DAILY DEVOTIONAL NOVEMBER 16TH, 2010

My devotionals
are usually practical illustrations about my life experiences.  
However, I want to share one of my devotionals that I read yesterday that
ministered to me—Sparkling Gems in the Greek.   I pray it
blesses you as much as it blessed me. 
Hebrews 12:15  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;
"... lest any root of bitterness springing
up trouble you...." The words
"springing up" are from the Greek word phuoo. This word
depicts a little plant that is just starting to sprout and grow. It
isn't a large plant yet; rather, it's a small seedling that is just breaking
through the soil and starting to peek out at the world. However, the very fact
that it's peeking through the soil means there is a seed hidden in the soil
producing this new life.
“trouble you."
The words "trouble you" are from the Greek word enochleo,
which means to trouble, to harass, or to annoy. It refers to
something inside that bothers and upsets you so much, you are
constantly pestered by thoughts about it. In fact, your whole life is stalked
by these hassling, troubling thoughts. What you allowed to take root and to
fester inside your soul has now become a major nuisance to your peace, keeping
you upset and emotionally torn up all the time.
“defiled"
is the Greek word miaini. It means to spill, to spot, or to
stain. Here is what Hebrews 12:15 is  telling us: If you are inwardly
upset with someone and don't get rid of those raw emotions, it won't be too
long until you open your mouth and begin to verbalize those ugly inward
emotions. As Jesus said, "... Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh" (Matthew 12:34).
Do you have a grudge against
someone that just gnaws away at you all the time?
Every time you see that person, do
you feel something sharp and ugly inside?
When you hear about that person
being blessed, do you wonder how God could possibly bless him when he did
such an ugly thing to you?
Do negative thoughts like these
pester and bother you all the time?
If
you relate to the questions I just asked you, then watch out! It may
mean that a root of bitterness is growing inside you and that bitterness,
resentment, and unforgiveness are starting to hound and stalk you
wherever you go!