Get Rid of the Bad Stuff

 

Discernment is a powerful tool for guiding our decisions and choices. In our world, there exists both good and bad. James 1:17(NLT) tells us: “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” In contrast, Jesus Christ teaches in John 10:10 that the devil is a thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Every negative, dark, evil, and destructive element finds its root in satan. By applying the wisdom of God’s Word, we can sharpen our discernment regarding the origin of every circumstance, encounter, and experience in our lives. This understanding enables us to differentiate what comes from God and what comes from satan, empowering us to make informed choices about whom we will serve.

The directive from our Heavenly Father in Ephesians 4:30-32 (NLT) states: “30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

God’s directive in this passage is extremely meaningful and impactful to our lives. He imparts wisdom that guides us to cultivate a life of love and light, following the example of Jesus Christ. Through His Word, we understand that bad stuff—negative emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and actions—are rooted in darkness, the realm of evil. If we participate in things that have their root in satan, we are opening ourselves to trouble. Therefore, we face a choice: either we embody the ugliness we feel or get rid of the bad stuff like anger and bitterness.

To feel better about our lives and ourselves, we can seek God’s forgiveness, forgive ourselves, and extend forgiveness to those that have caused us pain. This process allows us to experience the peace and healing of Christ and move forward positively in God’s love by accepting the comfort that He offers to each of us.

In 2 Corinthians 1:4-7 (NLT), our Heavenly Father assures believers, through the Apostle Paul, of His provision of comfort and healing as we deal with heartbreak, trouble, and challenges: “4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”

The more we endure for Christ, the more of God's comfort we experience through our blessed Lord. Even when we're weighed down by troubles, ultimately, it can benefit the comfort and salvation of others. When we receive God's comfort, we're better equipped to comfort those around us, helping them endure their own challenges. We experience a very special aspect of unity in Christ this way, understanding that this Christian journey is a shared one, where we find strength and encouragement in him together.

Discomfort and pain are not meant to be our norm. So, we must never allow our negative feelings to dictate our spiritual journey with God. If we have strayed from the path He intended for us, our circumstances often make us uncomfortable to show us the need for a course correction. Therefore, pain, mixed emotions, and feeling bad should serve as warning signs that prompt us to pursue the light and love of positive change through Christ.

When we linger too long in darkness, our circumstances can become toxic and unbearable. 2 Corinthians 7:9 encourages us that this discomfort should compel us to repent and change our ways. In other words, we must take responsibility for motivating ourselves to make necessary changes by seeking God’s Will and following His Word.

Our loving Heavenly Father desires for us to know joy, love, and success in life. Yet, He also recognizes that achieving these blessings often involves enduring challenging circumstances and embracing necessary changes. While adjusting to new routines can be tough, resisting change can prompt life to intervene and shift our perspective. This isn't the end of the story; rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter!

Through our victory in Christ, we are equipped to navigate hardships without succumbing to bitterness, anger, jealousy, or any other negative influences. When we set our sights on this goal, we consistently emerge victorious and transformed according to God’s plan and purpose for our lives. His guidance leads us toward a life filled with fulfillment and spiritual growth. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Get Rid of the Bad Stuff”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God Never Forsakes His People

Christians are often known for their warmth and friendliness, traits that might lead others to assume they have no enemies. However, in the lives of many believers as well as those who don’t yet know Christ, adversaries can unexpectedly surface, even within the closest circles of relationships. It's alarming to confront the shocking reality that someone we’ve deeply cherished—a spouse, parent, or professed loved one—has transformed into a source of conflict, fear, or hostility. How did a bond that was initially blanketed in love turn sour, bubbling over with tension and potential harm? Regardless of the specifics, the prevailing emotions are those of fear and apprehension, as we find ourselves having to guard against someone or something that now threatens our peace and well-being.

No matter what trials you may face or what challenges lie ahead, remember that nothing is hidden from God. You are not alone, and there is always a path to resolution. God sees every aspect of your story and stands ready to provide help and restoration. Even in the face of persecution or loss, choosing to love Him steadfastly brings about a promise of restoration. Truth prevails, and God never abandons His people or leaves them defenseless. Even in the darkest moments, His presence remains unwavering, offering comfort, strength, and the assurance that His ultimate plan includes redemption and restoration.

In Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (NLT), our Heavenly Father proclaimed a message of hope to His people: “3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. 4 Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. 5 The LORD your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!”

