Better Not Bitter: Let the Word of God Make You Better Not Bitter

By Vance I. Dash

There are many hurting and damaged people in the body of Christ. Most are products of their environment or victims of unwanted suffering. Many are crippled today emotionally, psychologically, and internally as a result of the painful infractions of the past. It is the will of God that we not only be saved but also be whole, complete, and entire in him, lacking nothing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984528438

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COPYRIGHT © 2018 BY VANCE DASH.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONTROL NUMBER:     2018905985

           ISBN:               HARDCOVER               978-1-9845-2841-4

                                    SOFTCOVER                 978-1-9845-2842-1

                                     EBOOK                           978-1-9845-2843-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 05/16/2018

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter One   Pain Of The Past We Live In The Realm Of Conscience, What We See, Hear, Feel, And Experience

Chapter Two   Present Effect

Chapter Three   The Physical And Emotional Effect

Chapter Four   Hindrance And Distraction

Chapter Five   Release The Prisoner

Chapter Six   Wilt Thou Be Made Whole

Chapter Seven   Your Misery Was For Your Ministry

Chapter Eight   Destiny Is Calling You

Chapter Nine   Better, Not Bitter

Chapter Ten   Setback For A Comeback

Chapter Eleven   In Recovery

Chapter Twelve   No Regrets

Chapter Thirteen   Maintenance And Retention

INTRODUCTION

There are many hurting and damaged people in the body of Christ.

Most are products of their environment or victims of unwanted suffering. Many are crippled today—emotionally, psychologically, and internally—as a result of the painful infractions of the past. It is the will of God that we not only be saved but also be whole, complete, or entire in Him, lacking nothing.

CHAPTER ONE

PAIN OF THE PAST WE LIVE IN THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE, WHAT WE SEE, HEAR, FEEL, AND EXPERIENCE

Cognizance is important in the subconscious. There are many things suppressed in the subconscious to avoid the reality and pain of that experience. But we must address these issues head-on so they won’t devastate the health and wholeness of our present and future.

It is easier to block out and camouflage the abuse and violations of yesterday, but it will only handicap you and possibly jeopardize fulfilling, happy relationships.

The first step is to admit it and take ownership. The worst kind of deception is self-deception—not being able to admit you have scars, pain, remorse, anger, regret, bitterness, and resentment, and yes, unforgiveness.

Isaiah 43:18 states, Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

The word remember in Hebrew is the word zakar, which means to recall or to make a memorial, a shrine of sorts.

The prophet’s admonition is for you not to park there, live there, or dwell there, neither consider the things of old.

Consider also the word biyn that has significance in the Hebrew language, which means to Mark, be attentive to, to regard. Part of your deliverance will be your ability to acknowledge it but not dwell on it. Isaiah 43:19 begins by saying, Behold, I will do a new thing and it shall spring forth.

Tsasmach in Hebrew means sprout, spring up, or bring forth. It is impossible to move forward while looking backward. The apostle Paul told the church in Philippi to forget those things that are behind. Epilanthanomai in Greek means no longer caring for, given over to oblivion, to lose out of mind.

This does not reference memory lapse but, rather, making a conscious decision not to dwell on it. You have to tell the enemy and negative thinking, You’re not living in my mind rent-free. LOL. Paul continues reaching forth to those things that are before you—before translated to Greek is emprosthen—that which is in front of you, your destiny, and your purpose. You must get what I call convenient amnesia when you choose to forget.

Without pain, or the absence thereof, we would not have the ability to feel. Pain is a reminder that our emotions and senses are operating efficiently. In the absence of it, we would never experience the healing power of God for the total man.

Pain, in many cases, is connected to your purpose. If not, why would David say, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Anah in Hebrew means physical, mental, and emotional anguish. Pain is also a teacher—that I might learn thy statutes. It informs us where to and where not to go or do. Pain as well is a prerequisite for birth.

Isaiah 66:7b states, Before her pain came, she delivered a man child. Verse 8 begins by saying, Who hath heard of such a thing?

The clause of this verse makes it very clear. As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Chiyl is Hebrew for travail, which means "to be in anguish, be pained,