ALL THE WAYS OF A MAN ARE CLEAN in his own eyes. I read how someone said (I’m paraphrasing) “bitterness leads to deception and therefore your words are not trustworthy”. I began praying and asking the Lord for a Scripture, and I just happened to be reading Deuteronomy and there it was, “that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’— as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.” Deuteronomy 29:18b-19
A root of bitterness defiles the whole, creating a mind that believes deception. And once you operate in deception, your words and thoughts are no longer trustworthy. Bitterness is defined as anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. It is synonymous with resentment and envy. Offenses create bitterness. We live in a society that’s highly offended. I’m always very cautious of church hoppers, they typically carry around offenses. If someone tells you they’ve been treated unfairly, wisdom dictates you hear the other side. Selfish ambition creates every evil work and ultimately deception. You may tell others your way is clean, but God is weighing the matter. When you begin to say, “I will follow the dictates of my own heart”, you’re in trouble.
We are living in the latter days and deception is rampant. The enemy is seeking whom he may devour. This next season is one of dark, thick fog. You will not see clearly unless your life is wholly committed to the Lord. Every step requires His instructions. Stay at the Master’s feet and cling to the Word of God. Keep your heart pure from all offense and bitterness. It is life or death. “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;” Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV#runyourrace
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