Releasing Myself from Bitterness

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger." – Ephesians 4:31 (NIV) Bitterness often stems from unmet expectations. We hope for something—love, commitment, loyalty—and when it doesn't happen, disappointment and anger take root. Over time, this unresolved anger seeps into our personal, spiritual, and relational lives, leaving us feeling isolated and burdened. If left unchecked, bitterness becomes a weapon, harming not only ourselves but also those around us. But God commands us: "See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV). How do we obey? 1️ By accepting and acting on His Word. Without a firm scriptural foundation, old emotions will keep resurfacing. When God says, "Get rid of all bitterness," it is both a command and a promise—He will help us when we obey. 2️ By making a choice to let go. Forgiveness isn’t a feeling; it’s a decision. God won’t force our emotions to change, but He does call us to trust His Word above our feelings. When we choose to obey Him, we step into freedom. 3️ By forgiving those who have hurt us. "Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you." – Ephesians 4:32 (TM). Forgiveness is not dependent on whether the other person apologises or even acknowledges the hurt. It is about setting ourselves free. 4️ By releasing the offender from our expectations. Holding on to expectations keeps us tied to past pain. Paul reminds us: "Christ has set us free to live a free life… Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." – Galatians 5:1 (TM). 5️ By trusting God with our needs. "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:19 (NAS). God is more than able to provide the people, resources, and joy we need. 6️ By praying for those who hurt us. Jesus said, "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" – Matthew 5:44 (NLT). It may feel impossible, but in doing so, we reclaim our peace. 7️ By choosing to show kindness. "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink… conquer evil by doing good." – Romans 12:20-21 (NLT). Prayer for Release from Bitterness Father God, I have been struggling with unforgiveness for so long. The hurt and offence I have endured have left me angry and holding onto grudges. But I cannot do this anymore. I choose today to release those who have wronged me. Please help me to forgive them completely. Lord, I know You see my heart. You know the depth of my pain and frustration. But I surrender it to You. I ask You to heal me and set me free from this bitterness that has been holding me back from You and from others. I pray for those who have wronged me—bless them, Lord. Give them the desires of their hearts. Whatever they are seeking, may they find it in You. Father, I also ask for Your forgiveness. I repent for allowing unforgiveness to take root in my heart. Please create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. I choose today to walk in the freedom of Your love and grace. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Finances

In the journey of life, finances play an integral role, often stirring up anxiety and stress with their mere mention. As one wise individual remarked, "the cost of living can indeed feel burdensome." Yet, in the face of such worry and fear, a shift is necessary. When our apprehensions drown out our faith, it signals a need for reevaluation. Though the course of life may steer beyond my control, I retain agency over my reactions, the readiness I maintain, and most importantly, the centrality of faith. Thus, I choose to turn my prayers toward the Divine, seeking clarity of mind and spirit to attune to divine guidance. Prayer: Gracious Father above, I am grateful for Your assurance to supply all my needs according to Your riches. When trials loom and concerns mount, may Your Word be my anchor. Your promise in Isaiah 54:17 resonates within me, declaring that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. With a focused resolve on my financial journey this year, I beseech You, Lord, for wisdom, fortitude, and resilience. Though challenges may arise, I hold steadfast to the unwavering trust in Your unfailing Word. Your mercies endure eternally, and in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, I offer this prayer. Amen.

When God Sends His Angels

by Yvette van Niekerk Hebrews 1:14 NIV reminds us, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

God's presence can manifest in countless ways. Just as the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost during the storm, our human understanding can sometimes cloud our faith. The Scriptures affirm that angels are "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." Have you ever encountered an angel? They don't always appear in resplendent white robes with grand wings. Often, they blend so seamlessly with the ordinary that we may overlook them. Hebrews 13:2 urges us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Perhaps you wonder why God sends angels when He has blessed us with His Holy Spirit for help, protection, and guidance. It's crucial to remember that God dispatched an angel to rescue Peter from prison just before his execution. Likewise, on his journey to Rome, Paul found himself on a ship battered by a fierce storm. In that dire moment, God sent an angel to assure him of survival. Paul later shared with the crew and passengers: “Take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul’” (Acts 27:22-23). While I may not have seen angels with my own eyes, deep within my heart, I hold steadfast faith that they watch over me. Their gaze never wavers; they are God's messengers, sent to guide, protect, and bring us comfort in times of need.