1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,680 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Joe lous Deine Podcast. Help Let's continue 2 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:06,280 Speaker 1: to share the message of hope with those all over 3 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:10,360 Speaker 1: the world. Visit Joeloustin dot com slash give Hope to 4 00:00:10,440 --> 00:00:17,880 Speaker 1: give a gift today. 5 00:00:23,200 --> 00:00:25,880 Speaker 2: Well, God bless you. It's a joy to come into 6 00:00:25,920 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 2: your homes. And if you're ever in our area, please 7 00:00:28,640 --> 00:00:31,280 Speaker 2: stop by and be a part of one of our services. 8 00:00:31,480 --> 00:00:34,080 Speaker 2: These are the finest people in all of Houston, Texas, 9 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 2: right here at Lakewood, and we'd love to have you sometime. 10 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:39,880 Speaker 2: I'd like to start with something funny, and I heard 11 00:00:39,880 --> 00:00:43,120 Speaker 2: about this lady that was stopped at an intersection. A 12 00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:46,120 Speaker 2: man came up asking for money. She dug in her 13 00:00:46,120 --> 00:00:49,120 Speaker 2: purse and found a dollar bill. She rolled down her 14 00:00:49,159 --> 00:00:52,559 Speaker 2: window said sir, I'm not giving you this because you 15 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:55,640 Speaker 2: deserve it. I'm giving it to you because it makes 16 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:58,680 Speaker 2: me happy. He looked at her and said, ma'am, why 17 00:00:58,680 --> 00:01:02,080 Speaker 2: don't you give me twenty dollars and thoroughly enjoy yourself? 18 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:05,880 Speaker 2: Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. 19 00:01:06,200 --> 00:01:08,560 Speaker 2: I am what it says I am. I have what 20 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:11,080 Speaker 2: it says I have. I can do what it says 21 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:13,839 Speaker 2: I can do. Today I will be taught the word 22 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:17,920 Speaker 2: of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert, my 23 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:22,280 Speaker 2: heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus' name, 24 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:25,960 Speaker 2: God bless you. I want to talk to you today 25 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:30,039 Speaker 2: about beating bitterness. We all go through things that are 26 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:33,840 Speaker 2: not fair. People do us wrong. We didn't get the promotion, 27 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:38,000 Speaker 2: came down with an illness. You can't stop life from 28 00:01:38,040 --> 00:01:41,960 Speaker 2: happening to you, but you can choose how you respond. 29 00:01:42,720 --> 00:01:45,280 Speaker 2: If you hold on to the hurt, you go around 30 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:48,480 Speaker 2: dwelling on the offense, thinking why did they say that 31 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:51,680 Speaker 2: about me? Why did I lose my loved one? Why 32 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:54,840 Speaker 2: did that friend walk away? Then you're opening the door 33 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:58,960 Speaker 2: to bitterness. When you're bitter, it affects every area of 34 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:03,520 Speaker 2: your life. Bitterness poisons your attitude to where you see 35 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:08,519 Speaker 2: things in a negative light. Bitter people don't have good relationships. 36 00:02:08,919 --> 00:02:12,160 Speaker 2: They're easily offended. They'll jump down your throat for the 37 00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:16,359 Speaker 2: smallest thing. It's not you, it's the bitterness coming out. 38 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:19,880 Speaker 2: You may have a good reason to be bitter something 39 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:23,600 Speaker 2: was unfair, but holding onto it is only going to 40 00:02:23,639 --> 00:02:27,040 Speaker 2: make it worse. It's going to steal your dreams, rob 41 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:31,400 Speaker 2: you of your joy. Bitterness can keep you from your destiny. Now. 42 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:34,520 Speaker 2: I know people that are still bitter over something that 43 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:39,359 Speaker 2: happened thirty years ago, Bitter because they were mistreated growing up, 44 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 2: Bitter because a relationship didn't work out. You have to 45 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:47,520 Speaker 2: let it go. God sees what's happening. He knows what 46 00:02:47,760 --> 00:02:51,240 Speaker 2: wasn't fair, He knows who walked away, and he knows 47 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:53,960 Speaker 2: how to make it up to you. He knows how 48 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:57,480 Speaker 2: to bring you out better. Let it go and trust 49 00:02:57,600 --> 00:03:01,880 Speaker 2: him to be your vindicator. The longer you hold on, 50 00:03:02,360 --> 00:03:05,440 Speaker 2: the harder it is to get rid of. The more 51 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:08,240 Speaker 2: you dwell on it, the more you relive it, the 52 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:11,400 Speaker 2: more you let it bother you, the deeper it gets planted. 