Dig It Up

Jan9

FAITH BOOSTER:

Dig It Up [Jan. 09,2021]

WORD OF FAITH:

Get rid of all bitterness. Ephesians 4:31

Also Read Ruth 1:3–5,20–21(NIV)

When Rebecca’s brother and sister-in-law started having marriage problems, Rebecca prayed earnestly for their reconciliation. But they divorced. Then her sister-in-law took the children out of state and their dad didn’t protest. Rebecca never again saw the nieces she dearly loved. Years later she said, “Because of trying to handle this sadness on my own, I let a root of bitterness start in my heart, and it began to spread to my family and friends.”

The book of Ruth tells about a woman named Naomi who struggled with a heart of grief that grew into bitterness. Her husband died in a foreign land, and ten years later both her sons died. She was left destitute with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah (1:3–5). When Naomi and Ruth returned to Naomi’s home country, the whole town was excited to see them. But Naomi told her friends: “The Almighty has made my life very bitter. . . . The Lord has afflicted me” (vv. 20–21). She even asked them to call her “Mara,” meaning bitter. 

Who hasn’t faced disappointment and been tempted toward bitterness? Someone says something hurtful, an expectation isn’t met, or demands from others make us resentful. When we acknowledge to ourselves and God what’s happening deep in our hearts, our tender Gardener can help us dig up any roots of bitterness—whether they’re still small or have been growing for years—and can replace them with a sweet, joyful spirit.

 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

  • What areas of life do you tend to become bitter about?
  • What’s growing inside your heart that needs God’s loving care?

PRAYER OF FAITH:

God, help me to see the goodness in life You’re always displaying. And dig up any root of bitterness in my heart that dishonors You.

For More Teachings And Articles Visit Our Website: https://www.wmtlc.org

Advertisement

Sound the Trumpets

Jan7

FAITH BOOSTER:

Sound the Trumpets [Jan. 07,2021]

WORD OF FAITH:

At your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets. Numbers 10:10

Also Read Numbers 10:8–10(NIV)

“Taps” is a trumpet call played by the US military at the end of the day as well as at funerals. I was amazed when I read the unofficial lyrics and discovered that many of the verses end with the phrase “God is nigh” (God is near). Whether before the dark of each night settles in or while mourning the loss of a loved one, the lyrics offer soldiers the beautiful assurance that God is near.

In the Old Testament, trumpets were also a reminder to the Israelites that God was near. In the middle of celebrating the feasts and festivals that were part of the covenant agreement between God and the nation of Israel, the Jews were to “sound the trumpets” (Numbers 10:10). Blowing a trumpet was a reminder not only of God’s presence but also that He was available when they needed Him most—and He longed to help them.

Today, we still need reminders that God is near. And in our own style of worship, we too can call out to God in prayer and song. Perhaps our prayers can be thought of as trumpets asking God to help us. And the beautiful encouragement is that God always hears those calls (1 Peter 3:12). To each of our pleas, He responds with the assurance of His presence that strengthens and comforts us in the difficulties and sorrows of life.

 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

  • When have your prayers felt like calls for help?
  • How does the reminder that God listens to our prayers encourage you?

PRAYER OF FAITH:

Heavenly Father, thank You that You respond to my call for help and assure me of Your powerful presence and love. 

For More Teachings And Articles Visit Our Website: https://www.wmtlc.org