Jan 22
1995
Hurt and Bitterness
“Hurt and Bitterness” explores how unaddressed hurts, often rooted in childhood, can develop into bitterness and rebellion, poisoning relationships and personal well-being. Winkie Pratney explains that bitterness grows when pain is not met with forgiveness, leading to isolation, open defiance, and destructive behaviors. Drawing from biblical principles and practical examples, the article reveals steps to break the cycle: honestly admit hurt, forgive both others and oneself, and seek emotional healing in God. Restoration comes through daily choices to let go and embrace grace.
“But I Can’t Forgive Myself” confronts the struggle of ongoing guilt despite knowing God’s forgiveness. Through real-life stories and biblical examples, the article reveals how painful regret can trap believers in despair, blocking emotional healing and spiritual freedom. True self-forgiveness follows genuine repentance, receiving Christ’s grace, rejecting condemnation, and renewing one’s mind with Scripture. The message asserts there’s no sin too great for God’s mercy; restoration comes by surrendering shame, living in newness of life, and confidently trusting God’s redemptive love.
“Prayer” highlights the extraordinary power and necessity of genuine, persistent prayer, drawing on Jesus’ example and key biblical stories like Hannah and David. The article explains that prayer, especially in moments of desperation and humility, is God’s vehicle for personal and communal transformation—more than words, it’s two-way communication with Him. Through stories of revival and scriptural teaching, readers are challenged to move beyond routine prayer to heartfelt intercession, recognizing that spiritual breakthroughs begin with sincere, sacrificial time alone with God.
“Born Again? Examine Yourself!” by Stephen Black challenges readers to scrutinize their faith beyond religious rituals or emotional experiences. The article explains that true rebirth requires repentance, surrender, and daily intimacy with Jesus, resulting in a Spirit-led life marked by holiness and fruitfulness. Black warns that ongoing sin, worldliness, or lack of relationship with Christ signals a counterfeit conversion. He urges believers to test themselves according to Scripture, seek Christ wholeheartedly, and rely on God’s grace for transformation and assurance of eternal life.
“Humility” by Andrew Murray highlights humility as the root of Jesus’ nature and the secret of Christian growth. Drawing from Scripture, the article explains how Christ’s incarnation, servant life, and atonement all reflect radical humility—total surrender to God and service to others. Believers are urged to make humility their top spiritual pursuit, following Jesus’ example of lowering oneself, serving without seeking recognition, and renouncing pride. True humility opens the heart to God’s grace, transforming relationships and enabling joyful, fruitful discipleship.