Dear Friends,
When Jesus sent His disciples out to share the gospel in Luke 9, He instructed them not to take anything with them for their journey… “Take nothing for your journey [that might encumber you]—neither a walking stick, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece.” (v3) (AMP)
Let’s look at the list of things Jesus specifically told His disciples not to take with them—a walking stick, a bag, food, money, and extra clothing. Think about it: these are practical and beneficial things that anyone would take with them on a journey, yet in this case, Jesus associates these things as being cumbersome. The word “encumber” means to restrict or burden someone or something in such a way that free action or movement is difficult. It means to weigh down, burden, impede, or hamper someone’s function or activity.
Isn’t it true that we are often encumbered and anxious over the basic necessities in life, such as money, food, and clothing? Let me ask you, has daily life become more of a burden than a blessing for you? If so, you need to know that it is within your own power to let go of these burdens so that you can enjoy a life free from the heaviness of worry and fear!
As we travel through life, we all tend to collect mental and emotional “baggage” (worries, offenses, hurts, and disappointments). But did you know we don’t have to carry life’s “weight” or responsibility? Did you know that we can learn how to release this heaviness and enjoy the kind of life Jesus spoke about in Matthew 11:28-30 that is “easy and light”?
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)
Imagine the tremendous relief and refreshment we can experience by learning (through practice) how to let go of life’s burdens and release the pain from emotional wounds we have all suffered from living in this fallen world! Like taking a shower, we can place ourselves under the eternal running showerhead (Jesus) and find forgiveness, healing, and freedom, making us clean, healthy, and strong! This freedom is not just a concept; it’s a reality we can experience daily that empowers us to live an abundant and overcoming life in Christ.
Hebrews 12:1 explains that we are responsible for letting go of every weight and sin that keeps us from God’s best. It says, “…Let US strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” (NLT) This means it’s within our power to eliminate this poisonous stuff that sickens the mind and body.
Here it is in the Passion Translation with notes included. “So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us (Or “get rid of every arrow tip in us.” The implication is carrying an arrow tip inside, a wound that weighs us down and keeps us from running our race with freedom.) and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. (Or “the race [personally] appointed to us.” God has a destiny for each of us that we are to give ourselves fully to reach.)”
This verse talks aboutTWO things—weight (wounds) and sin—that hinder us from having a vibrant relationship with Jesus and living a fulfilling life! First, let’s look at the word “weight” or “wounds” that pierce our soul just like an arrow would pierce our flesh. These arrows represent hurtful memories and critical words spoken to or about us, the mistreatment or betrayal done to us, etc. Ephesians 6:16 talks about the “fiery arrows that come from the devil.” The word “fiery” in Ephesians means to be incensed or indignant. Think about it: the wrongs done to us—the painful incidences that have hurt us can reinjure us every time we remember them, rekindling our original anger and resentment! What’s so destructive about these wicked thoughts and memories is that because we don’t know how to address or deal with them, they remain with us, repeatedly causing so much mental, emotional, and even physical pain! These smoldering arrowheads distort our perspective on life, causing us to perpetuate our hurt and pain onto others. They affect every area of our lives, and God desires to put out these bitter flames once and for all, giving us relief and freedom!
The second thing Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about is “sin.” Did you know that both worry and unforgiveness are sin? First, Jesus commands us not to worry over daily life because He will generously provide for us. He said in Matthew 6:31-33, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)
Jesus also emphasized forgiveness! He said in Mark 11:25-26, “And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults. But if you will not release forgiveness, don’t expect your Father in heaven to release you from your misdeeds.” (TPT) Notice how this verse talks about unforgiveness as “carrying something in our hearts”! This is the baggage we are to let go of and release so that we can live free!
In this Newsletter, we will learn the process of repenting from carrying burdens and worries as well as releasing mental and emotional offenses through forgiveness. Enjoy the Newsletter!
In His Loving Name,
Life With Father Ministries
FORGIVE THOROUGHLY
“…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
If there’s anything that will quickly extinguish our joy in life, it’s harboring unforgiveness. Why? Because unforgiveness affects our entire person, causing needless mental, emotional, and even physical suffering! It is for our own health and well-being to practice forgiveness!
Forgiving others thoroughly means “erasing their offense,” just as “God in Christ forgave you.” We must forgive in this way because among the many attributes of Agape love is that it “keeps no record of being wronged.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) The word forgive in the opening Scripture means: “to pardon.” When someone is pardoned, they are absolved of both guilt and punishment. This may sound impossible, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it’s not!