This verse speaks to the promise of restoration and compassion from God. It addresses a time when the Israelites, due to their disobedience, were scattered among the nations. Despite their rebelliousness, God assures them that He will not abandon them forever. Instead, He promises to gather them back, restoring their wealth and showing them compassion. He tells them that even if they find themselves in the farthest reaches of the earth, His power and love are not limited by any boundaries, geographical or otherwise. He can reach them wherever they are and bring them back. This emphasizes our Heavenly Father’s incredible grace and mercy. Deuteronomy 30:3-5 reflects not just God’s enduring faithfulness to His people living in Old Testament times, but it demonstrates His willingness to forgive, restore, and bless those of us living today.

Jesus Christ told his disciples in John 15:18 (NLT), “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” This serves as a poignant reminder that as his followers, we may encounter hatred and persecution in this world. He doesn’t ever want any of us to go through betrayal and heartbreak, but he informs us that these things can happen in the world that we live in, and he prepares us this reality. We may experience undeserved persecution, and when we do, we must remember that we are not the first. Jesus experienced the full extent of human hatred and cruelty and endured the cross for the sake of us all. Our Heavenly Father victoriously resurrected him from the grave, and He invites us to share in this victory!

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) tells us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”” As a society, many of us place a tremendous amount of confidence in money, material things, and even our relationships with others. This verse urges us to cultivate a mindset of contentment, not based on pretend or fluff, but based on truth—based on the reality that God will never fail or abandon us. Regardless of life’s circumstances, we must priority our relationship with God over any other pursuit. His enduring faithfulness is our security in life, and we can lean on Him and always trust Him to come to our aid. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Never Forsakes His People", written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

He Hears Our Cries & Rescues Us

 

Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT) states: “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.  He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.” This incredibly wonderful scripture assures us that when we sincerely call upon the Lord, He draws near to us and responds to our cries for help. This truth is like a comforting melody to me, reminding me that Jesus Christ is constantly by my side, regardless of the challenges I face. It's a reminder that our true home lies beyond this world, and our purpose here is to serve God's Kingdom and nurture a close bond with Him through our Savior. Jesus Christ, our closest companion, understands every form of suffering imaginable, having endured it all on the cross for our sake. Whenever we find ourselves in need, Psalm 145:18-19 encourages us to call upon the Lord genuinely, knowing that He is always there to answer our prayers and provide comfort and rescue.

Our Master Jesus said in John 8:32 (NLT): “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” You and I can’t be free by believing a lie. We must know, believe, and trust God’s truth, because it frees us from oppression and darkness. Jesus reminds us that liberation comes from aligning ourselves with his reality, not with falsehood. There’s liberty and justice in truth and that’s exactly who Jesus Christ is for the Christian believer. He affirms this in John 14:6 (NLT) when he declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Our Lord and Savior paved the way to victory for us, and as we follow him in our lives, the path of God’s blessings opens us for us.

Feeling intense sadness and isolation during challenging times is a heavy burden to bear. In those moments, it's common to feel utterly alone, as if no one understands or supports you. This sense of despair can make it incredibly difficult to believe that help is within reach, that assistance is just a prayer away. The weight of our struggles can cloud our minds and hearts, making it hard to connect with the faith that God is our Source of comfort and guidance.

However, despite the overwhelming darkness, the truth remains: help is indeed only a prayer away. Even when it feels like no one else is on our side, we can find comfort and strength in turning to our Heavenly Father. He has all power, and He delights in helping us. He tells us in Matthew 6:33 that we should seek Him and His Kingdom first, and when we do this, He promises to take care of all our needs.

Although it can be tough to summon the faith to trust in the power of prayer during times of intense struggle, it's vital to recall that we're never truly alone; prayer is our acknowledgement of this. It’s our invitation to the One who has all power to intervene and introduce His love and power into our situations. We can be confident that God is ever ready to listen, console, and lead us through our darkest moments. Clinging to this truth brings hope in a very meaningful way.

The timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 tells us not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Our own understanding is limited, and leaning on it can lead to mistakes, confusion, and unnecessary worry. However, entrusting our hearts fully to the Lord allows us to surrender control and seek His divine guidance in every aspect of our lives. The bottom line is that we must have humility and faith, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that God's ways are higher than our own. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our dependence on our Heavenly Father. He hears our cries, and when our faith is in Him alone, He’ll rescue us as His guidance lights our way to peace, comfort, and greater faith in Him. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“He Hears Our Cries & Rescues Us”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.