53 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:16,560 Speaker 2: The key is forgive quickly, let go of things you 54 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,320 Speaker 2: don't understand, quickly when the questions come up, why did 55 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:23,880 Speaker 2: this happen? This isn't fair? When you feel the bitterness 56 00:03:23,919 --> 00:03:27,160 Speaker 2: trying to take root, right, then, God, I'm turning this 57 00:03:27,240 --> 00:03:30,200 Speaker 2: over to you. I know you're my vindicator. I know 58 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 2: you'll make my wrongs right. You said you'd give me 59 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:37,280 Speaker 2: beauty for these ashes I found. Bitterness is always knocking 60 00:03:37,360 --> 00:03:40,839 Speaker 2: at the door. You didn't get the contract. Bitterness will 61 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:43,680 Speaker 2: come have a chip on your shoulder. That's not fair. 62 00:03:44,520 --> 00:03:48,280 Speaker 2: The medical report wasn't what you wanted. Bitterness will show up. 63 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:51,800 Speaker 2: You prayed, you believe, Why didn't God answer your prayer. 64 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:55,720 Speaker 2: That's bitterness trying to come in at the office. A 65 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:58,360 Speaker 2: coal worker says something to try to make you look 66 00:03:58,400 --> 00:04:01,880 Speaker 2: bad in front of people. Just a little offense, just 67 00:04:01,920 --> 00:04:04,960 Speaker 2: a small seed. If you ignore it, no big deal. 68 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:08,640 Speaker 2: But if you start dwelling on it, start thinking of 69 00:04:08,680 --> 00:04:11,760 Speaker 2: how you can pay them back next time you see them, 70 00:04:11,920 --> 00:04:15,160 Speaker 2: you give them the cold shoulder, then that little seed 71 00:04:15,440 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 2: will begin to take root. Before long, it will grow 72 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:22,560 Speaker 2: and pollute other areas of your life. That's why it 73 00:04:22,600 --> 00:04:27,080 Speaker 2: says in Hebrews, make sure that no root of bitterness 74 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:32,600 Speaker 2: springs forth and causes trouble, and many become contaminated by it. 75 00:04:33,200 --> 00:04:36,919 Speaker 2: Notice it refers to bitterness as a root. You can't 76 00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:41,279 Speaker 2: see a root. It's hidden, it's underground. But here's the problem. 77 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:45,520 Speaker 2: A bitter root produces bitter fruit. If you have a 78 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:49,120 Speaker 2: root of bitterness, it will contaminate your life. Now. I 79 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:52,240 Speaker 2: know a young man that became disgruntled with his employer. 80 00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:55,720 Speaker 2: His boss was an older man, and he didn't feel 81 00:04:55,760 --> 00:04:59,360 Speaker 2: like he'd been treated fairly. He moved on to another state, 82 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:02,599 Speaker 2: but over the years he never let it go. He 83 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:06,920 Speaker 2: became more and more offended, kept talking about it, bringing 84 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:10,360 Speaker 2: up all the ways he wasn't treated right. His boss 85 00:05:10,440 --> 00:05:13,680 Speaker 2: was good to him, he was generous and kind. There 86 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 2: were just little things. This young man kept dwelling on, 87 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:21,120 Speaker 2: blowing it out of proportion because he wouldn't let it go. 88 00:05:21,600 --> 00:05:26,640 Speaker 2: That small offense turned into a root of bitterness. He 89 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:31,520 Speaker 2: used to be happy, fun to be around. Now he's bitter, souring, 90 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:35,480 Speaker 2: has a chip on his shoulder. It's affecting his relationships, 91 00:05:35,839 --> 00:05:41,440 Speaker 2: it's affecting his career. Proverbs says, guard your heart with 92 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:46,359 Speaker 2: all diligence, for out of it flew the issues of life. 93 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:50,400 Speaker 2: One of our most important responsibilities is to keep our 94 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:55,159 Speaker 2: heart pure. Life is too short to live offended, not 95 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:59,320 Speaker 2: forgiving bitter over what didn't work out. You have to 96 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:02,920 Speaker 2: guard your heart. It's easy to let what's on the 97 00:06:02,960 --> 00:06:07,600 Speaker 2: outside get on the inside. It takes discipline to say, 98 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:10,520 Speaker 2: I'm not going to dwell on that offense. I'm not 99 00:06:10,560 --> 00:06:13,760 Speaker 2: going to go around feeling sorry for myself because something 100 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:18,560 Speaker 2: didn't work out. You only have so much emotional energy 101 00:06:18,680 --> 00:06:23,000 Speaker 2: each day. It's not an unlimited supply. Do you know 102 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:26,400 Speaker 2: how much energy it takes to hold a grudge? To 103 00:06:26,480 --> 00:06:31,480 Speaker 2: go around offended, that's wasting valuable energy that you need 104 00:06:31,600 --> 00:06:36,200 Speaker 2: for your dreams, for your children, for your destiny. Quit 105 00:06:36,279 --> 00:06:40,159 Speaker 2: letting what's on the outside get on the inside, start 106 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:44,159 Speaker 2: guarding your heart. The apostle Paul had plenty of opportunities 107 00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:47,920 Speaker 2: to live offended. He said, in one place, Alexander the 108 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:52,400 Speaker 2: Coppersmith did me great wrong, but I'm not worried. I 109 00:06:52,440 --> 00:06:55,960 Speaker 2: know God will pay him back. That's a mature attitude. 