Did you know a dead bee can still sting a person if they step on it barefoot? Yes, the critter is dead but the venom is still very much active! If the memory of someone (dead or alive) is continually causing you pain, then it’s time to bring that hurt to the foot of the Cross! Release all your anguish to God in prayer and continue until your inner being is at peace. It might take an entire night, week, or season to release the hurt and pray for the offender before the memory no longer has the power to sting you!
Let me give you an example. I used to have arthritis in my hands. If you have arthritis or know someone who does, you are aware of the searing pain and debilitating nature of it. One day, I read about how bitterness can be associated with arthritis. At that time, I honestly could not think of anyone I was bitter against. So, I prayed about it over days and weeks. During that time, the Lord revealed that although I had forgiven those who wronged me in the past, I needed to release the pain associated with it and pray for their well-being. This residual bitterness in my soul was causing my joints to ache!
Jesus teaches us explicitly in Luke6:27-28, “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (NLT) Let me ask you: Are you willing to listen today? If so, you can get free and stay free from so much unnecessary pain and anguish when you decide to practice this principle!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “bitterness” as: anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment. As soon as I realized my pain was due to bitterness and that I had the power to release it, I quickly flung it far away from me like I had a live rattlesnake in my hand! I was amazed at how quickly my arthritis pain subsided. Years have passed since then, and I still have no pain in my hands, even though I use them more than ever in my work.
Today, you may feel as though forgiving this thoroughly is impossible. But that is what God’s powerful GRACE is all about! Grace is not just a word but Christ’s power that enables us to overcome sin and its deadly effects! In prayer, the Holy Spirit is there to help you through the forgiveness process and rid yourself of the pain associated with bitterness for good!
THE HEALING PROCESS
If you’ve ever been injured or had surgery that followed up with physical therapy, you are acquainted with the weeks and months of grueling exercises it takes to regain your muscle strength and range of motion. It’s all a process to return you to wholeness! It can be much the same when we are mentally or emotionally injured. Now, we can try to manage on our own by retreating to nurse our wounds, or we can get angry and spread the pain around. But neither is healthy nor productive and will never give us the desired results! Listen, God has a better way of dealing with our pain if we are willing to be flexible and open-minded!
To get rid of the weight and sin in our lives, we must first acknowledge that it’s there, agree with God that it’s wrong and harmful, and turn away from it, allowing Him to cleanse our wounds and restore our souls. (1 John 1:9) Repentance is not merely a “feeling” or a one-time thing but a life-long process. The Lord will help us identify sin, turn away from it, and prompt us to ask Him and others for forgiveness and even forgive ourselves! Once we begin releasing our pain, we must refill our minds and consciousness with good things (Scripture) because we don’t want to leave our house (minds) empty for dysfunctional and twisted thoughts to return! The way to successfully make this change is not by trying to stop the old mindset but by embracing the NEW way of thinking and living! Like filling an empty container, we fill our minds by meditating on God’s Word, allowing it to wash over our souls, bringing healing and restoration to the entire person! Proverbs 4:21-23 tells us how critical our thought process is, “Don’t ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” (NCV) My arthritis developed as a result of my bitter thinking. As I held onto that mental pain, it trickled down into my physical body. Then, when I released it, my arthritis disappeared!
You need to realize that although what has happened to you or not happened for you is not your fault, it’s still your responsibility to process it and let it go so that YOU can be free! Recognize this baggage for what it is: an assignment from the enemy. The heavy and encumbering sins of resentment, unforgiveness, worries, and fear serve you no purpose but to plague your mind and make you sick! It’s time to let it go and live! Instead of being a victim, allowing old hurts to play and replay in your mind, you can stop them at the door! YOU DECIDE what you let in and entertain in your mind; YOU CHOOSE when you will no longer allow these issues to control your life! Practice the things you’ve learned here, and let the healing process begin!
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Jesus said, “I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God.”… John 3:3 (NLT)With all sincerity, you can pray the following prayer and be assured of eternal Salvation. Dear Jesus, I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done. The Bible says that the punishment for sin is certain death. (Romans 6:23) But you took my place and died so that I can be free from selfishness and sin and have eternal life. Please, Jesus, come into my life and make me a new person. Help me to forgive anyone who has harmed me and to release them and the pain associated with it. Teach me, Lord, how to let go of any baggage and sins that are keeping me from your best. I choose to make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for giving me eternal life! Amen.