Did you know that bitterness is a root? Hebrews 12:15 reads, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” So, what is a root? A root is a source that is under the surface. Roots don’t directly manifest or make them known, but are a source of nutrition or fuel for other elements that are on the surface. A root’s job is not to manifest on the surface, but to brew under the surface and fuel things that are on the surface. The same is true with bitterness in a person’s soul. It’s a hidden element that lies under the surface, and out of it springs up anger and other negative emotions against others and against the circumstances around us.

Those who have a root of bitterness find it easy to get upset over things that others around them are doing. Bitterness is a root, thereby making it harder to identify and expose than many surface issues. Nevertheless, it is a deadly poison that needs to be released. If left alone, it will grow and fester, and it has the ability to spring up many surface issues such as anger, hatred, etc.

Bitterness can be caused by a traumatic experience that was forced upon you unwillingly by another. It can be caused by disappointment and shattered hopes and dreams. Also, it can be caused by unforgiveness and refusing to let go of an offense. Bitterness can be caused by rejection by someone you loved and who was supposed to love you.

The root of bitterness prevents you from having great relationships with others. It will keep you from enjoying life and will make you look at life through a selfish point of view. Additionally, the root of bitterness will prevent you from having fellowship with God. Your fellowship with God will be affected because the root of bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit, hinders your prayer life and your worship.

Finally, what are the keys to the eradication of the root of bitterness? First, let God reveal it (Psalm 139:23-24). Second, let grace remove it (Hebrews 12:15). Lastly, let God replace it (Hebrews 12:14).

In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. But did you know that seven other nations also celebrate an official Thanksgiving Day? Those nations are Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, and Switzerland. According to most historians, the pilgrims never observed an annual Thanksgiving feast in autumn. In the year 1621, they did celebrate a feast near Plymouth, Massachusetts, following their first harvest. But this feast most people refer to as the first Thanksgiving was never repeated. Oddly enough, most devoutly religious pilgrims observed a day of thanksgiving with prayer and fasting not feasting. Yet even though this harvest feast was never called Thanksgiving by the pilgrims of 1621, it has become the model for the traditional Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States.

Here is the historical time line of Thanksgiving in America:

• 1541 – Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a thanksgiving Communion celebration at the Palo Duro Canyon, West Texas.
• 1565 – Pedro Menendez de Aviles and 800 settlers gathered for a meal with the Timucuan Indians in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Florida.
• 1621 – Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• 1630 – Settlers observed the first Thanksgiving of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in New England on July 8, 1630.
• 1777 – George Washington and his army on the way to Valley Forge, stopped in blistering weather in open fields to observe the first Thanksgiving of the new United States of America.
• 1789 – President Washington declared November 26, 1789, as a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer.”
• 1800s – The annual presidential thanksgiving proclamations ceased for 45 years in the early 1800s.
• 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln resumed the tradition of Thanksgiving proclamations in 1863. Since this date, Thanksgiving has been observed annually in the United States.
• 1941 – President Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

This Thanksgiving we pray everyone will enjoy their family and friends. Also, remember to give thanks to the Lord for everything and in everything.

In Joshua chapter 6, the people of God had to decide whether they would continue the journey to where God wanted them—would they move forward in spite of the obstacles, or would they once again retreat into safety? From this passage of scripture let’s look at three key principles on how to overcome the obstacles that oftentimes keep us from following the will of God for our lives.

First, we overcome obstacles through communication (Joshua 6:1-2)

The major obstacle facing Joshua and the people of Israel was Jericho. If they couldn’t conquer this city, then all hope for the Israelites was gone. The questions to be asked are, how would they reach the city and how would they scale the wall?

Joshua had a God who communicated with him. God told Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men, and provided the plan for taking Jericho.” Whatever your obstacle, God’s willing to cross it with you. He is committed to communicating with His people and to providing strength, comfort, and hope. If you are up against a wall and want to know how to deal with it, don’t try to overcome under your own strength. Your first plan of action should be to have a little talk with God.

Second, we defeat difficulties through compliance (verses 6-7)

In the midst of such a great obstacle, Joshua complied with the plan of God. Though he may not have completely understood the plan or its significance, he followed God and moved the people to action. God could use a man like Joshua because he was a man of faith and a man of obedience. He simply followed as God instructed and the people followed.

God instructed the people of Israel to carry the trumpets, with the ark of the Lord following for six days, and they were not to speak (verses 8, 10). On the seventh day they were to follow this routine with one addition. They were to shout in glory to God because the city had been delivered to them.  This was an act of faith and obedience and their obedience to God produced wonders. We don’t read of a negative spirit, disbelief, or discouragement. Compliance is the key to the moving of God’s mighty hand in our lives.

Finally, impossibilities become possibilities through confidence (verses 20-21)

It was uncommon common sense to believe that God could make the impossible possible. Yet in the end the walls fell.  
The walls were not the problem, the people were the problem. We are always the problem. God has the power to do as He chooses, but He desires that we act in obedient faith. When we do, He takes care of the walls and it all.
In conclusion, Joshua and the people of god demonstrated deep confidence in the power of God. Do you have that kind of confidence? If so, then you can overcome the obstacles in your life. Remember the three C’s to overcoming obstacles are communication, compliance, and confidence.

