The Secret to a Fresh Start

The Secret to a Fresh Start

Reading Time: 2 minutes

What if you discover that you already have a chance to escape the monotony of the past and start fresh?

Imagine having unwavering faith that God will support you in the days ahead, eliminating the need to be anxious or fearful.

Imagine discovering that a plan for a fresh start is already in place, even if you’ve made mistakes.

Well, let us take a look

Psa 145:2 (KJV) Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Wow! Isn’t that incredibly simple?

The instructions are so straightforward that you might overlook them if you’re not careful.

He admonishes us to bless God every day!

This is the reason behind our daily sessions of prayer and praise. Global Prayer and Praise Storm Challenge

What challenge?

The challenge is to praise God every single day of next year! We meet daily to bless His Holy name! You can be a part and join HERE

What will be the outcome of this practice?

Among the numerous blessings of daily prayer, here’s one of them.

Psa 145:14 (KJV) The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

In areas where you have fallen, God will support you. In aspects of life where you are bowed down, God will lift you up!

I love how The Message Translations succinctly puts this.

Psa 145:14 (MSG) GOD gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

God will grant a fresh beginning to those who are prepared to give up!

This is precisely why you should never give up under any circumstances!

There can be a fresh start in any of those relationships, such as marriage, business, or even a career!

I pray for you, in Jesus’ name, God will indeed give you a fresh start!

Breaking the Chains: Rise Above Bitterness

Breaking the Chains: Rise Above Bitterness

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Breaking the Chains: Rise Above Bitterness

Back in the early days of our marriage, around 2002, my wife and I got into a quarrel that dragged on for days. Strangely, I can’t recall what sparked it. However, during this dispute, something remarkable happened: I experienced a spiritual awakening. For the first time, I glimpsed into the realm of the supernatural and saw the deep-seated animosity that the devil and his followers harbor toward marriages and families. It was eye-opening to witness the lengths to which the devil would go to sow discord and disrupt relationships. Fortunately, the quarrel between my wife and me was resolved swiftly thereafter.

If God were to grant you a glimpse into the spiritual realm, you’d find yourself softening swiftly. All the anger and aggression would dissipate as you realize you’ve been under demonic sway. Demons are indeed real. While the physical world may seem bustling, the spiritual realm is even more so.

Understand, there exist powerful malevolent forces, opposing courtships and marriages, aiming to sow doubt and discord. These evil spirits seek to manipulate your thoughts, feeding you assumptions that could jeopardize your marriage.

The real question is: will you align your destiny with hell? As a child of God, the devil cannot intrude into your life, family, or home unless you invite him in. Remember, the devil has already been defeated. However, by disregarding God’s principles, you inadvertently open the door for his influence.

A child of God cannot be possessed by a demon but can experience oppression. This oppression can pave the way for yielding to demonic influences. In your relationships, marriage, and home, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain pitfalls. These missteps can swiftly open the door, providing the devil with an opportunity to wreak havoc. One such mistake to avoid is harboring bitterness towards each other.

Don’t get bitter at each other

Bitterness should be shunned like a plague, for it is far more destructive. When bitterness takes root, it becomes a barrier to receiving help, as even prayers go unanswered. It’s not merely a fleeting emotion; it’s a deep-seated root that, if left unchecked, can lead to further devastation. Reflect on the scriptures for guidance in this matter.

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15 KJV)

Bitterness

When bitterness takes hold, it can cause God’s grace to falter, a perilous position to find oneself in.
It warns of trouble ahead, as bitterness only begets more trouble. Ultimately, many will be tainted by its influence, leading to impulsive actions. In marriages, it can affect the children, while in single life, it may disrupt academic and career pursuits.

It all begins with getting hurt. You may have an expectation, perhaps awaiting an apology, but none comes. As you grapple with this, another hurt follows, compounded by the absence of an apology. Then, another action adds to the hurt, perpetuating the cycle.

These accumulated hurts can evoke a range of emotions, from feeling unloved to harboring hatred toward the very person you’re meant to love. Before you know it, the devil steps in, planting seeds of suggestions and assumptions. Remember, the devil is a deceitful liar, the originator of falsehoods incapable of speaking the truth.

Embracing and believing these assumptions leads to a hardening of the heart, gradually plunging you into depression and despair. In this state, where scripture and God’s love are pushed aside, the sole focus becomes proving a point, paving the way for bitterness to take hold. In the grip of bitterness, your spouse becomes perceived as the enemy, ensnaring you in a trap.

The wife withdraws emotionally, while the husband’s anger escalates, exacerbating the situation. Bitterness clouds judgment, leading to regrettable decisions.

When trapped in bitterness, there are paths to freedom.

1. Prayer is key

Engage in fervent prayer to clear the mind and open yourself to God’s guidance, which offers a way out.

2. Patience

Patience is paramount when dealing with a bitter spouse. It requires an abundance of patience to guide them out of their bitterness. In cases where both parties harbor bitterness, it’s crucial to set aside hostilities and collaborate towards resolution.

3. Forgiveness

Additionally, swift forgiveness is imperative. Only through quick forgiveness can prayers find their efficacy.

4. Humility

Humility plays a pivotal role as well. Rather than asserting dominance, humility fosters an environment conducive to reconciliation.

For singles, the process remains the same. If bitterness and hurts permeate your relationship or courtship, seeking help and mentorship is essential to uproot the bitterness. It’s imperative not to proceed down the aisle burdened by bitterness.