Root of Bitterness
Galatians 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20) idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21) envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
I did a series recently called “Who is Pulling the Strings?”. It was essentially about spiritual warfare. I talked about the works of the flesh and how when we continue to practice those things, we open a door for the demonic to come in and take control of our lives. The root of bitterness is such an important issue that I felt like it almost warranted it’s own series by itself, but i will try to put it one post. Let’s take a quick look at a passage from the book of Hebrews. It is a book in the New Testament for those of you who may not know where to look:
Hebrews 12:15) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled
The problem with roots is that you cannot see them. How many of you have sat and watched a seed fall from a weed, fall to the ground, get covered by dirt, and grow roots? I would venture to say none of you have. It is a a very unnoticable process. You don’t know you have a weed until the plant has taken root and has grown to a point that it is noticable and troublsome.
This is the same with bitterness. The offense is not always as “in your face” as someone just coming out and wronging you to your face. In many, if not most cases, bitterness creeps in and you don’t know it’s there until it has been nutured to a point it manifests itself outwardly.
To Be Continued…..
Kevin
Christmas in Review
I guess it wouldn’t be the holiday season without talking about my Christmas. Here are a few thoughts:
- It was nice to see the smiles on my children’s faces as they opened their presents. They really liked what they got. I enjoyed taking pictures with the camera my in-laws got me for Christmas! Thank You!!! Maybe I will post some pics later.
- I got the X-Box 360 I had waited for so long to get! Yeah!
- Ate too much turkey and ham (burp).
- Went to some great Christmas parties last weekend. Had a good time hanging out with some great people!
- The Christmas services at Journey were incredible!
- Glad its over. Ready for 2009. It’s going to be incredible! Challenging, but incredible!!
Hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas!
Kevin