110 00:06:56,080 --> 00:06:59,760 Speaker 2: Somebody did me great wrong, but I'm not upset, not bitter, 111 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:02,760 Speaker 2: don't have a chip on my shoulder. I know God 112 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:05,920 Speaker 2: is fighting my battles. I know God will be my vindicator. 113 00:07:06,839 --> 00:07:10,280 Speaker 2: What's interesting is you can't see a root, but a 114 00:07:10,400 --> 00:07:14,280 Speaker 2: root is where the tree gets life. We see the outside, 115 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:17,400 Speaker 2: the leaves, the branches, but the roots are what's feeding 116 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:22,960 Speaker 2: the tree. When your roots are healthy, positive, hopeful, then 117 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:28,360 Speaker 2: that's feeding you encouragement, life, strength, hope. The problem is 118 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:32,040 Speaker 2: if you have bitter roots, you're not being fed the 119 00:07:32,120 --> 00:07:35,520 Speaker 2: right things. You wonder why you don't have any energy, 120 00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:39,200 Speaker 2: why you don't laugh anymore. Why you don't dream like 121 00:07:39,240 --> 00:07:43,480 Speaker 2: you used to. It's because those bitter roots are feeding 122 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:48,800 Speaker 2: you bitterness, self pity, anger. That's draining all the strength, 123 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:52,160 Speaker 2: the passion, the joy. They're feeding you what they are. 124 00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:56,160 Speaker 2: The good news is you don't have to live with 125 00:07:56,280 --> 00:08:00,160 Speaker 2: bitter roots. You need to ask God to show you 126 00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:04,560 Speaker 2: what's causing you to be bitter. Maybe there's somebody you 127 00:08:04,640 --> 00:08:08,040 Speaker 2: need to forgive. Maybe it's a dream that didn't work 128 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:11,480 Speaker 2: out you're still sour about it. Maybe it's a mistake 129 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:15,120 Speaker 2: you made and you're still beating yourself up. If you'll 130 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:19,160 Speaker 2: be honest with yourself and say, God, help me to 131 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:23,000 Speaker 2: get rid of this root of bitterness. God, I'm still 132 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:26,400 Speaker 2: angry over what happened when I was ten, still sour 133 00:08:26,560 --> 00:08:29,920 Speaker 2: over the person that left, still grieving over my loved 134 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:33,240 Speaker 2: one that I lost twelve years ago. God, I don't 135 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:36,360 Speaker 2: want to be bitter. I want my passion back. I 136 00:08:36,400 --> 00:08:38,600 Speaker 2: want to love again like I used to. I want 137 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:41,600 Speaker 2: to dream again. God help me to let it go 138 00:08:42,040 --> 00:08:45,920 Speaker 2: and move forward. That's the first step to getting rid 139 00:08:46,080 --> 00:08:49,480 Speaker 2: of a bitter root. Find out what it is and 140 00:08:49,600 --> 00:08:52,120 Speaker 2: ask God to help you. You can't do it on 141 00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:56,120 Speaker 2: your own. Ask him to help you forgive the person 142 00:08:56,160 --> 00:08:59,720 Speaker 2: that hurts you. Ask him to help you release the bitterness, 143 00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:04,800 Speaker 2: the resentment. When you get those contaminants out, you'll not 144 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 2: only feel the weight lift off of you, but you'll 145 00:09:07,520 --> 00:09:11,240 Speaker 2: get your joy back. You'll start dreaming again, and you'll 146 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:14,960 Speaker 2: see the new things God has in store. Years ago, 147 00:09:15,120 --> 00:09:18,560 Speaker 2: there was a great outbreak of disease in a small 148 00:09:18,679 --> 00:09:23,520 Speaker 2: village in Africa. People were being overcome by nausea and sickness. 149 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:26,280 Speaker 2: After a couple of months, it was so bad people 150 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:30,520 Speaker 2: started dying. Word quickly reached the main city and they 151 00:09:30,559 --> 00:09:32,760 Speaker 2: sent out experts to try to find out what the 152 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:37,440 Speaker 2: problem was. After several days of testing, they discovered their 153 00:09:37,559 --> 00:09:42,560 Speaker 2: water was contaminated. This little village got its water from 154 00:09:42,559 --> 00:09:47,440 Speaker 2: a mountain stream. The researchers began to travel upstream to 155 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:50,520 Speaker 2: find out where the problem was. They traveled for days 156 00:09:50,559 --> 00:09:54,160 Speaker 2: and days and didn't see anything wrong. They finally came 157 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 2: to the source of the stream. Everything on the surface 158 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:01,880 Speaker 2: looked fine. They decided to send some divers down to 159 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:05,640 Speaker 2: get as close to the source as possible. Much to 160 00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:10,600 Speaker 2: their surprise, they found a big mother pig and all 161 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:13,920 Speaker 2: of her piglets were stuck right there at the source. 