https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog daily 0.75 2023-01-22 https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-posts-1-10 monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/c75ac605-3b1e-4e98-a92f-50e2cefd8d79/11-19-20+cross+of+Jesus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS 11/19/21 PART 6: REFUSE OFFENSE. REJECT BITTERNESS. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pet. 2:21-23) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/7d8b6052-0c75-43fa-b406-c8fc9ee68791/11-23-21+building+collapsed.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 8: BITTERNESS DESTROYS RELATIONSHIP (11/23/21) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:17-21) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/f07c0d14-e228-4c60-8e8b-0d04fe1c057e/11-28-21+Bridge+5.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 10: RE-CONNECTION AFTER THE FLOOD (11/28/21) “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5ac6b778-8a31-439f-8246-79cdbe4c724c/11-12-21+offer+ice+cream.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 3: MY LIFE WITH BILL - PART II (11/12/21) “When something doesn’t agree, remember to TTD!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0088eb91-66e3-4c57-998a-b952bcb8a6cc/11-26-21+Bridge+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 9: BITTERNESS DESTROYS RELATIONSHIP (11/26/21) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/91eb9ab5-2314-4748-88fb-c72ea9608d57/11-7-21+open+arms+child.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 1: THE TRUST VAULT (11/7/21) “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (Isa. 26:4) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/98eae0d8-8d77-428a-8e36-cf97cf579b4c/11-16-21+crown+delivery.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 5: BETTER THAN FEDEX – PART II (11/16/21) “And David said to the young man who told him, ‘Where do you come from?’ And he answered, ‘I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.’” (2 Sam. 1:13) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e457c261-863b-4707-bdb7-7a3dd6746ed8/11-9-21+angry+person.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 2: MY LIFE WITH BILL – PART I (11/9/21) “When something doesn’t agree, remember to TTD!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/26a2af62-5ffe-4697-9516-0ead2d4b01d4/11-21-21Mount+St+Helens.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 7: DEVASTATION ( 11/21/21) If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it (Prov. 9:12) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/04ec5a3b-2a46-4d83-927d-7562ed5f1682/11-14-21+delivery+man+sign.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 1-10) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 4: BETTER THAN FEDEX – PART I (11/14/21) “And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord” (2 Sam. 1:10b) https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-posts-11-20 monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3ae42711-2268-4e5a-b4ca-a63ff88c538e/12-3-21+driver+angry.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 12: A COMMON OFFENSE (12/3/21) “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (Prov. 10:12) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/7fb274a4-4029-4057-8785-25c4c3e00f38/12-7-21+sunbeams.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 14: A DIFFERENT WAY OF THINKING (12/7/21 ) “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/289a3e0c-9bae-4738-96e8-6c24e86e5864/12-21-21+kudzu.jpeg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 20: EMOTIONAL KUDZU (12/21/21) “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/a3c00cc0-aa0f-4c64-9fa9-befdff4b85a9/12-19-21+cat+eyes.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 19: SOUL IMPACT ( 12/19/21) “When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you” (Psa. 73:21-22) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/62c542bd-ba46-4a64-b9e2-a1a9bff2d434/12-5-21+prison.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 13: AN UNBELIEVABLE PERSPECTIVE (12/5/21) And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt (Gen. 45:3-8) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e6043a10-8cdb-46c1-a19f-3027b6968892/11-30-21+offended.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 11: BITTERNESS BEGINS WITH AN OFFENSE ( 11/30/21) “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out” (Pro. 17:14) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2bb6f966-6cb3-4733-b44d-26146932f780/12-12-21+darkness+creativity.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 16: YOU MEANT IT FOR EVIL. GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD. (12/12/21) When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/dd8271cc-a7b1-47fe-a266-af0f53245672/12-10-21+crown+of+thorns.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 15: YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! (12/10/21) “But I say to you who hear, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you’” (Luke 6:27-28) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3ec84692-1254-4e2e-bf6f-cd6a3ac80342/12-14-21+behold+good.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 17: THE GOODNESS OF GOD (12/14/21) “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psa 27:13-14) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5a6a112c-4e11-4351-b0b8-625f430a2955/12-17-21+progression+cogs.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 11-20) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 18: PATTERNS AND PROGRESSIONS (12/17/21) “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15) https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-21-30 monthly 0.5 2022-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/15f21e64-4797-4fe2-bf39-6086ac0a6053/volcano+cloud.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 27: WARNING SIGNS – DEADLY POISON (1/7/22) “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:5-10). