A ministry of Watermark Church, Anchored Sisters is women connecting with women to make an impression and leave a mark for Jesus Christ. Anchored in His love, together we Support, Inspire, Share, Teach, Encourage, Respect and Serve one another.
November 24, 2020
A Bitter Vine
I was fascinated to learn of a tree that vividly demonstrates what happens when we let a seed of bitterness take root in our heart. Called the "death tree", the strangler fig begins as a seed, blown in by some ill wind or perhaps dropped by a bird onto an unsuspecting tree. The seed lodges in the host tree. As it grows, it drops long aerial roots to the ground and twists itself around its victim's trunk. Soon this uninvited guest is successfully competing with its host for light, water and nutrients. The death of the host tree follows. By the time the host decays, the strangler stands, full-sized and contorted, ready to continue its devastation as it spreads its bitter seeds abroad.
Hebrews 12:15 states, "Be watchful, lest anyone among you be found lacking the grace of God, or lest the root of bitterness produce vines and harm you, and many be defiled by it." Ephesians 4:31 instructs us to "get rid of or remove all bitterness". God knows how self-destructive the seed of bitterness is if it is allowed to lodge in our hearts. He implores us to not let it remain and strangle the very life from us!
Lord God, I do not want a bitter vine growing in my life, strangling out your goodness and defiling others. Jesus, You are the BETTER Vine. I pray that I can abide in Your love and receive Your power to forgive as Your life flows into me. Thank You for the abundant blessings of life You pour out every day. Let me be found in You, surrounded and encircled by Your righteousness and goodness. I will flourish in You, Jesus, my Vine of protection and strength!