162 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:17,720 Speaker 2: Somehow the pigs had fallen in and drowned and became 163 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:22,400 Speaker 2: wedged right at the opening. Now all this crystal clear 164 00:10:22,520 --> 00:10:27,320 Speaker 2: water was being contaminated as it flowed past the dead pigs. 165 00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:31,080 Speaker 2: All they had to do was removed the pigs, and 166 00:10:31,120 --> 00:10:34,560 Speaker 2: once again the water was perfectly fine. It's the same 167 00:10:34,640 --> 00:10:38,280 Speaker 2: principle in life. We all have unfair things that happened, 168 00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:43,960 Speaker 2: things we don't understand. Too often, instead of forgiving the 169 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:47,160 Speaker 2: people that hurt us, instead of letting go of the wrong, 170 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:52,360 Speaker 2: we've held on to it like those pigs. It's contaminated 171 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:56,400 Speaker 2: our stream. We wonder why we're negative, why we can't 172 00:10:56,400 --> 00:10:59,440 Speaker 2: get along in relationships, why we keep losing our temper. 173 00:10:59,559 --> 00:11:02,560 Speaker 2: We think this is just who I am. No, that 174 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:05,880 Speaker 2: is not who you are. You were created in the 175 00:11:05,920 --> 00:11:10,440 Speaker 2: image of God. He made you to be happy, healthy, whole, secure, 176 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:15,760 Speaker 2: not bitter, angry, resentful. You need to go back and 177 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:19,840 Speaker 2: get rid of what's contaminating your stream. You need to 178 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:23,480 Speaker 2: find those pigs, forgive the people that did you wrong. 179 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:27,400 Speaker 2: They hurt you once, don't let them continue to hurt you. 180 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:31,760 Speaker 2: They can't stop your destiny unless you allow them to. 181 00:11:32,760 --> 00:11:35,800 Speaker 2: You're not forgiving for their sake, You're forgiving for your 182 00:11:35,880 --> 00:11:41,000 Speaker 2: sake so your stream doesn't stay polluted. Quit reliving that 183 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:44,400 Speaker 2: dream that didn't work out, that business that failed, the 184 00:11:44,480 --> 00:11:47,800 Speaker 2: contract that didn't go through. Let it go. God has 185 00:11:47,840 --> 00:11:51,520 Speaker 2: another dream. That was a test. You had to go 186 00:11:51,600 --> 00:11:54,559 Speaker 2: through those closed doors before you could come to your 187 00:11:54,559 --> 00:11:57,959 Speaker 2: open doors. It may not have been fair, but God 188 00:11:58,120 --> 00:12:02,080 Speaker 2: saw what happened. Get rid of the pigs if you'll 189 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:05,679 Speaker 2: turn it over to him. Start dreaming again, start believing again, 190 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:09,480 Speaker 2: start hoping again. God will pay you back for what 191 00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:12,960 Speaker 2: didn't work out. He's going to open doors you never 192 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:16,199 Speaker 2: dreamed would open. He's going to bring people better than 193 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:20,360 Speaker 2: you ever imagine. What's in your future is much greater 194 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:25,200 Speaker 2: than anything you've lost. Now my challenge. Don't let a 195 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:29,480 Speaker 2: dead pig keep you from your destiny. Don't let a 196 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:33,640 Speaker 2: bitter root contaminate your life. It's time to move forward. 197 00:12:34,440 --> 00:12:38,319 Speaker 2: It's very freeing when you can let things go. Say God, 198 00:12:38,440 --> 00:12:41,679 Speaker 2: they did me wrong, but you're my vindicator. I had 199 00:12:41,679 --> 00:12:45,040 Speaker 2: a disappointment, but I know you'll turn what was meant 200 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:47,600 Speaker 2: for my harm and use it to my advantage. I 201 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:50,880 Speaker 2: lost a loved one. Yes I still miss them, but 202 00:12:50,920 --> 00:12:53,359 Speaker 2: I'm not going to live better the rest of my life. 203 00:12:53,480 --> 00:12:56,120 Speaker 2: I know they're with you and you have a new 204 00:12:56,160 --> 00:13:00,920 Speaker 2: beginning for me. That's how you beat bitterness. Guard your heart. 205 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:05,439 Speaker 2: You don't let what's on the outside get on the inside. 206 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:09,480 Speaker 2: In the Scripture, a lady named Naomi had some tough times. 207 00:13:09,960 --> 00:13:12,920 Speaker 2: She was living in a city called Moab. She was 208 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:17,320 Speaker 2: a widow, her husband had died. Years later, both of 209 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:21,880 Speaker 2: her sons were killed, and sometimes life doesn't seem fair. 210 00:13:22,559 --> 00:13:25,520 Speaker 2: You have more than your share of bad breaks. It's 211 00:13:25,559 --> 00:13:28,280 Speaker 2: easy to get bitter and give up on your dreams. 212 00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:31,559 Speaker 2: But God wouldn't have allowed it if it was going 213 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:36,120 Speaker 2: to keep you from your destiny. Yes, it's difficult, but 214 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:39,800 Speaker 2: God promises he will give you grace for every season. 215 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:42,800 Speaker 2: He won't let you go through more than you can handle. 