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/83afa2e9-d35c-44db-b04b-de2f4029caba/construction+workers+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 28: WARNING SIGNS – THE SOURCE OF GOSSIP (1/9/22) “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:34-37). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3fedc8ae-800b-4ab5-b620-bf6fa6e95084/volcano+smoke.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 22: WARNING SIGNS - FEELINGS (12/26/21) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7) (MKJV). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/849a0bac-8817-4cfa-9bd5-9cd817b19a2e/embers+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 30: WARNING SIGNS - RESPONSE TO GOSSIP (1/14/22) “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” (Prov 26:20). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/ff928c89-7a0d-4674-86f7-848463e8c1e0/gossip+4.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 26: WARNING SIGNS – IS IT GOSSIP IF IT IS TRUE? (1/4/22) “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Tit 3:1-2). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5b69840e-b748-4ba5-af36-494e36cd57a7/Gossip+voice+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 25: WARNING SIGNS – BITTERNESS HAS A VOICE (1/2/22) “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder” (2 Cor 12:20). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e6a2f538-5d87-4f95-94bb-d94ee78f7b0d/1-11-22+gossip+3.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 29: WARNING SIGNS – THE IMPACT OF GOSSIP (1/11/22) “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Prov. 17:9). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2c4435a9-24cb-4368-9db3-bd95b70cc613/richter.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 23: WARNING SIGNS – THOUGHTS (12/28/21) “And lo, some of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This one blasphemes.’ “And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts?’ ” (Matt. 9:3-4) (MKJV). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/319570bb-9729-4a29-b929-0c59039fd9cc/watching+tv.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 24: WARNING SIGNS – BINGE WATCHING (12/31/21) “Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart” (Prov. 26:24). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/d5445567-c054-4d9e-ac92-870b6f7b2be3/failure+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 21-30) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 21: NOT A CHRISTMAS STORY, BUT STILL A TIMELY ONE. (12/24/21) You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart." (Psa 77:4-6a) https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-31-40 monthly 0.5 2022-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/ae1dd7b6-d2b4-4903-9f20-cf8b5d6f2482/Bitter+man.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 34: IMPACT: CRABBY (1/23/22) “He has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago” (Lam 3:5-6). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/7a86b8a0-2cef-473c-833d-37aa6083fce4/1-21-22+tombstones.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 33: IMPACT: RIGHTEOUS AND PROUD (1/21/22) “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling” (Prov 26:27). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2c98ea1a-085e-4322-9a04-e31ac2afa5e9/grinch.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 32: YOUR SOUL (1/18/22) “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Pet 2:11). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/d8db4f36-fdea-4d74-8bd3-747bba69f42a/creation+celebration.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 40: HEALTHY CREATIVITY (2/6/22) “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. “Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? “On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/de0501cb-6f1b-43c2-a627-1bc0b6840722/fire+escape+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 39: THE CREATIVITY OF BITTERNESS (2/4/22) “For wicked men are found among my people; they lurk like fowlers lying in wait. They set a trap; they catch men” (Jer 5:26). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0e60a1ed-1447-4c97-8a2a-baf4b175edf0/mud+fling+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 31: WARNING SIGNS - ACTIONS (1/16/22) “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thes 5:14-15). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/c2f2fc80-504d-4145-8464-dc532b343eff/prisoner+chains.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 35: THE PRISONER IN THE LORD (1/25/22) “I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord…” (Eph. 4:1a)(ASV). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/b9d5755e-938c-4515-8242-ca1440cf73ac/2-1-22+darkness+creativity+2.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 38: BITTERNESS STIFLES CREATIVITY (2/1/22) “Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise” (Psa 51:15). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/bdb4fb9d-f9c6-41cc-9f11-7f0f1f027b88/heaven.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 36: LINK UP TO GLORY! (1/28/22) “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/9fbbfc60-63b0-4467-9807-84c8553cccc2/blindness+fog.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 31-40) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 37: IMPACT: BLINDNESS (1/30/22) “But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 Jn 2:11). https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-41-50 monthly 0.5 2022-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/b1d2f679-3d68-4248-b0bb-c098fc476ae3/widow.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 42: BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: NAOMI (2/11/22) So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, "Is this Naomi?" She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/8b4af9ee-8181-4af4-b237-ffb0326be1a1/2-22-22+cloak+and+man.