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Ruth's story reveals how God's providence guides ordinary steps toward His perfect plan. Trust the Redeemer with your story.

Grief, fear, and uncertainty can steal your hope. Pastor Tom Manning unpacks 1 Thessalonians 4 on why Jesus' return changes everything about how you live today.

Jesus' Parable of the Minas challenges us to invest what God has given us. Don't bury your gift — keep building until He returns.

Pastor Candi Manning unpacks how to spot deception, hear God's voice, and test every spirit – a vital message for the last days.

Pastor Tom Manning unpacks 1 John 3:2-3 at Christian Life Center, showing how the hope of seeing Jesus should transform your daily life and pursuit of holiness.

Pastor Tom Manning explores how to settle convictions, draw Holy Spirit strength, and keep an eternal perspective until the end.

Pastor Tom Manning launches FEARLESS with a Matthew 25 wake-up call — watch, prepare, and work until Jesus comes back. Don't be caught unprepared.

Pastor Tom Manning explores spiritual maturity, real community, and what it means to be rooted in God's love together.

You were made to belong. Pastor Tom Manning explores Ephesians 2 and what it truly means to be brought near, find your people, and live with purpose.

Habakkuk brought his raw questions to God—and so can you. Christ Life Center explores trusting God's character when His plan makes no sense.

Pride distorts everything—your view of yourself, others, and God. Christ Life Center unpacks Obadiah's timeless warning and the path back to humility.

Hosea's story reveals a God whose love pursues, confronts, and restores—no matter how far we've wandered.

Pat Schatzline reveals how to enter heaven's courtroom, access Jesus as your attorney, and legally reclaim what the enemy stole.

Willpower won't produce the fruit—the Spirit will. Pastor Tom Manning at Christian Life Center unpacks Galatians 5 on exposing the flesh and bearing real fruit.

Bitter. A man named Shimei followed King David through the streets cursing him, throwing stones, and showering him with dirt. Publicly. Relentlessly. And David—the king—let him. 2 Samuel 16:11-12 says David told his men, "Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing." David didn't retaliate. He didn't demand justice. He trusted God with the offense. If you've been holding onto bitterness from someone who hurt you publicly, unfairly, or deeply—this message will show you that releasing the offense isn't weakness. It's how you pass the test. Hebrews 12:15 warns, "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Bitterness doesn't just hurt you—it defiles everyone around you. It poisons your relationships, distorts your perception, and chains you to the person who hurt you. But David shows us another way: expose the wound before it becomes a root, trust God's purpose through the pain, and release the offense before it defines your future. Their offense doesn't get to write your story. God does. 📖 Main Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5-14Supporting: Hebrews 12:15, Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 4:31-32, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 56:3-4, Colossians 3:13 💡 Key Takeaways:→ Bitterness starts as a wound—expose it before it becomes a root (Hebrews 12:15)→ We cannot heal what we refuse to expose (Ephesians 4:26)→ Their offense doesn't get to write your story—God does (Romans 8:28)→ Release them the way God released you (Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:13) 📌 This is Week 4 of our Passing the Test series showing us that bitterness is a test—and releasing offense is the only way to protect your future. If you're carrying bitterness from someone who hurt you—a parent, a friend, a church, a spouse—this message is for you. Shimei cursed David publicly and relentlessly. And David chose to trust God with the offense instead of taking matters into his own hands. Hebrews 12:15 says a bitter root grows up to defile many. Bitterness doesn't just hurt you—it spreads. It poisons everything it touches. But you don't have to stay chained to what happened. Release the offense the way God released you. Your story isn't over—and neither is your healing. 🤝 Support this ministry: https://clcftl.org/give🖥 Join a Life Group: https://clcftl.org/lifegroups Connect With Us:Website: https://clcftl.orgInstagram: https://instagram.com/clcftlFacebook: https://facebook.com/clcftl #christianmessage #testofbitterness #2samuel16 #releasetheoffense #passingthetest