216 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:46,160 Speaker 2: When that bitterness comes, you have to put your foot 217 00:13:46,200 --> 00:13:49,240 Speaker 2: down and say no, I'm not going there. I know 218 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,200 Speaker 2: God is still in control. I know his plans for 219 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 2: me are for good. What you're going through may not 220 00:13:56,040 --> 00:13:58,920 Speaker 2: be good, but God knows how to bring good out 221 00:13:58,960 --> 00:14:01,560 Speaker 2: of it. But every thought will tell you it's never 222 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:04,000 Speaker 2: going to get better. You might as well be bitter. 223 00:14:04,559 --> 00:14:08,520 Speaker 2: Don't believe those lies. You wouldn't be alive unless God 224 00:14:08,559 --> 00:14:11,320 Speaker 2: had something amazing in front of you. He has a 225 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:15,520 Speaker 2: purpose for you to fulfill. Naomi had gone through so 226 00:14:15,679 --> 00:14:19,240 Speaker 2: much she thought she was done. She even changed her name. 227 00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:26,280 Speaker 2: Naomi means my joy. She changed it tomorrow Marra means bitter. Now. 228 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:29,560 Speaker 2: When people called her Naomi, she would tell them, don't 229 00:14:29,560 --> 00:14:33,680 Speaker 2: call me that, call me Marrow. I'm bitter, I'm broken, 230 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:37,240 Speaker 2: my dreams are shattered. Just let me live in my pain. 231 00:14:38,200 --> 00:14:41,760 Speaker 2: She let the bitterness get on the inside. Maybe she 232 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:44,400 Speaker 2: had a reason. She had been through a lot of losses. 233 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:48,680 Speaker 2: But just because you've been through loss, does it mean 234 00:14:48,880 --> 00:14:51,720 Speaker 2: you're not going to win again? Does it mean you've 235 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 2: seen your best days? You may have had bad breaks, 236 00:14:55,520 --> 00:14:59,160 Speaker 2: but don't change your name. God is not finished with you. 237 00:15:00,080 --> 00:15:04,720 Speaker 2: Enemy doesn't have the final say God does. Naomi moved 238 00:15:04,760 --> 00:15:08,320 Speaker 2: back home to Bethlehem. Her daughter in law, Ruth, went 239 00:15:08,360 --> 00:15:12,640 Speaker 2: with her. I can imagine when her friends saw. They 240 00:15:12,640 --> 00:15:16,280 Speaker 2: came running out Naomi. I can't believe it's you, she said. 241 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:19,800 Speaker 2: Don't be happy for me. I went out full, but 242 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:22,880 Speaker 2: I'm coming home empty. She was saying, I went out 243 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:25,560 Speaker 2: with my husband, my two sons, but look now it's 244 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:30,000 Speaker 2: just me. Have you ever gone out full big dreams, 245 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:33,040 Speaker 2: big goals, but things didn't work out the way you 246 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:37,280 Speaker 2: had planned. The marriage didn't make it, pregnancy didn't last, 247 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:41,760 Speaker 2: contract didn't go through. Like Naomi, you could easily be bitter. 248 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:46,640 Speaker 2: Here's how merciful God is. Even though Naomi thought she 249 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:49,760 Speaker 2: was done, even though she gave up on her dreams, 250 00:15:50,080 --> 00:15:54,520 Speaker 2: God said, in effect, Naomi, you started in joy, and 251 00:15:54,560 --> 00:15:57,480 Speaker 2: you're going to finish in joy. You may have changed 252 00:15:57,480 --> 00:16:00,600 Speaker 2: your name, but I didn't change your name. You had 253 00:16:00,640 --> 00:16:04,600 Speaker 2: trouble in Moab, don't worry. I have a blessing waiting 254 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:09,680 Speaker 2: for you in Bethlahem. What's interesting is, even though Naomi 255 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 2: changed her name, the scripture never refers to her as Morrow. 256 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 2: It keeps calling her Naomi. Have you changed your name 257 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:24,280 Speaker 2: so to speak, tomorrow? Are you living bitter negative thinking 258 00:16:24,320 --> 00:16:27,680 Speaker 2: about everything that didn't work out? Do yourself a favor, 259 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:31,080 Speaker 2: Get rid of those names you put on yourself and 260 00:16:31,160 --> 00:16:33,960 Speaker 2: go back to being who God created you to be. 261 00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:42,240 Speaker 2: God didn't change your name. He still calls you blessed, prosperous, favored, healthy, strong, victorious. 262 00:16:42,680 --> 00:16:45,840 Speaker 2: Go back to your original name. You may have had 263 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:49,360 Speaker 2: trouble in Moab, so to speak. But get ready, God 264 00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:53,440 Speaker 2: has a blessing waiting for you in Bethlahem. Instead of 265 00:16:53,480 --> 00:16:57,920 Speaker 2: sitting around bitter, Naomi started helping her daughter in law Ruth. 266 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:01,680 Speaker 2: There was a man Ruth was in in and Naomi 267 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:05,520 Speaker 2: started giving her relationship advice. She told Ruth, put on 268 00:17:05,600 --> 00:17:08,840 Speaker 2: this perfume, wear this outfit, and go see this man 269 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:14,240 Speaker 2: named Boas. Naomi turned her focus away from her own 270 00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:19,080 Speaker 2: problems and started helping somebody else, Her joy began to 271 00:17:19,119 --> 00:17:22,720 Speaker 2: come back. When you're tempted to be bitter, one of 272 00:17:22,760 --> 00:17:25,399 Speaker 2: the best things you can do is get your mind 273 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:29,879 Speaker 2: off yourself and go be a blessing to others. Ruth 274 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:34,040 Speaker 2: ended up marrying Boas They had a baby named Obed. 275 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:38,960 Speaker 2: When Naomi saw that little baby, she was so excited. 