Devotional Thought

Theme: Don’t Bottle It Up

Text: Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Beloved, we’re all aware of the damage that toxic waste sites do to the soil, the water, the air, and the people nearby. Negative emotions are like that. You can’t bury the anger, the hurt, the rejection, or the betrayal inside and think it’s not going to contaminate and poison you. When you bottle up negative emotions, they never die, and they always leak out and resurface. At some point, that poison will contaminate not just your dreams, your attitude, and your vision, but it will poison your relationship with the people in your life. It will drain out your joy, your peace, your creativity.

The good news is that you can get that toxic waste out of you. Don’t bottle up the bitterness, the guilt, or the resentment. It wasn’t right what they did, but you’re forgiving so you can be free. You’re letting it go so you can see beauty for the ashes. This is your time to be free.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can prevent my life from becoming a toxic waste site of negative emotions. Show me if there is anything that is causing me to be bitter or resentful, and help me to forgive any person who hurt me and to release to You what happened. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

The importance of integrity, righteousness, and moral conduct in the eyes of God. Each of these qualities represents a different aspect of wickedness and sin that is detestable in the sight of the Lord. The emphasis is on living a life that is truthful, just, and in alignment with God’s teachings to avoid falling into sinful behavior that goes against Him.

Seven Things That the Lord Hates: The “Seven Abominations”

Here is a breakdown of the references for each of the seven things:

1. A haughty look: Proverbs 6:16-19. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
2. Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
3. A heart that devises wicked schemes: Proverbs 6:18. “A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil.”
4. Feet that are quick to rush into evil: Proverbs 6:18. “A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil.”
5. A false witness who pours out lies: Proverbs 6:19. “A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth (Psalm 37:12).

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).

For the deceitful ways of darkness oft cloak themselves in guise of light. Be not swayed by false appearances, but seek truth and righteousness in all things.

The best prayer is one that aligns with God’s will and is offered with a sincere and humble heart. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

The best prayer is one that aligns with God’s will and is offered with a sincere and humble heart. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Prayer as a model for how to pray.

The evil spirit, also known as Satan or the devil, is a spiritual being who opposes God and seeks to deceive and destroy humanity. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible warns us to be alert and sober-minded because our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

Evil people can be identified by their actions, attitudes, and intentions. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus says, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Evil people may display traits such as lying, deceit, manipulation, and a lack of empathy towards others. The Bible describes them as wicked, ungodly, and rebellious. Evil play or secret plans are schemes and strategies that are devised in secrecy and intended to harm or deceive others. In Mark 7:21-22, Jesus teaches that evil thoughts and actions come from within a person’s heart. Therefore, we can identify secret plans by examining the motives and intentions behind them and seeking discernment and wisdom from God.