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 47: ELIJAH’S COMPLAINT (2/22/22) There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kgs 19:9-10). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/90153ca1-d315-4a3a-acde-fae4b3db2d7d/2-13-22+mourning+widow.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 43: NAOMI’S CHARACTER (2/13/22) She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?" (Ruth 1:20-21) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5cb5db9b-7b55-4568-a576-c23fc6110178/green+monster.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 45: SIMON AND THE GREEN MONSTER (2/18/22) “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0be91c21-b463-4c24-b7df-a8dd7abc77c0/mantle.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 48: ELIJAH’S IDENTITY CRISIS (2/25/22) And (God) said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kgs 19:11-14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/23613b77-48c2-473c-af5b-c13b132eb638/stump+seedling.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 50: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE (3/1/22) “For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease. Though its root grow old in the earth, and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put out branches like a young plant” (Job 14:7-9). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/d8762640-fc8f-4059-ad80-0950b7eb0420/ash+cloud.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 41: GROUNDED (2/8/22) “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. “GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places” (Hab 3:17-19a). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2809bb5d-70a8-4a74-999a-92dde5ec9081/dejected.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 46: ELIJAH – THE MELTDOWN (2/20/22) Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/62f06884-d368-481c-aa80-ad98162c0801/grandmother+and+baby.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 44: WHY IS THE BOOK OF RUTH IN THE BIBLE? (2/15/22) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3b37b486-6a7c-4509-b47c-09127c985cd1/future+children.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 41-50) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 49: ELIJAH’S RESTORATION (2/27/22) And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/wn4yblyh19hyuav0q08u56i9srxgzl monthly 0.5 2022-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/f181267c-60a5-4dd0-a87b-f06b818e43e7/gethsemane+disciples.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 52: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – THE HOUR OF NEED (3/6/22) And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Wait here and watch with Me.” And He went a little further and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/a13a3ead-3607-4f1f-b267-5456f492a5b7/betrayal+malchus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 54: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – THE LOSER (3/11/22) And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/192a5191-2c86-435b-9803-43088aa6c186/Peter+and+Jesus.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 59: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – REVELATION OF SELF (3/22/22) Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, "This man also was with him." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e23d6159-2649-4ce7-8c23-8195670bd8b3/virus+spit.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 56: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – CONTEMPT (3/15/22) And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards received him with blows (Mk 14:65). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/7e847a57-9a0f-4d9d-96f4-bea5546e062b/Judas+kiss.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 53: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – BETRAYAL (3/8/22) While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him (Mt. 26:47-50). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/34410c63-24e6-49b7-b49e-edaa9a0d1b10/accusers+Jesus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 60: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – CONSPIRACY THEORY (3/25/22) When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed (Mt 27:1-2, 11-14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5dea3baf-b2ea-42c2-a938-3383a96c3ad7/3-18-22+slap.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 57: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – ABUSE (3/18/22) When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" (John 18:22-23) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5fee0432-e81b-4a81-8a83-a5cbe379b204/3-4-22+cross+shadow.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 51: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE (3/4/22) For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3f50e184-ca61-4cdd-8c00-70149d2f528c/false+witness.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 55: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – THE COMMANDMENTS (3/13/22) Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2629dc5b-0184-4060-aa2e-809240498ebf/Peter+denial.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 51-60) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 58: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – CONFUSION AND DISILLUSION (3/20/22) "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me" (Lk 22:31-34). https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-61-70 monthly 0.5 2022-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/61a96201-fc0a-4a33-b249-67b1786d84dc/thief+on+the+cross.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 69: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – BITTERNESS OF DEATH (4/15/22) One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/25a10489-7ea9-4eb7-9884-ab947062d4cd/scourging+Jesus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 64: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – SHED BLOOD (4/3/22) Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5a962ba0-63e5-4fd7-ab2c-ec56b9a7e77d/Jesus+and+Barabbas.