God’s grace

03
Sep
2024
Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness

Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness

Bitterness is something that can sneak into our lives without us even realizing it. It starts small, but if left unchecked, it can grow and cause all kinds of trouble.

Hebrews 12:15 warns us about this very thing, encouraging us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts.

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Hebrews 12:15

Danger of Bitterness

Bitterness is often compared to a root. It starts hidden beneath the surface, but over time it can grow into something that affects not just us, but those around us as well.

This verse reminds us that bitterness can “cause trouble and defile many.”

When we hold onto grudges or let resentment fester, it not only hurts us but can also spread to others, damaging relationships and communities.

Falling Short of Grace

The verse also speaks about falling short of the grace of God. Grace is God’s unmerited favor—His love and kindness towards us even when we don’t deserve it.

When we allow bitterness to take root, we are missing out on this grace.

Instead of experiencing the freedom and peace that God offers, we become trapped in a cycle of negativity and hurt.

Guarding Your Heart

So how do we guard our hearts against bitterness?

It starts with recognizing when bitterness begins to take root. This can be tricky because it often begins with something small—maybe someone said something hurtful, or we felt overlooked in a situation.

But if we don’t deal with these feelings, they can grow into something much bigger.

Embracing God’s Grace

One of the best ways to combat bitterness is by embracing God’s grace. When we focus on how much God has forgiven us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others. (See Matthew 5:7)

This doesn’t mean we ignore hurtful behavior, but it does mean we choose not to let it take over our hearts.

By bringing our hurts to God and asking for His help, we can prevent bitterness from taking root.

Living in Freedom

Living free from bitterness allows us to experience the full joy and peace that God intends for us. It keeps our relationships healthy and our hearts pure.

When we choose to let go of bitterness and embrace God’s grace, we are choosing a path of healing and wholeness.

Now What?

Hebrews 12:15 is a powerful reminder to guard our hearts against bitterness. By staying connected to God’s grace and dealing with hurts as they come, we can prevent bitterness from growing and causing trouble.

Choose to live in the freedom and peace that God offers, keeping your heart healthy and your relationships strong.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
01
Sep
2024
Staying in Grace: Avoiding the Trap of Legalism

Staying in Grace: Avoiding the Trap of Legalism

In our walk with Christ, it’s easy to get caught up in rules and rituals, thinking that they make us right with God. But the Apostle Paul warns us against this in Galatians 5:4 (NIV):

“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”

Galatians 5:4

Danger of Legalism

Legalism is the belief that following rules or laws can make us right with God.

It’s a trap that many believers fall into, thinking that their actions can earn God’s favor.

But Paul makes it clear in Galatians that when we try to justify ourselves through the law, we actually distance ourselves from Christ and the grace He offers.

Falling from Grace

The phrase “fallen away from grace” is a strong warning.

When we rely on our own efforts to be righteous, we stop relying on the grace of God, which is the only thing that can truly save us.

Freedom of Grace

Grace is God’s unearned favor—His love and mercy given to us freely through Jesus Christ. It’s not something we can earn or achieve on our own.

When we try to live by the law, we place ourselves under a burden that we were never meant to carry.

Grace, on the other hand, sets us free. It allows us to live in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by God, not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Living in Grace

So, how do we stay rooted in grace and avoid the trap of legalism? Here are a few practical steps:

  1. Focus on Christ’s Sacrifice: Remember that it’s Christ’s death and resurrection that make you right with God, not your ability to follow rules. Reflect on the cross and the incredible grace that has been given to you.
  2. Embrace God’s Love: Accept that God’s love for you isn’t based on your performance. He loves you unconditionally, and His grace is sufficient for you.
  3. Rest in Your Identity: Understand that you are a child of God, not because of what you do, but because of who He is. Your identity is secure in Christ.
  4. Let Go of Perfectionism: Perfectionism is a form of legalism. When you make mistakes, confess them to God; own up to it, and He will forgive you!

Power of Grace in Community

Grace isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we give to others. In your relationships, practice extending grace as freely as you’ve received it.

This means being patient, forgiving, and loving, even when it’s difficult. A community rooted in grace is one that reflects God’s love to the world.

Conclusion

Galatians 5:4 serves as a powerful reminder to stay rooted in grace. Legalism leads to a burdened and distant relationship with God, while grace brings freedom, joy, and closeness with Him.

As you go about your day, remember that your standing with God is based on His grace, not your works. Embrace this truth, and let it transform how you live and love.

Pray Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
27
Mar
2024
Sufficient Grace of God

Sufficient Grace of God

“You know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:5, NIV)

Promise of Freedom

Our lives are often weighed down by the burden of sin. We struggle with guilt, shame, and the consequences of our actions.

But the good news is that Jesus came to set us free. He took upon himself the penalty for our sins, making a way for us to experience the grace and forgiveness of God.

Power of Grace

Through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin in our lives.

He demonstrated the depth of God’s love for us and his willingness to go to incredible lengths to restore our relationship with him.

When we place our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven and made new. The weight of our past is lifted, and we can experience true freedom.

Life Without Sin

But the promise of God’s grace goes even further. The apostle John reminds us that in Jesus, there is no sin.

As we walk in obedience to God’s commands and follow the example of Christ, we can live a life that is increasingly free from the influence of sin.

We can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome temptation and live in a way that honors God.

Invitation to Surrender

The key to experiencing this freedom and transformation is surrender.

We must lay down our pride, our self-reliance, and our own efforts to earn God’s favor. Instead, we must humbly acknowledge our need for a Savior and place our trust in Jesus.

We CAN experience the sufficiency of God’s grace, which provides everything we need to live a life that is pleasing to him.

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Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Holiness