of “I owe you’s” which apply to mothers all over the country, all of which are long overdue. Stop after each one and consider the priceless value of the one who made your life possible - your mother.

“Dear Mom:
As I walk through my museum of memories,
I owe you - for your time. Day and night.
I owe you - for your example. Consistent and dependable.
I owe you - for your support. Stimulating and challenging.
I owe you - for your humor. Sparky and quick.
I owe you - for your counsel. Wise and quiet.
I owe you - for your humility. Genuine and gracious.
I owe you - for your hospitality. Smiling and warm.
I owe you - for your insight. Keen and honest.
I owe you - for your flexibility. Patient and joyful.
I owe you - for your sacrifices. Numerous and quickly forgotten.
I owe you - for your faith. Solid and sure.
I owe you - for your hope. Ceaseless and indestructible.
I owe you - for your love. Devoted and deep.”

-Charles R. Swindoll, Strong Family

How to Handle Fear

“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19

There is nothing wrong with a few healthy fears. We should be wary of poisonous snakes, hurricanes, drugs, and fires. Usually it is not these kinds of fears that cause us problems. Rather it is the fear of people or of legitimate events or circumstances that can form enslaving strongholds which torment us night and day.

The foundation for overcoming our bondage begins with an understanding of fear’s origin and nature. Fear began with the fall of man. Before sin, fear was nonexistent (Gen. 2:25; 3:8-10). Then the origin of sin can be traced to Satan’s influence in the world. Behind our fears is the work of our archenemy, seeking to rob us of our confidence and joy.

Think of your fear in this way: Whatever the nature of your fear, it is based on false assumptions. Your fear is a lie because its perpetrator, the devil, is a “liar” (John 8:44). You may be afraid of what the future holds. That is Satan’s lie - designed to obscure the truth of God’s sovereignty and care (Phil. 1:21-24). You may be afraid of failure. That is Satan’s lie - conceived to hide the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is within you, will never fail or forsake you (Col. 3:4; Heb. 13:5).

There is no fear in love. Trust God - He loves you and will never forsake you!

“The fear of man brings a snare...” Proverbs 29:25

The Pursuit of Happiness

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Happiness often becomes an endless pursuit, not an achievement. The biblical prescription for happiness in the fifth chapter of Matthew opposes the world’s counsel - but offers genuine fulfillment:

“Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit (the contented person)...” (Matt. 5:3).
“Blessed are those who mourn (the caring person)...” (5:4).
“Blessed are the gentle (the giving person)...” (5:5).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (the God-fearing person)...” (5:6).
“Blessed are the merciful (the compassionate person)...” (5:7).
“Blessed are the pure in heart (the single-minded person)...” (5:8).
“Blessed are the peacemakers (the loving person)...” (5:9).
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness (the obedient person)...” (5:10).

As you meditate on the above Scriptures and ask the Father to apply their truth in your life, lasting happiness can be a possession, not merely a futile pursuit. Christ Jesus is our happiness (Neh. 8:10).

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD...” Psalm 128:1

Dealing with Personal Conflict, Part 2

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Conflict affects people in different ways. Some internalize their difficulties - which can lead to sustained anger and frustration. Others fully vent their feelings and emotions - which may make them feel better momentarily but does not solve their problems. Still others try to ignore their problems, hoping they will disappear as time passes.

In God’s plan conflicts initiate the following scriptural scenario:

First, our conflicts should drive us to the Lord Jesus Christ. We look to God’s Word to guide our conduct; we seek His face to steady our course. We lean on His strength, depend on His wisdom, and take refuge in His arms.

Second, we entrust our problems to the Lord’s care. God is responsible for His children. Our conflicts concern Him, and He promises to sustain us if we cast our burdens on Him (1 Pet. 5:6-7).

Third, we thank God for an outcome that glorifies Him. The Lord uses our conflicts to produce outstanding results that will benefit us on earth and in heaven.