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 62: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – PREFERENCE (3/29/22) Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1653ba5f-4f80-4eda-a37a-95539a2e5e51/wrestler+masks.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 61: THE WAY OF THE CROSS –ENTERTAIN US! (3/27/22) Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man." But they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1fc7cc9e-2487-497a-b9ca-fcdc0909f54d/cross+take+up.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 66: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – TAKE UP YOUR CROSS (4/8/22) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha (Jn 19:16-17). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/8382e9ee-533b-4780-b5cb-5980672a9dea/crown+of+thorns+%282%29.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 65: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – ROYALTY ( 4/5/22) Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/c99b1a14-a64e-413c-bf8c-e7f212a2e523/women+and+Jesus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 67: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – DO NOT WEEP FOR ME (4/10/22) And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2165265c-9ea2-440a-b088-b035beb96fdf/cross+grave.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 70: “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM” (4/17/22) “And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments (Lk 23:33-34). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/46e43896-14b7-4b40-9ffc-6150f4f3510e/accusers+of+Jesus.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 63: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – CHOICES (4/1/22) From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar." So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5df85b3a-b53a-4754-93ae-ac09e5883166/soldiers+and+Jesus.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 61-70) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 68: THE WAY OF THE CROSS – SHAME (4/12/22) When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-71-80 monthly 0.5 2022-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/b203f047-6ade-462f-abc9-9c1351aa0724/mandela+sculpture.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 77: OPPRESSION (5/6/22) From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight (Psa 72:14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/9d80215e-8dd6-482f-9663-9b6cc62b87ee/4-19-22+prayer.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 71: NOTE THIS PART (4/19/22) Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Mt 6:9-15). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/ac3441c7-33e3-4610-88df-4914dd4c495f/stephen+stoning.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 73: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS (4/24/22) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/83ed8938-e35a-4d42-825c-2a6bf02c2dd6/vigil+candles.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 78: “NO ROOM FOR HATING” (5/8/22) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Eph 4:31-32). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/34e67e8d-9062-4e72-8028-fb9e612eff58/heart+of+God.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 72: GOD’S WAYS (4/22/22) Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isa 55:6-9). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/d5fffe20-ebeb-4903-885d-f6293d6ade17/joy+leaping.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 75: IMPACTS OF FORGIVENESS (4/29/22) “And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart" (Mt 18:34-35) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3f902aa3-60f2-4608-8782-8ae4a7b28518/cain+and+abel.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 79: CULTURAL BITTERNESS (5/10/22) Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold" (Gen 4:23-24). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e9b8c7d9-e354-4fd9-b8ea-f35947654294/debtor.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 74: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS (4/26/22) Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/95249a70-fdbb-4bdf-9d5a-b54ff6993308/amish+children.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 76: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR MEANS… (5/1/22) You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Lev 19:18). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/62383cfd-d39a-4f2d-b446-d119106ad93e/seventy-seven.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 71-80) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 80: GENERATIONAL HEALING (5/13/22) Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-81-90 monthly 0.5 2022-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/26b1b391-eb98-4014-b8bf-40ebc8518f9e/freedom+chains.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 82: JESUS SET ME FREE (5/17/22) So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3130900f-8eb1-4ec1-8ecb-cc878f82af55/Bridge+chasm.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 90: THE GREAT DIVIDE (6/18/22) And Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34a) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/bb1ddd61-d154-4aba-9c88-3633f0e3aac7/IMG_0393.JPG BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 84: THE SOJOURNER (5/22/22) You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt (Exo 23:9). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/26dac515-a75b-4bd4-b467-c61d414c685c/forgive+bouquet.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 87: STEPS TO FORGIVENESS (6/5/22) And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mk 11:25) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1b336b27-8692-4dc2-9c8e-f2d48df5b8d6/Papa+Martin+with+Bible.