Bitterness

Happy Sunday!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series, "The Seven Deadly Emotions", with emotion number two, "Bitterness". He used Genesis 50:19 as his reference scripture.

What a fitting emotion to cover on a day that can be very painful for some of us. God designed the family! He intended for the godly father and mother to rear godly sons and daughters. Sadly, the family has been under attack for thousands of years. It is a demonic strategy of the enemy. Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)". John 10:10 (Amplified Version)
OUR enemy wants us to fail! OUR enemy wants us to miss out on the blessings of GOD. Our enemy wants us to be filled with bitterness and unforgiveness, because he knows the Word. God's Word says, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." Matthew 6:14 (New Living Translation)

God's Word is TRUE! Every story comes alive, and can be compared to our daily life to give us guidance and reassurance. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." 2 Timothy 3:16 (Message Translation)

You have probably heard the story of Joseph preached many times. Bishop made us laugh by saying, "It's better than Scandal!" The Bible is full of real life drama.

Joseph was his father's favorite son. His brothers were bitter about it. They plotted to kill him. Instead they threw him in a pit, sold him into slavery, and lied to their father about what happened to him. Years later there was a famine in their country. They went down to Egypt to buy food. When they arrived in Egypt they were reunited with their younger brother Joseph. That same young man that they treated so badly was now the second in command in Egypt and in charge of the food supplies! When Joseph revealed to them that he was their brother, they fell on their faces. They thought he would surely have them all killed. "But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." Genesis 50:19 (New Living Translation)

Maya Angelou said, "Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host". Sure, you have good reason to be angry and bitter! They should never have treated you like that! But you have no right to be bitter! The part of Genesis 50:19 that sticks with me is the part that says,"Am I God, that I can punish you?" Joseph understood that we cannot punish others for the way they have treated us. God must do that! Being bitter only hurts us. Humans are human. They are frail and flawed. All of their experiences have made them who they are. Dr. Phil, Oprah, and even your best psychiatrist will never be able to explain "why". We have to trust GOD! We have to believe the WORD. "Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Romans 12:19 (Message Translation)

Your assignment for this week, if you choose to accept it, is to..."Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." Ephesians 4:31 (New Living Translation)

Don't let the enemy block your flow of blessings with bitterness. Release forgiveness in prayer, ask God to help you and he will!

Love and prayers, Cynthia