By taking our problems to the Father, we have engaged our Mighty God to work in our behalf. These problems can be solved as we allow Him to fight our battles for us (Ex. 14:14; Rev. 19:11).

“...we are powerless...but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Dealing with Personal Conflict, Part 1

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Given the choice, most of us would choose membership in “the status quo society”: “Lord, things are going pretty well for me now. I’d rather not have trouble knock at my door just now.” That is a common sentiment. We want to maintain our comfort zone. We dislike change - especially the kind that is brought on by conflict.

The moment friction enters the picture - in our relationships or in our circumstances - the peaceful, easy feeling of the status quo disintegrates. But if we view conflict as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, we make amazing discoveries.

Conflict generates alertness to both God’s and Satan’s presence. When trouble strikes, we realize we are in spiritual warfare. We sense the adversary at work, but more importantly we are sensitized to God’s Word and His Spirit.

Conflict also generates action. No one has to tell us to open the Scriptures; no one must force us to pray. We are motivated and mobilized by the Lord to both search the Scriptures and pray.

Conflict changes our attitudes. We become more grateful, more submissive, more dependent on God, more humble, and more understanding of others’ needs.

“Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials.” James 1:2

Repentance: Complete or Incomplete

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said,
“THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’”
Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Matthew 3:1-8

Sometimes repentance can seem a little like commercials in that there is no end. We come before God, confess our sins, express our desire for repentance - and find ourselves in exactly the same condition the next time we approach our Father. Biblical repentance means forsaking sin, not simply confessing it. To forsake is to leave behind, to abandon. We repent not just with our hearts but with our actions.

“Oh,” you say, “I wish it were that simple. How can I quit gossiping when I seem addicted to it?” To repent biblically, we must ask God to give us hatred of evil, to give us repentance (2 Tim. 2:24-26). God still hates sin - even in the Christian’s life. Sin is not just a mistake or a shortcoming or a fault; sin is rebellion against God for which Christ died. We possess power in the person of the Holy Spirit to conquer our sin. We can effectively repent of sin because of sin’s Slayer, Jesus Christ, empowers us. We are not left to our own devices, our own will power.

Is there a nagging area of disobedience in your life that you are unable to conquer? Face it as sin; count on God’s unequaled power each day; and preserve as Christ frees you moment by moment from its grip.

“...the kindness of God leads you to repentance.”
Romans 2:4

The Ruin of Rebellion

“That they should put their confidence in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep His commandments,
and not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that did not prepare its heart
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:7-8

“They did not keep the covenant of God
and refused to walk in His law;
They forgot His deeds
and His miracles that He had shown them.” Psalm 78:10-11

“Yet they still continued to sin against Him,
to rebel against the Most High in the desert.” Psalm 78:17

“How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness
and grieved Him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40

“Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God
and did not keep His testimonies,
but turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers;
they turned aside like a treacherous bow.” Psalm 78:56-57

Various singers have made these words famous: “I did it my way...” While that phrase may seem catchy and harmless on the surface, it can conceal the deep, dark root of a rebellious spirit toward God. Whether we are teenagers despising our parents, workers ignoring office rules, or spouses refusing to yield our rights, we have fallen into the dangerous trap of seeking to act independently of God. Ignoring the authority of the Scriptures, we seek to blaze our own path - to achieve our desires in our way, in our power.

When we do rebel against clear standards of Godly authority, we fall for Satan’s lie that our way is better than God’s. The devil is the original and ultimate rebel, challenging God’s authority and reign (Isaiah 14:4-21). His defeat was certain the moment he rebelled, and his eventual fate of the lake of fire is likewise guaranteed (Rev. 20:10).

If you are in a state of rebellion now, think about the causes and consequences. Ultimately its point of origin is Satan who never delivers what he promises because he is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Doing it our way may appear to work for a season, but its end is always bitter. Do it God’s way an enjoy the blessings of obedience.

“How blessed are those who observe His testimonies...” Psalm 119:2