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 81: FAMILY HERITAGE (5/15/22) All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him (Gen 49:28). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/b0f00564-9512-4fda-9560-d934138678cf/Fochus+Residency.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 85: WELCOMING THE STRANGER (5/27/22) When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/ea13f773-13d4-407f-b2fb-21ef9b8f5201/6-12-22+Brokenness.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 89: BROKENNESS (6/12/22) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 18:9-14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/95ab234b-8f7a-4c3d-8813-c1f70e977e16/blindness.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 88: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (6/10/22) David said to Nathan “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam 12:13). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/f7278b16-9d2a-4ddf-9835-d61b68e090bf/genealogy+tree.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 83: TRIBAL FORGIVENESS (5/20/22) When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/2ae38ce5-4215-4955-9d1f-e62525c2e372/abandoned.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 81-90) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 86: THE BIBLICAL TITHE (6/3/22) And you shall rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you. https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-91-100 monthly 0.5 2022-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/587f3c4f-3415-42c7-b070-63bb736d39f5/nazi+ghetto.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 94: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (7/1/22) Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col 3:12-14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/8e09b863-b9ee-448a-b8bf-fd50375d6dd0/broken+heart.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 95: REACH STEP 5 - EMOTIONS (7/3/22) And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mk 9:23-24) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/e66c3bbb-6b90-4810-832f-264e89145149/shuffle+cards.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 96: THE GREAT SHUFFLE (7/8/22) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/da0d246f-766a-4d7a-91fd-3bf24a901be0/gift.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 91: STEP THREE - A GIFT (6/19/22) Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/478dd278-0e7a-4ffc-bb72-e99c8d850635/adulterous+woman.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 99: THE CONDEMNATION OF JUDGMENT (7/17/22) Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/29269d89-64ed-412d-b615-f717be19b147/accountability.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 93: ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIPS (6/26/22) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecc 4:9-10) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1d4fb5cd-e656-4663-9584-b16f80ab5147/spiritual+gift.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 97: MY GIFT OF JUDGMENT (7/10/22) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/c4154588-457b-42b0-8787-f0c55f3b067d/prodigal+son+older.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 100: RECONCILIATION IS A SOURCE OF JOY (7/24/22) And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/6d6bd5d6-e45b-48c0-82bd-4d2e2e477af2/6-24-22+double+minded.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 92: STEP FOUR - SINGLE-MINDED (6/24/22) “…he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/82b2f16f-347b-4bc3-8418-7fb8f7b3a13b/eye+light.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 91-100) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 98: THE DANGER OF JUDGMENT (07/15/22) Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matt 7:1-5) https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-101-110 monthly 0.5 2022-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/6dd065ff-4617-4f16-97d9-e0e2b4f32b30/archangel.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 103: FEAR OF GOD = FEAR OF JUDGMENT (8/5/22) And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively (Jude 1:6-10). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/919ae64a-6897-49f1-ae70-19b75dd6c521/9-2-22+hug+child.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BTTERNESS PART 109: THE JOY OF RESTORATION (9/2/22) He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/bab39544-971e-461f-a08d-8d70839a32fc/7-29-22+special.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 101: I AM SPECIAL! (7/29/22) John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3baf66ea-1f25-4e88-af68-ecda1cc95370/flick+off.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM - BITTERNESS PART 106: CANCEL CULTURE (8/14/22) “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle” (Prov 18:19) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/bdd0093a-7db7-4806-b372-17f093b0c82f/judgment+thumbs.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 102: AUTHORITY TO JUDGE (7/31/22) Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:13-15). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0dcd6e9f-f74b-4763-9365-83f36b76c882/accuser.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 104: ACCUSATION (8/7/22) And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/34380a8e-8bf0-4007-96a3-8aa7dca1a54a/Peter+fish+net.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 110: THE POWER OF RESTORATION (PART I) (9/4/22) Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea (Jn 21:2-7). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/b3527909-a46a-48a7-bb86-93f672ebb72c/8-26-22+lion+lamb.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 108: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (8/26/22) You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/89dd2fc9-4cb6-46a4-9adb-8acafbd0c8bc/encouragement.