HAVE YOU BEEN BURNED?

Carolyn Spring-Baker sent a message to the members of LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.

Carolyn Spring-Baker March 17, 2011
HAVE YOU BEEN BURNED?
“Watch out that no [bitter] root…grows up [among] you.”

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled ~Hebrews 12″15~

Have You Been “Burned”?

Have you been “burned” by people? You’re not alone, we all have. But instead of being consumed by it, God tells you to forgive it and let it go.

When you deny your feelings and stew under the surface, you give the Devil the advantage over you (See 2 Corinthians 2:11). But by dealing scripturally with the situation your painful experiences can make you BETTER – not bitter.

If you’re struggling with bitterness today do these three things:

(1) Forgive.
Forgiveness isn’t based on an emotion. Don’t wait until you “feel” like it, decide today to let the offense go. When you do, God’s Spirit will calm your emotions and help you overcome the urge to retaliate. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Since you yourself will always need to make withdrawals, God calls you to keep making “mercy deposits.”

(2) Pray about it.
The moment you sense resentment, turn to God and He will give you the strength to act in love rather than react in anger. When you commit to living this way He promises to give you “power to keep [yourself] calm in the days of adversity” (see Psalm 94:13).

(3) Think scripturally.
Look up every verse you can find on showing forgiveness and meditate on them. Remember, each time you choose to do the right thing, a little more of the old you dies and the new you develops. That’s how God prepares you for greater blessing. But you must be in position to receive it. So decide now that although you’ve been “burned,” you won’t become bitter.

This statement really hit me in the heart……..
Since you yourself will always need to make withdrawals, God calls you to keep making “mercy deposits.” Amen and Amen…..

Love to all,
Carolyn
Written by Carolyn Spring-Baker “Have You Been Buned”