276 00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:43,359 Speaker 2: It was like something breathed new life, new purpose back 277 00:17:43,359 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 2: into her spirit. The scripture says a son was born 278 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:52,119 Speaker 2: to Naomi wasn't even her baby, but she took that 279 00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:55,280 Speaker 2: little baby and raised him like he was her own. 280 00:17:56,200 --> 00:18:01,000 Speaker 2: This once bitter woman was now more full filled than ever. 281 00:18:01,560 --> 00:18:05,760 Speaker 2: She never dreamed she would be that happy again. God 282 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:10,639 Speaker 2: is saying, my blessing is going to override your bitterness. 283 00:18:11,280 --> 00:18:13,920 Speaker 2: My favor is going to make up for your pain. 284 00:18:14,640 --> 00:18:18,560 Speaker 2: What God has planned for you. Cannot be stopped by people, 285 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:23,119 Speaker 2: by bad breaks, by loss. Even if you change your name. 286 00:18:23,560 --> 00:18:26,880 Speaker 2: God is so merciful, He's still going to do something amazing. 287 00:18:27,280 --> 00:18:29,640 Speaker 2: He's still going to get you to where you're supposed 288 00:18:29,680 --> 00:18:34,159 Speaker 2: to be. Mark sixteen. Jesus had just been crucified in 289 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:38,720 Speaker 2: Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb early 290 00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:42,720 Speaker 2: one morning to put perfume on his body. They wondered 291 00:18:42,720 --> 00:18:45,280 Speaker 2: how they were going to roll the stone away, but 292 00:18:45,359 --> 00:18:49,280 Speaker 2: when they arrived, the stone was already moved. They walked 293 00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:52,720 Speaker 2: in the tomb saw a young man dressed in white. 294 00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:56,639 Speaker 2: Was an angel. They were afraid. He said to them, 295 00:18:57,080 --> 00:19:01,320 Speaker 2: you're looking for Jesus, but he is not here. He 296 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:05,720 Speaker 2: has risen. He has gone ahead of you to Galilee. 297 00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:10,000 Speaker 2: There you will see him. Notice he is not here. 298 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:14,840 Speaker 2: He is there. The angel was saying, in effect, I 299 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:18,000 Speaker 2: know this looks bad. I know you're hurting. I know 300 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:23,040 Speaker 2: you're disappointed, but don't stay here. Something better is waiting 301 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:27,680 Speaker 2: for you there. In other words, here is the disappointment, 302 00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:31,359 Speaker 2: Here is the bad medical report. Here is the dream 303 00:19:31,400 --> 00:19:35,720 Speaker 2: that didn't work out. If you stay here, you'll be discouraged. 304 00:19:36,119 --> 00:19:40,280 Speaker 2: You have to go there. Sometimes, the reason God doesn't 305 00:19:40,280 --> 00:19:44,800 Speaker 2: comfort us in the here, in the disappointment, is because 306 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:48,360 Speaker 2: He doesn't want us to stay where we are. Yes, 307 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:53,200 Speaker 2: the loss is painful, Yes, the setback wasn't fair. But 308 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:57,520 Speaker 2: God is not here. He's gone ahead. He's waiting for 309 00:19:57,560 --> 00:20:01,280 Speaker 2: you there. God is not in your past, in what 310 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:05,120 Speaker 2: you lost, in what didn't work out. He's in your future. 311 00:20:06,040 --> 00:20:10,639 Speaker 2: Don't get stuck in here, move forward into there. There 312 00:20:10,760 --> 00:20:14,320 Speaker 2: is where vindication is. There is where new beginnings are. 313 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:17,960 Speaker 2: There is where you'll find your healing. If the two 314 00:20:18,040 --> 00:20:21,040 Speaker 2: Marys would have stayed at the tomb in self pity, 315 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,000 Speaker 2: I can't believe this happened. They would have never seen 316 00:20:24,160 --> 00:20:27,400 Speaker 2: the there, they would have never seen the Lord. Are 317 00:20:27,400 --> 00:20:30,760 Speaker 2: you living in the here while God is waiting for 318 00:20:30,800 --> 00:20:35,040 Speaker 2: you there? Are you stuck in a disappointment, bitter over 319 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:39,000 Speaker 2: a bad break, angry over what didn't work out. It's 320 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:43,080 Speaker 2: time to leave here and go there. There is where 321 00:20:43,160 --> 00:20:46,199 Speaker 2: God is waiting for you. There is where the blessing is. 322 00:20:47,119 --> 00:20:51,680 Speaker 2: The disappointment is simply a season. It's not the rest 323 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:55,239 Speaker 2: of your life. God has already gone ahead. God has 324 00:20:55,280 --> 00:20:58,680 Speaker 2: already lined up the next chapter. Your house was damaged 325 00:20:58,720 --> 00:21:02,600 Speaker 2: in the storm, that's here. Yes, that's disappointing. The good 326 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:06,399 Speaker 2: news is God has gone ahead. He's waiting for you there. 