Here is a powerful revelation for your Monday: “Nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27. We have authority in Christ to resist the enemy. However, he is a deceiver, and a slanderous one at that. That same verse in the TPT version of the Bible says: “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” The enemy, by use of accusations and deception, is always attempting to manipulate you into giving him an opportunity to lead you into sin, whether or not it is to get you into holding a grudge, nurturing anger, harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness. If he can get you into any of those states, He can manipulate you and paralyze your faith. God reminds us today that we are not to give him any place or any opportunity in our lives. Live a live of love and forgiveness, and if something gets you angry, don’t keep it. Resolve your issues quickly and he won’t be able to manipulate or control you. After all, greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world! Read this verse one more time in the Amplified version: ” And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].
Stay away from this. It is poison!
Bitterness is a powerful emotion and state of mind. Not only is it powerful; it’s also dangerous. Hebrews 12:15 warns us that bitterness can cause us to miss God’s grace. It can also cause trouble and bitter torment, and cause many to become contaminated as the embittered person shares their bitterness through their words and actions. Bitterness is a type of poison, but this kind of poison is applied via words, actions and attitudes. Once bitterness enters a person’s heart, it grows roots in their heart (mind, will, emotions). It then begins to manifest in many ways, including depression, fear, anger, resentment, jealousy and hatred. If we allow this diabolical mindset to take root in us, it will cause us to miss out on God’s grace. This is why God reminds us today to exercise foresight and be on the watch continually over each other so that this mindset never enter our hearts. Put on the full armor of God every day and bitterness will never be able to touch you. Remember, the scriptures remind you that if you submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from you! (James 4:7)
Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC) “Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it”
