Listen to the definition of the word ‘EXTINGUISH’ according to dictionary.com. Pay close attention to this and LET IT SINK DEEP, BELIEVE:
1. to put out (a fire, light, etc.); put out the flame of (something burning or lighted): to extinguish a candle.
2. to put an end to or bring to an end; wipe out of existence; annihilate: to extinguish hope.
3. to obscure or eclipse, as by superior brilliance.
4. Law. to discharge (a debt), as by payment.
In this case, we will extinguish hopelessness, not hope! To DISCHARGE A DEBT! Wow! Your enemy the devil wants to keep you bound to shame and guilt, possibly associated with multiple failed marriages or bad relationships. Maybe you even help him a bit by actually believing the burning lies and thoughts that come trampling through your head. Well, STOP LISTENING! YOUR DEBTS HAVE BEEN PAID BY JESUS’ SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS.
You have the Word of God as your EXTINGUISHER. Pour out the Water of the Word from your Waterpot (Your Bible) onto those flames. It is our responsibility to apply the Word of God to EXTINGUISH the flames of guilt and shame, and to believe the source, Jesus Christ who laid down His life for you. Jesus Christ gave us all that we need, the RESURRECTION POWER of the Word of God, to present us holy and acceptable to Him:
so that He (Jesus Christ) might sanctify the church (that’s us), having cleansed her (that’s us) by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless. Ephesians 5:26-27
You see, shame is not your portion any longer, so get rid of it! It does not matter what you FEEL LIKE. Remember I said in an earlier post FEELINGS ARE FLEETING and not necessarily TRUE.
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. Romans 8:1
So the next time thoughts of shame and guilt enter your mind, QUOTE LOUDLY these scriptures. BELIEVE THEM! TAKE ACTION AND EXTINGUISH, and eventually you will be free from shame and guilt ONCE AND FOREVER.
On a journey of healing and hope with you,
Terri Lynne