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

In Part One of our teaching Peter gave us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ. They were that faith in Christ is imperishable, faith in Christ is uncorrupted, and faith in Christ is unfading. In Part Two, Peter said that tested faith is valuable, revealing, and is centered on our love for Christ.

So Peter had a faith in Christ that was timeless. His faith was valuable, revealing, and full of love. But how does that mean, what worked for Peter will work for me? Almost as if Peter anticipated your question, he writes about the faith of others.

The prophets of the Old Testament found their faith in God to hold. (1:10) God spoke to the prophets and told them that the Messiah was coming. He gave them a hope that the One who could deliver them was on the way. The message of the prophets can be summarized as, “Hang on. God is working and the Messiah is coming. Get ready, your deliverer is coming.” Doesn’t that sound like a message for people at the end of their rope, for people who don’t know where to turn? It is a message of hope and encouragement. It is a promise. How many people do you know that need to be encouraged not to give up. How many people are there that need to be told that help is on the way. Maybe you need to hear that God’s promises are for you. That is the message of the Old Testament prophets.

Peter points out that the true faith is not only tied to the prophets, but also the fulfillment of those prophecies. There is a faith in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. (1:11)

Our faith is built upon the prophecies of the Old Testament, prophecies which said a Messiah is coming. Our faith is built upon Jesus. We believe that he is the Messiah, the embodiment of the Old Testament prophecies. We believe that He died on a cross for our sins and that he rose again. We believe that he is coming back.
If all of Christianity were to be destroyed, how could we recreate it in our minds? We could not. Our faith is not built upon philosophy, intellect, or creative speculations. Our faith is built upon the historical fact that Jesus, God’s only Son, died on a Roman cross, on a hill in Jerusalem. Our faith cannot be recreated, but thank God it is a faith which has stood the test of time, proven itself faithful when tested, and is the only true faith which holds in the storms of life.

Peter then talks of how the faith of the Old Testament and the Gospels is for these present days. (1:12)

Peter literally says, “Angels desire to look into these things.” Can you imagine what that must be like? Angels are leaning over the rim of heaven and looking down. They have seen what God did with the prophets. They have seen how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies with His birth, life, death and resurrection. The angels have seen Lucifer kicked out of heaven, the resurrection of Christ, the dead raised, the Red Sea parted, and demons exorcized. But what they desire to see, is what God is going to do now. The angels are watching us and they want to see what the next chapter will be like. How will our faith and God’s great actions meet? The time is now to live by faith.

All of us have faith, but will your anchor of faith hold in the storms of life? Is your anchor of faith a true anchor? Is your faith built upon the truth of scripture. Is your faith tested? Do you know how valuable, revealing and full of love, a faith in Christ is? Is your faith timeless, or will the newest fad or the latest philosophy cause you to tie to a new anchor? Only a faith in Christ is true, tested, and timeless.

It is not a question of if you have a faith. It is not a question of if the storms of life will come. The question is, will your anchor of faith hold through the storms? The time to anchor your hope and faith to Christ is now, before the storms show up. AMEN!!!!!

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

In Part One of our teaching Peter gave us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ. They were that faith in Christ is imperishable, faith in Christ is uncorrupted, and faith in Christ is unfading.

Our faith must be anchored in the timeless nature of Christ, but I can hear the question. How do you know that a faith in Christ will hold up during the storms of life? Why should I trust Christ?

Because, this is no ordinary faith, it is a tested faith. Countless people have placed their faith in Christ and found the anchor holds. Peter survived some incredible storms of life, and he says here is what I found the faith of Christ to be when it is put to the test. Peter found out three things about a tested faith.

First, it is valuable. (1:7)

Here, Peter plays upon the image of a goldsmith. A goldsmith would melt the metal down until it became a liquid. All the impurities would come to the surface and the goldsmith would scrape them off and allow the metal to cool. He would then come back and repeat the process over and over. His goal was pure gold. How did he know when he had pure gold? When no impurities came to the surface or when he could see his reflection in the melted gold.

Peter says that our faith is like gold, as it is tested, it will begin to bring the impurities to the surface. When the impurities are removed our faith becomes more valuable. (1:7) Gold is the standard by which we define value. We say things like, “worth it’s weight in gold”, “and the golden age”. Our jewelry is made of gold and we trade with it. In Peter’s world and in ours, gold was considered one of the most valuable things a person could have.

While gold is valuable, it is secondary to our faith. Gold can perish, but our faith will endure. A faith in Jesus Christ will carry us through this life and even into the world to come. A faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s only Son is far more valuable than gold. Our faith is in something eternal, not in something that can be destroyed.

Second, Peter says that our faith is revealing. (1:7)

The goldsmith knows that he has pure gold when he can see his reflection in the metal. Our faith should reflect Jesus and reveal Him to a world. As we grow in Christ, we learn more about Him and His love. It is only through a life given to Christ that we will begin to see Him as He really is.

As our faith grows, more about the deeper nature of Christ is revealed to us. The end result of a Christ centered faith is that our lives are shaped and molded by Him.

