Bitterness 7

 Great statements in this reading: “ Handling bitterness well is something we must choose to learn. That takes time. Root out sinful bitterness of heart and life. Enjoy the sweetness of God’s presence and principles, and you’ll never want to go back again.”  Perhaps the dark moments of our lives are showing us what kind of person not to be, training us to discover the Kingdom path to freedom and joy. Without those dark times, we would never be able to appreciate the freedom and joy to the degree that we will have when we are further into our journey. Our afflictions and pain will give us the training we need to help others in their pain. Thank you for suggesting this devotional - we each have issues that need to be called out, identified, confessed, and redeemed. Please feel free to choose our next reading adventure. 

In recent years I have begun to understand that the call of God on my life is a bit unusual. It is a clear call to enter into the fellowship of his sufferings. It is a call to weep with those who weep. We must not forget that we serve a God who weeps, for he never calls us to something we do not first find in him.

Diane Langberg, Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores

The only script God has for us is Jesus. He doesn’t care about your alma mater or who you voted for or what your position is on the big topic of the day. He doesn’t care what’s in your bank account or whether you lead from in front or behind at a church. He doesn’t even care if you work at Disneyland. His only measuring stick for you is His Son, whom He loves. - Bob Goff