Daily Devotion for 4/29/11 Have you been "burned"?

Happy Friday everyone!!!! Hope everyone has had a blessed week so far. Let's get in to today's devotion

Today's Topic: Have you been "burned"?
Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:15

"Watch out that no [bitter] root...grows up [among] you"

Have you been burned by people? You're not alone. At some point in all of our lives, we have. But instead of being consumed by that negative spirit, God tells us to forgive it, and let it go. When you deny your true feelings about the situation and allow those feelings to stir up below the surface, you give the Devil complete advantage over you. Deal with these feelings spiritually and on a scripture level and you'll go from a bitter spirit to a better spirit.

So are you struggling with a bitter spirit today? If so, try doing these three things:

#1 Forgive: Forgiveness is not based on an emotion. Don't wait until you "feel" like doing it.Just decide today within yourself to do it and to let the offense go. When you do, God's Spirit will calm your emotions help you to overcome the urge to retaliate. Release yourself from the "I'm not ready to forgive spirit" so that you remove the chances of becoming bitter. Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7)

#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 anger. When you commit to living this way He promises to give you "Power to keep [yourself[ calm in the days of adversity" (Psalms 94:13)

#3 Think Scripturally: Look up every verse you can find on showing forgiveness [you can typically look in the back of your Bible for these verses] 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 blessings. But you must be in position to receive it. So decide now that although you've been "burned", you won't become bitter.

Is there someone that you need to forgive on today? Surely if God can forgive us of our sins, we can forgive someone else. Take a moment to think back on the many times you have had to ask God for forgiveness...

Song of Inspiration: "Me Again" - J Moss

"Forgive me O Lord, it's me again"

http://youtu.be/Ln2qHYnM-WQ

Have a wonderful weekend. Please keep my family in prayer as we prepare to head up to Philly on Sunday for a funeral. Have a blessed and safe weekend everyone.

God is Love, and I love me some you!!!


:: LA ::