Two paragraphs from John Bevere's book (The Bait of Satan)...Jesus likened the condition of our hearts to that of soil. We are admonished to be rooted and grounded in the love of God. The seed of God's Word will then take root in our hearts, will grow, and will eventually produce the fruit of righteousness - love, joy, long-suffering, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (See Galatians 5:22-23).
However, ground will produce only what is planted in it. If we plant seeds of debt, unforgiveness, and offense, another root will spring up in place of the love of God. It is called the root of bitterness (Heb. 12:14-15). Bitterness is a root. If roots are nursed, watered, protected, fed, and given attention, they increase in depth and strength. If not dealt with quickly, roots are hard to pull up. The strength of the offense will continue to grow. Soon, instead of the fruit of righteousness being produced, we will see a harvest of anger, resentment, jealousy, hatred, strife and discord. Jesus called these evil fruits worthless. (See Matthew 7:19-20.)
Hmmm...I better get out to my heart's garden...fast!
(P.S. The picture is one Nancy Pauser took while she was here.)
(pictures by Kaylie Endress)