327 00:21:06,720 --> 00:21:10,679 Speaker 2: He has restoration already lined up. This is what my 328 00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:13,679 Speaker 2: father had to do. He'd been pastoring a church for 329 00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:17,240 Speaker 2: many years, and he was very successful, had just built 330 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:20,520 Speaker 2: a beautiful new sanctuary. He was on the state board 331 00:21:20,560 --> 00:21:24,600 Speaker 2: for his denomination. On his way up, my sister Lisa 332 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:28,560 Speaker 2: was born with something like cerebral palsy. My dad began 333 00:21:28,720 --> 00:21:32,240 Speaker 2: to search the scriptures in a new way. He found 334 00:21:32,280 --> 00:21:35,359 Speaker 2: how God is a healer and how he came that 335 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:40,040 Speaker 2: we might live an abundant, victorious life. He started sharing 336 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:44,720 Speaker 2: that with his congregation, but much to his surprise, they 337 00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:48,680 Speaker 2: didn't like his new message of faith, victory and healing. 338 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:53,919 Speaker 2: It didn't fit in their denominational teaching. Back then. People 339 00:21:54,200 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 2: my father had known for years suddenly turned on him. 340 00:21:58,720 --> 00:22:03,200 Speaker 2: Lifelong friends wouldn't speak to my parents anymore. My father 341 00:22:03,320 --> 00:22:06,680 Speaker 2: ended up having to leave that church. Was so disappointed. 342 00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:10,240 Speaker 2: Never dreamed he'd have to start all over. He could 343 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:13,639 Speaker 2: have been bitter, God, why'd you let this happen. I 344 00:22:13,760 --> 00:22:17,480 Speaker 2: was being my best I was honoring you like Mary. 345 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:21,560 Speaker 2: He was in the here. He didn't understand it, and yes, 346 00:22:21,640 --> 00:22:25,399 Speaker 2: the here wasn't fair. But what he couldn't see was 347 00:22:25,440 --> 00:22:29,359 Speaker 2: God had already gone ahead. God had already lined up 348 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:34,040 Speaker 2: Lakewood and was waiting for him there. If my father 349 00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:37,200 Speaker 2: would have stayed in the here, he would have missed 350 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:42,439 Speaker 2: his destiny. He left that church, started Lakewood with ninety people. 351 00:22:42,840 --> 00:22:45,120 Speaker 2: That was over fifty years ago, and here we are 352 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:49,800 Speaker 2: still going strong. What am I saying? The here is 353 00:22:49,840 --> 00:22:55,439 Speaker 2: not the end. The disappointment, the loss, the betrayal, that's temporary. 354 00:22:56,160 --> 00:23:00,000 Speaker 2: God has already gone ahead. Don't let bitterness hold you back. 355 00:23:00,920 --> 00:23:04,720 Speaker 2: Don't sit around in self pity. Move forward into there. 356 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:08,639 Speaker 2: There is where God will pay you back. There is 357 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:10,960 Speaker 2: where he'll do more than you can ask or think. 358 00:23:11,600 --> 00:23:14,680 Speaker 2: Luke fifteen is the story of the prodigal son. This 359 00:23:14,760 --> 00:23:18,560 Speaker 2: young man took his inheritance and left home. He wasted 360 00:23:18,640 --> 00:23:23,120 Speaker 2: all of his money, living wild, partying, making poor decisions. 361 00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:26,760 Speaker 2: Finally came to his senses and decided to go back home. 362 00:23:27,359 --> 00:23:30,080 Speaker 2: His father came running out to meet him and welcomed 363 00:23:30,160 --> 00:23:32,919 Speaker 2: him with open arms. He was so glad to have 364 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:36,080 Speaker 2: his son back. He told his staff to go kill 365 00:23:36,119 --> 00:23:39,640 Speaker 2: the fatted calf. They were going to have a party. Well, 366 00:23:39,680 --> 00:23:43,400 Speaker 2: the older brother was out in the field working when 367 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:47,240 Speaker 2: he heard all the music the dancing. He asked someone what 368 00:23:47,440 --> 00:23:51,480 Speaker 2: the celebration was all about. They told him, your brother 369 00:23:51,560 --> 00:23:55,200 Speaker 2: has come home. We're having a party to welcome him back. 370 00:23:56,119 --> 00:24:00,520 Speaker 2: Verse twenty eight says the older brother became a angreed 371 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:05,360 Speaker 2: and refused to go in. His father came out pleaded 372 00:24:05,359 --> 00:24:08,719 Speaker 2: with him, Come on, son, come in, your brother is 373 00:24:08,760 --> 00:24:12,600 Speaker 2: back home. He said, Dad, I've worked for you all 374 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:17,480 Speaker 2: these years, been slaving away. I always do what you ask, 375 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,560 Speaker 2: but you've never given me a skinny goat, and yet 376 00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:24,680 Speaker 2: you go and kill a fatted calf for after all 377 00:24:24,800 --> 00:24:28,520 Speaker 2: he's done. You can hear the bitterness in his spirit. 