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 105: A TIMELY ENCOURAGEMENT (8/12/22) And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/141a3625-0195-493d-aa4a-dc2e6315ddb7/engagement.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 101-110) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 107: LET US REASON TOGETHER (8/19/22) Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool (Isa 1:18). https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/freedom-from-bitterness-parts-111-120 monthly 0.5 2022-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0a3e16f6-f508-45cb-a630-2293282e4357/covenant.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 117: HARD CHOICES (9/30/22) Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/acf662f9-6fe1-4f3a-97da-d8c73f4920a3/lament+grief.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 118: A PURE HEART (10/2/22) "Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/3415c283-e03d-4970-b9cf-c0120b3afd84/9-9-22+Peter+sheep.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 111: THE POWER OF RESTORATION (PART II) (9/9/22) When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5d3a196c-dd83-4a5b-a869-428ec3d64050/9-23-22+blood+heart.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 115: LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD (9/23/22) “[The priest] shall not go in to any dead bodies nor make himself unclean, even for his father or for his mother. He shall not go out of the sanctuary, lest he profane the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him: I am the LORD” (Lev.21:11-12). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/5abea62b-a90d-4dba-ae37-817ef0826801/skeleton+haunt.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 119: DEALING WITH SKELETONS (10/7/22) And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, "Mephibosheth!" And he answered, "Behold, I am your servant.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/0ea072d9-6eb3-4730-9da7-fde357a3f7ee/enemy+Lord.png BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 114: THE TRESPASS OFFERING (PART II) (9/18/22) “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matt 5:22-24). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/ba48b3fb-e69d-4b7b-bcfc-92687fdb1f17/release+let+it+go.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 120: LET IT GO (10/9/22) “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Tim 1:12b)(KJV). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/9c89a065-7a72-4da6-9de9-149efeee871a/ram+sacrifice.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 113: THE TRESPASS OFFERING (PART I) (9/16/22) “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby— if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/79d84a77-762f-419d-8fc5-7e6a04f4c726/field-192179_1280.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 112: THE FIRST STEP (9/11/22) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:16-18). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/334857ba-7e2c-4864-bd9d-37c3d77e443e/factions.jpg BLOG - FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS (Parts 111-120) - WALKING IN FREEDOM – BITTERNESS PART 116: PARTICIPATION IN OFFENSE (9/25/22) But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David's place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?" https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/blog/two-cultures-babylon-and-america monthly 0.5 2023-01-22 https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/home daily 1.0 2021-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1619988743447-MHI2LFYC9GVXVQLRVT3Y/Cover+Book+Two+Revised.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604747448823-SR6Y2MLXW29LYAFC3Q3J/Dod_Knows_Cover_for_Kindle.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1619990380270-Q3N4FTBVIVNSTBPZV5MV/Cover+Book+One.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602331565006-BBJ8FHLXDUFTOAKC4OTX/THE_CALL_Book_Two___Cover+CS.jpg Home THE CALL SERIES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce6d520221cc800015f8421/1559244970200-9NRMGQ9WNE7S9E9QM1I2/unspecified-10+copy.jpg Home https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/our-story daily 0.75 2022-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604277471530-8NM7MGJ6OQJTBTCJ7B5M/Thurman.David.headshot.fenixfoto_0K9A4644-5.jpg AUTHOR https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/the-call-series daily 0.75 2020-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604749172460-KOUU0KEJHZS8RWFLDRJF/The%2BCall%2BLogo%2BRevised.jpg THE CALL SERIES - THE CALL SERIES THE CALL books describe and define the call from God to His people to find their destiny in Him and to participate in His will for their lives. Written as training manuals, THE CALL books have been used to train urban ministers for many years - most of them in yearlong Ministry Residency programs. THE CALL books describe and focus on sustainable, deep, long term discipleship. The books use stories, examples, and principles to describe models for leaders to engage with impact, insight, and fruitfulness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602340522916-T1AW3WYTY1TWWTN3XGYB/THE_CALL_Book_Three__Cover+CS.jpg THE CALL SERIES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602340457802-1BS8BCT9L70F4UL5CGJL/THE_CALL_Book_Two___Cover+CS.jpg THE CALL SERIES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602340338472-9SJLVLGFFOS8FOJYR00B/THE_CALL_Book_One___Cover%2BCS.jpg THE CALL SERIES https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/surrender-and-trust daily 0.75 2021-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604882444068-G02UFG11R67LQ8UKTWZP/Cover%252BBook%252BOne.jpg SURRENDER AND TRUST https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1619920293296-XFBWQO87LVUB8QT9IKN1/Cover+Book+Two+Revised.jpg