roots.

last night our family went out to our country garden and picked the last of the summer harvest.
part of that harvest was a bumper crop of carrots, and several bucketsfull of potatoes.
but in order to remove those root vegetables, you have to dig- it's hard, dirty, work.
yet it wasn't without reward- we'll be eating carrots and potatoes until they come out our ears. [which would definitely incur more digging]

in the past days the Lord has been doing an awful lot of digging in my own heart. there's been bitterness left unheeded in the deep recesses of my heart. did i like to admit it? of course not. but in praying and preparing my heart for future ministry, the Lord has placed His finger upon that root, and has revealed the ugliness of it. it is not a pleasant experience to be dug into, but it is a necessary one if we are to be Useful For Every Good Work.

my friends, having learned this lesson the hard way, i humbly ask you to not let the root of bitterness go unchecked in your heart. may the God who dwells in unapproachable light shine into our hearts and cleanse us, that He may receive all the glory.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. Heb. 12:14-15.