378 00:24:28,840 --> 00:24:31,280 Speaker 2: It's not fair. You haven't treated me right. I'm not 379 00:24:31,320 --> 00:24:35,600 Speaker 2: coming into your party. Here's my point. The party went 380 00:24:35,640 --> 00:24:40,199 Speaker 2: on without him. His bitterness didn't stop the party. It 381 00:24:40,400 --> 00:24:45,160 Speaker 2: just kept him from going into the party. Sometimes we're 382 00:24:45,160 --> 00:24:50,160 Speaker 2: holding on to unforgiveness, anger, resentment, thinking that it's hurting 383 00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:53,840 Speaker 2: the other person. The truth is the party is still 384 00:24:53,880 --> 00:24:58,320 Speaker 2: going on. It's just hurting us. Are you letting bitterness 385 00:24:58,600 --> 00:25:01,320 Speaker 2: keep you out of the party? Are you letting a 386 00:25:01,359 --> 00:25:06,000 Speaker 2: disappointment keep you from enjoying today? Why don't you let 387 00:25:06,040 --> 00:25:09,960 Speaker 2: it go and come on into the party. Life is happening, 388 00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:14,320 Speaker 2: there's a celebration going on. Today is a gift. Don't 389 00:25:14,359 --> 00:25:16,879 Speaker 2: let a bad childhood keep you out of the party. 390 00:25:17,560 --> 00:25:21,280 Speaker 2: Don't let a divorce a breakup cause you to be 391 00:25:21,400 --> 00:25:24,600 Speaker 2: sour and sit on the sidelines. Come into the party. 392 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:30,440 Speaker 2: Start dreaming again, start loving again, start believing again. We 393 00:25:30,520 --> 00:25:33,640 Speaker 2: have no guarantee that we're going to be here tomorrow. 394 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:38,040 Speaker 2: Life is fragile. Time is too short to live offended, 395 00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:41,919 Speaker 2: bitter in self pity. God knows what you didn't get. 396 00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:44,720 Speaker 2: Quit trying to get people to pay you back, and 397 00:25:44,800 --> 00:25:46,879 Speaker 2: go to God and he'll make it up to you. 398 00:25:48,119 --> 00:25:51,400 Speaker 2: If you'll come into the party, if you'll get rid 399 00:25:51,480 --> 00:25:55,720 Speaker 2: of what's contaminating you. I believe and declare you're going 400 00:25:55,760 --> 00:26:00,840 Speaker 2: to experience a new sense of freedom, better relationships, joy 401 00:26:01,200 --> 00:26:05,600 Speaker 2: clearer vision. I declare that every root of bitterness is 402 00:26:05,680 --> 00:26:09,400 Speaker 2: coming out right now. You're gonna rise higher, live happier, 403 00:26:09,800 --> 00:26:13,440 Speaker 2: and reach the fullness of your destiny. In Jesus' name 404 00:26:13,880 --> 00:26:16,159 Speaker 2: and if you receive it. Can you say amen? Today? 405 00:26:17,960 --> 00:26:20,640 Speaker 2: I'd like to give you an opportunity to make Jesus 406 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:23,359 Speaker 2: the Lord of your life. Would you pray with me? 407 00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:29,600 Speaker 2: Just say Lord, Jesus, I'll repent of my sins. Come 408 00:26:29,640 --> 00:26:33,400 Speaker 2: into my heart. I'll make you my Lord and savior. 409 00:26:34,960 --> 00:26:37,480 Speaker 2: If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 410 00:26:37,520 --> 00:26:40,920 Speaker 2: born again. Get in a good Bible based church. Keep 411 00:26:40,960 --> 00:26:44,600 Speaker 2: God first place. Victorian. I'll be right back to speak 412 00:26:44,600 --> 00:26:45,600 Speaker 2: a blessing over you. 413 00:26:47,880 --> 00:26:50,240 Speaker 3: As a thank you for your support of our ministry 414 00:26:50,280 --> 00:26:52,800 Speaker 3: this month, Joel and Victoria would like to send you 415 00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:58,320 Speaker 3: a copy of Joel's new four part interactive resource Experience Experience, Experience, 416 00:26:58,560 --> 00:27:04,760 Speaker 3: Experience Purpose, Her Experience Passion, Passion, and Experience Joy Jim Weee's. 417 00:27:04,520 --> 00:27:05,920 Speaker 2: You Never Imagine. 418 00:27:06,440 --> 00:27:10,399 Speaker 3: Get ready to experience God's best for your life. 419 00:27:10,480 --> 00:27:12,760 Speaker 1: I found the more ways you get God's word in you, 420 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:14,119 Speaker 1: the more it stays with you. 421 00:27:14,560 --> 00:27:15,920 Speaker 3: This is a great tool you. 422 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:18,919 Speaker 2: Can read, watch, and listen to. It will help you 423 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:22,120 Speaker 2: grow and experience the goodness of God. My father used 424 00:27:22,160 --> 00:27:24,320 Speaker 2: to say, if you'll put God's word in you when 425 00:27:24,320 --> 00:27:26,360 Speaker 2: you don't need it, then it will be there when 426 00:27:26,400 --> 00:27:29,240 Speaker 2: you do need it. Request this resource. It will help 427 00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:32,440 Speaker 2: build your faith so you can live a life of purpose, passion, 428 00:27:32,560 --> 00:27:33,200 Speaker 2: and joy. 429 00:27:33,520 --> 00:27:37,440 Speaker 3: Request your copy of Experience today at Joe Wilstein dot 430 00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:40,359 Speaker 3: com or call eighty eight five six seven. 431 00:27:40,560 --> 00:27:47,399 Speaker 2: Joel, your support is changing lives. Thanks for being a 432 00:27:47,440 --> 00:27:51,280 Speaker 2: part of the ministry. Your prayer, your generosity is what's 433 00:27:51,320 --> 00:27:54,199 Speaker 2: helping to make a difference all over the world. Know 434 00:27:54,280 --> 00:27:57,200 Speaker 2: that Victoria and I pray for you every day. We're 435 00:27:57,240 --> 00:27:59,959 Speaker 2: believing you're going to see God's goodness in great pace, 436 00:28:00,119 --> 00:28:02,920 Speaker 2: great ways. Don't forget. I have a new book out. 437 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:05,879 Speaker 2: It's called Blessed in the Darkness. Hope you'll pick up 438 00:28:05,880 --> 00:28:08,439 Speaker 2: a copy for you and a friend. You'll really enjoy 439 00:28:08,480 --> 00:28:13,200 Speaker 2: it until we meet again. Know that you're blessed, you're redeemed, 440 00:28:13,320 --> 00:28:17,359 Speaker 2: you're forgiven, you're talented. Have a great week knowing that 441 00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:19,520 Speaker 2: you're a child of the Most High God.