SURRENDER AND TRUST https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604434355085-5WITEBRNZ2VGWQ9EP9IW/img007.jpg SURRENDER AND TRUST https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/dod-knows daily 0.75 2020-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602360878501-GUNJ6DAJCS7B6MV7BXWT/Dod_Knows_Cover_for_Kindle.jpg DOD KNOWS - DOD KNOWS (THE JIMMY BOOK) DOD KNOWS tells the story of Jimmy Stuckey, an unruly five year old boy with Down’s Syndrome, who was taken into the Martin home because no one else wanted him. What started as temporary foster care for a few days turned into fifty years of fun, laughter, and unpredictability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602361797411-TFGDCS05ZMPB79JRW49O/Jimmy+Wedding.jpg DOD KNOWS - Weddings. Jimmy loved weddings, and he made them interesting…real interesting. Here, following the best family traditions, Jimmy has been planted in the “getaway car” of the bride and groom. He seems pretty happy about it, doesn’t he? (Chapter 14). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602362467524-P45Z8VUD9EYYISRC3WOJ/Jimmy+Football.jpg DOD KNOWS - Football. Now we are down to basics with Jimmy. He loved football. Here we see the author as a young boy with his Uncle Jimmy. Playing football with Jimmy was a dicey proposition - especially for a young boy. Jimmy was extremely competitive and he really didn’t have much regard for the rules. Every person who has played football with Jimmy remembers it. (Chapter 2). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602363056256-2N7A88FI7E0CW1KMX2F9/Jimmy%2BCamera.jpg DOD KNOWS - Cameras. This guy loved cameras - cameras and cassette tape players. And he took great pictures! Which always baffled the rest of us because he kept both eyes open the whole time he counted and clicked. Jimmy was an amazing person whose personality and strength of will influenced every person around him. (Chapter 10). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602423798099-9PM8MQ037JO9TLV65L0W/Jimmy%25252BFamily.jpg DOD KNOWS - After breakfast, Grandaddy turned and focused on Jimmy. With a tone of intentional certainty, he said, “Jimmy is more valuable to us than anything in the world.” I looked at Jimmy. Jimmy just sat there. Now Jimmy was a talker. He didn’t just listen and respond. Jimmy initiated conversation. Conversation confirmed relationship and Jimmy was a relational person. He didn’t miss many opportunities to talk. But on this occasion, Jimmy didn’t respond. As I looked into Jimmy’s eyes though, I could see that he felt the full impact of that statement. He did not have the look of a man that had just been flattered - although a compliment was clearly intended. Jimmy had the look of a man that was accepted - a person who fully belonged. Jimmy realized exactly what was being said. Grandaddy continued, “We wouldn’t trade Jimmy for all the money in the world.” Jimmy sat there and never said a word. He didn’t need to say anything. He knew where he stood. -From the Prologue of DOD KNOWS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1602363540339-OEI2LA8BIX6TQLPTJ3R3/Jimmy%2BBuddy.jpg DOD KNOWS - Buddies. Jimmy was my buddy and that never changed as we grew older. Do note the perspiration that has matted our hair. We have finished what was no doubt a spirited game of football at the annual Thanksgiving family reunion (“big Turkey day”). Jimmy was my buddy - “weal ol’ buddy” (real old buddy) as he would say. “Ol’ ball head, culey bird, kickapoo, warfwop.” (Chapter 22). https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/topics daily 0.75 2020-12-05 https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/whytitle daily 0.75 2020-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1604881944304-4M9T56S0DKHMBGJ5IUJJ/DM+DT+Cut.png WHY THE TITLE https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/life-tapestry daily 0.75 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1618059651700-GVL5LQ2HTPDM5D8QXUKG/Life%25252BTapestry%25252BPhoto.jpg LIFE TAPESTRY - WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Writing your Life Tapestry (also called a Spiritual Life History) can be a meaningful and informative experience. In our ministry training Residency, we ask all residents to write a Life Tapestry! A Life Tapestry can give you a new perspective on impactful events in your story. It can reveal patterns in your life that you did not know existed. Your life story can give you insight about purpose and direction for your life. Perhaps most importantly, you will see ways in which God has worked in your life! Below are two approaches to your life story: LIFE TAPESTRY - PROSE and LIFE STORY - CHARTED followed by SUGGESTIONS for both. Select the approach that is suited to you and dive in! https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/prose daily 0.75 2021-04-11 https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/charted daily 0.75 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1618090969441-PQK3OASIOX9R9HCD8THA/Life+Tapestry+Chart+%231.jpg CHARTED https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1618091153272-TAYMWM56N3EIA42YYS4J/Life+Tapestry+Chart+%232.jpg CHARTED https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/devotional-instructions daily 0.75 2021-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1619920132511-F7NQ8P2GV1HIZ9JICRHW/Cover+Book+Two+Revised.jpg DEVOTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1618148226935-GDUY9UUULDZGDDNQM3AR/Cover+Book+One.jpg DEVOTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS https://www.surrenderandtrust.net/decision-making daily 0.75 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f81a1e8b28ec756af3cb983/1618167040244-4FVBEO5J7LIWJKCHMKZ3/The+Call+Logo+Revised.jpg DECISION MAKING - DISCERNMENT: A PROCESS FOR MAKING GODLY DECISIONS (This material is Appendix A of Book Two of Surrender and Trust)