Unforgiveness and an Absence of Love

The Devil has many methods and devices which he uses to try to discourage the faith of believers.

Unfortunately for many Christians, Satan’s ultimate weapon still remains a secret.

As a matter of fact, Jesus taught about it repeatedly. He certainly knew its danger and made it a priority to instruct his followers of how to protect themselves against it.

The Apostle Paul said, "A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan; for we know what he is trying to do" (2 Cor. 2:11 The Living Bible).

There! Did you see what the Devil’s secret weapon is? If it’s not yet obvious, you can find one more clue in the writings of John. He also taught how to overcome this scheme so that it would never make us stumble. He wrote, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble" (1 John 2:10 NIV).

Satan knows that if he can deceive us into harboring anger, bitterness, or grudges toward our fellow Christians, he can actually cause us to fall from the grace of God. The scripture says, "looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Heb. 12:15).

Is it really possible to lose one’s salvation by merely holding a grudge against someone? Jesus left no room for doubt on the subject. He clearly stated that we cannot have God’s forgiveness if we choose to withhold forgiveness toward others. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt 6:14-15).

It’s no wonder why Satan works so hard to stir up turmoil, and tries to keep us from forgiving and loving each other. If he can deceive us into harboring bitterness, he knows that we will exempt ourselves from God’s forgiveness of our sins, and will ultimately go to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). The consequences of unforgiveness is reiterated in many scriptures: Matt. 18:21-35, Mark 11:25-26, Matt. 6:12, Luke 6:37, Luke 11:4.

The scriptures make it very clear that the person who withholds forgiveness in not right with God. Their prayers go unanswered, they lack the Lord’s joy and peace. They will usually mainfest a critical and judgmental attitude, along with a dissatisfaction with the people and circumstances around them. They may blame their unhappiness on a variety of other things, but the problem lies within themselves -- they’re simply out of fellowship with the Lord.

Jesus taught that loving God and loving one another were the highest ideals of His followers (Luke 10:27). Love and forgiveness is the most basic standard of Christianity -- it is the mark of followers of Christ -- the highest display of spiritual maturity! Love is the evidence necessary to convict you as a true follower of Jesus Christ. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know Him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God - for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8 The Living Bible).

-Bits and Pieces of Sermon By Dr. Dale A. Robbins-

Father, I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus. I know you love me and I love You and I desire to be free. I repent of not forgiving, of holding bitterness in my heart and being upset with People, You, Situations and even Myself. Father as you so willingly forgive, I too choose to forgive. I ask you to shine a light on my heart and show me any hurtful or traumatic experience that is holding me in bondage and any unforgiveness in my heart because of it. Show me everyone I need to forgive. Let the Spirit of Truth rise up and speak in the Name of Jesus.

-Debi Webster-

The Garment Of Praise for Spiritual Depression

^{Isaiah 61:3}

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

The Glorious Garment of Praise

The Hebrew root for "garment" ('atah) shows praise as more than a piece of clothing casually thrown over our shoulders. It literally teaches us "to wrap" or "cover" ourselves-that the garment of praise is to leave no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. This garment of praise repels and replaces the heavy spirit. This special message of instruction and hope is for those oppressed by fear or doubt. "Put on" this garment. A worm coat from our closet only resists the cold wind when it is "put on." When distressed, be dressed - with PRAISE! Act according to God's Word! (Ps. 150:2/John 4:23, 24)

Preach, Heal, Deliver, Comfort, Rebuild, and Serve

The ministry of Jesus described in these passages (Isaiah 61:1-11) is also the ministry of His church moving in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:17-20). Pray and ask God to use you as described in these powerful verses. -NSFLB-

Isaiah 61

Announce Freedom to All Captives

^1-7 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heart broken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks
and foreigners to work your fields,
But you'll have the title "Priests of God,"
honored as ministers of our God.
You'll feast on the bounty of nations,
you'll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble
and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled
and your joy go on forever.

^8-9 "Because I, God, love fair dealing
and hate thievery and crime,
I'll pay your wages on time and in full,
and establish my eternal covenant with you.
Your descendants will become well-known all over.
Your children in foreign countries
Will be recognized at once
as the people I have blessed."

^10-11 I will sing for joy in God,
explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo
and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.

(Isaiah 61:1-11) -MSG-

Spiritual Solutions for Depression Paul Fritz

The following are ten spiritual guidelines for overcoming and dealing with depression:

1. The Holy Spirit amplifies His nearness and comforting powers to us, when we are feeling depressed.

David wrote, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psa. 34:18)

Ask the Lord to help you feel His uplifting power as He rescues you from all kinds of depressed feelings, discouragement or burdens.

2. The Holy Spirit shields us from taking set backs too personally.

David wrote, "But you are a shield around me O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill." (Psa. 3:3,4)

Ask the Lord to help you look to Him when you are tempted to take insults, opposition or criticisms personally.

3. The Holy Spirit gives us relief from our feelings of distress.

David wrote, "Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." (Psa. 4:1)

Ask the Lord to alleviate and deliver you from all kinds of emotional, mental and physical pain.

4. The Holy Spirit gives us an increased sense of hope when we are feeling sad.

David wrote, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God."

Ask the Lord to help you pray and speak in a positive way that affirms your faith and hope in His deliverance.

5. The Holy Spirit helps us shift our focus away from our troubles and on to God’s power, promises and purposes.

Jesus said, "They hated me without reason. But, when the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." (John 15:26,27)

Ask the Lord to help you become so involved with ministering in Jesus name that you are not tempted to focus on your troubles.

6. The Holy Spirit knows how to help every person adapt and experience victory in their circumstances.

Jesus said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me. Going a little farther he fell with his face to the ground and prayed. ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:37-42)

Ask the Lord to help you adapt and overcome any sadness, hardship or opposition with a willingness to do all of God’s will.

7. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the way He delivered Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, from depression.

Jeremiah was a man given to introspective self-analysis and negative questioning about the suffering he saw. He never married and did not enjoy the support of his family, therefore, most people thought he had something wrong with him. Jeremiah’s primary ministry was to speak as a prophet to people who were rebellious, indifferent, and disobedient to God. Being a timid man, he experienced numerous bouts of depression, feelings of rejection and harsh ridicule. All of this added to the fact that he lived at a time when Israel’s enemies continually oppressed all of the Jews. Still, he was faithful to deliver God’s words of judgment to the people of Israel despite fierce opposition. He saw God as the all powerful one for whom nothing was too difficult.

Ask the Lord to help you avoid measuring your success in social, cultural, or any human terms.

8. The Holy Spirit helps us imitate Godly people who triumphed over their times of despair.

Paul wrote, "Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors, known yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Cor. 6:8-10)

Ask the Lord to help you look at life’s difficulties more from the eyes of former Godly heroes of the faith. Paul’s response to hardships shows us how God’s strength transforms the Godly into great examples of how every believer can experience joy in the midst of many discouraging circumstances.

9. The Holy Spirit uses discouraging situations to produce in us greater Godliness that is profitable for all things.

Peter wrote, "After you have suffered for a little while. The God of all grace, who calls you with a holy calling will Himself, confirm you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Pet. 5:10)

Ask the Lord to give you more of a teachable heart allowing God to create greater Godly maturity in all areas of your relationships, your personal lifestyle and your ministries.

10. The Holy Spirit energizes us when we are feeling down, dispirited or disillusioned.

Paul wrote, "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure." (Phil. 2:12-14)

Ask the Lord to give you greater energy, motivation and certainty that He will supply whatever you need to accomplish all of His will through your life & ministry. Lay it at the foot of the Cross.

-Debi Webster-