Sunday's Message, September 5, 2021 - Bitterness

 Hello Family of Believers,  

 Typically, once a year we schedule a yearly doctor's appointment to check on the condition of our physical health.  How often do we schedule an appointment with God to check on the condition of our hearts?  Review the message notes below to see the necessity of doing a heart check with God on a consistent bases not only for the benefit of our own health but the health of the community of believers.

God Bless

Scripture References & Highlights

Prayer for 2021:  This year will be a year of Light; that Light will shine and darkness will not dispel it. 

In Jesus' Name

Message Scriptures

• Ruth 1:1-21
• Mara = bitter
• The experience of life dealt a bitter blow to Naomi that she changed her name to Mara
• Exodus 15:23
• the children broke out in worship as they crossed the Red Sea but complained against Moses when they came to Marah
• Job 10:1
• Job speaks from a bitter soul
• Hebrews 12:15
• when we linger in bitterness, we open the door for the enemy to wreck havoc
• Acts 8:23
• bitterness unchecked can contaminate a whole city
• Ephesians 4:321-32
• bitterness can cause us to not pursue God

 Nuggets for the Week

• We have to be careful when trials come in our journey with God because they can make us bitter
• God is always active in the lives of believers
• Bitterness is a weapon the enemy uses to stop the flow of God in our lives
• Many things can change our view of God and stop following God passionately

Reflections

• Constantly monitor our hearts for roots of bitterness
• Trials can show us where we are with God
• Are we in the root of bitterness?

 Key Takeaway for the Body

• Bitterness can destroy both humans and environments unless God brings healing
• When we stop trusting God and looking at our own situation, we can become bitter
• Bitterness can hinder our ability to worship God
• We have to be a people who trust God at all times
• It is important that we are (our hearts) accessible by the Holy Spirit at all times

Prayer Time

In your times of prayer this week (9am,12noon, and 6pm) we encourage you to include the following scriptures located below and in the article 7 Verses and 7 Prayers for your Pastor/

Ephesians 1:17-19, 3:16-17

Philippians 1:9-11

Colossians 1:10-12

Worship Highlight