DESPITE MY BITTERNESS Poem Devotional

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Nov 11
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Then I realized my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you, you hold my right hand. – Psalm 73:21-23(NLT)
DESPITE MY BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Despite my bitterness, you continued to love me
Even when I didn’t forgive, you waited patiently
I must have seemed senseless and foolish
Yet, I still belong to you and considered precious.
In the face of my anger and resentment
You waited for my return and was so lenient
You showed me compassion and loyalty
After all my disobedience, arrogance and cruelty.
________________________________________Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. This is a command given to us in Ephesians 4:31-32. Bitterness is a form of anger. The Hebrew word for bitterness is “marah” which means to be contentious or rebellious. When someone is bitter, we know for sure that there is discontent in that person’s heart. Bitterness can be like cancer. It can slowly kill our joy, peace and belief in God. We can have the root of bitterness and yet not be aware of it. Despite our bitterness, God still love us and is faithful.
PRAYER
Lord, reveal to me any signs of bitterness in my heart.
REFLECTION
How has bitterness affected your life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS Poem Devotional

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December 31________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15(NLT)
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself angry or irritable with everyone?
Do you gripe about past hurts and blame someone?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness creeps up
It can damage many relationships easily and so abrupt.
Look after each other so you won’t miss God’s grace
Have the courage to take responsibility and face
Beware of any form of resentment or hostility
It can destroy your faith, joy and tranquility.
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There were many years of my life that I was bitter. I didn’t even know I was full of resentment and hostility towards many people and many things. After five decades of stronghold on this poisonous root, God delivered me from it and made me understand the damage it had on my life and relationships. Bitterness came in many forms in my life. It robbed me of joy and made me criticize automatically people around me who reminded me of those people who neglected and abused me. It made my heart heavy and I actually made myself sick physically as well. The bible tells us to watch out for any form of bitterness for it deprives us of God’s grace and it corrupts us too.
PRAYER
Lord make me aware when this poisonous root of bitterness strikes me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the antidote to bitterness?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com