Our faith begins to reflect that deeper knowledge of Jesus, our lives will begin to change. When you and I live differently, because our faith is growing, those around us will see the difference. Quite literally, your life begins to reflect the image of Christ. Just as the goldsmith knew he had pure gold, when he looked into the metal and could see his reflection, Jesus desires His reflection in our lives. That can only happen in a refined faith that has been tested.

Finally, he says our faith is centered on our love for Christ. (1:8)

Peter talks about how we love Christ even though we have not seen Him. In Hebrews we have the definition of faith, “Now faith is the substance of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). The essence of faith is that it does not require our sight or proof. Peter says that real or genuine faith is loving a Christ you have never seen, but still know that He exists. Next time we will finish with Peter teaching on true faith.

All of us need an anchor that will hold during the storms of life. The anchor we need is our faith. What have you put your faith in? How important is it to have faith? Where do we find faith strong enough to make it through the storms of life? Peter knows how important faith is and he gives us a great picture of a faith that we can anchor deep with; and a faith which will hold us during the storms of life.

Using 1 Peter chapter 1 as our foundation, let’s look at how Peter teaches us to live Christ centered, faith filled lives in the midst of some difficult times. First, we must understand the concept of timeless faith (1 Peter 1:4-5). The question isn’t if we have faith, every one has at least a measure of faith according to the Bible. The atheist has faith that his rational reasoning has removed the possibility of God. He has faith in his intellectual ability. Others have faith in their abilities, skills, connections, friends, families, and even themselves. However, the question is where is your faith anchored? Sooner or later the storms of life will begin to blow and then the question becomes will the anchor of faith hold. Peter gives us three reasons why it’s important to anchor our faith in Christ.

First, faith in Christ is imperishable. You may say, “how can that be?” Well, faith in Christ is kept in heaven. Jesus says that we are to put our treasures in heaven where moth and rust can’t destroy or the thief can steal. If our faith is set upon the things of this world, then our faith will perish. Our faith is to be set in heaven, and not on the things of the world. That’s the only way that we know our faith is imperishable.

Second, our faith in Christ is uncorrupted. Perhaps you have heard the phrase, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It’s a statement which indicates our sinful nature. History is full of leaders who started out with the best intentions but pride, ego, or other flaws got in the way. If we place our faith in a leader, it is but a matter of time before the corruptible nature of the individual is revealed. However, Christ has no sin, and our faith should be in the power of God. God has absolute power and it’s uncorrupted. Our faith can only be incorruptible when it’s placed in Jesus Christ.

Finally, our faith in Christ is unfading. There are many people who are fad people. They jump on the latest trend or idea and about a year or so later they jump on something new. If you don’t believe me then pull out your high school year book and look at the hairstyles, the clothes you wore, and the tone of the culture during that time period. How much have things changed in the last 10, 20, or 30 years? Nevertheless, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and the faith we have now will see us through these tough and perilous times we are living in.

Next time, we will continue our teaching on living our faith without compromise.

Did you know that peace with God is the result of faith in Christ? Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The peace of God and the presence of the God of peace will come when the believer practices three things that we will now discuss.

#1. Right praying (Philippians 4:6-7)

We just can’t pray but we must pray right. The Bible nowhere says that any kind of praying will bring peace to our hearts. What is right praying? It starts with adoration, for this is what the word “prayer” means in verse 6. We must bow before Him in worship and let Him search our hearts and minds. Next, is supplication, which means the earnest, sincere desire of the heart because true prayer comes from the heart and not the lips. Finally, there is appreciation or thanksgiving. It takes faith to thank Him for uncomfortable circumstances or for requests not yet granted. Father God loves to hear His children thank Him.

#2. Right thinking (Philippians 4:8)

Peace involves your mind. Isaiah 26:3 reads, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Thoughts are powerful and thus wrong thoughts will lead to discouragement and unrest, but spiritual thinking will lead to peace. In verse 8, the apostle Paul tells us what to think about. Meditation on the Word of God will always bring you peace. Psalm 119:165 says, Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

#3. Right living (Philippians 4:9)

If there is something in my life I can’t pray about, then I will never have peace. Right living always brings peace. Isaiah 32:17-18 tells us that, the fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
We must use the bible as a basis and compass for our living and obeying its precepts. All we need to do is check out James chapter 4 to discover the negative effects of wrong praying, wrong living, and wrong thinking. This type of living produced and still today produces war instead of peace.
So, if you want to experience God’s peace his way, then begin to practice the big three of right praying, right thinking, and right living.

Romans 12:2 says, and be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Let’s take a look at this passage of scripture and discover the true meaning of transformation.

God has formed

Genesis 2:7 reads, God formed man of the dust of the ground and man became a living soul. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air. Mankind was the crown jewel of God’s creation; so much so that God created man in his own image… male and female (Genesis 1:27). He was given dominion over all God’s creation; beast, fish, and fowl.

Sin has deformed

The scripture says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Man was removed from the Garden of Eden because of his disobedience to God. Sin marred man’s image and brought sorrow, suffering, and death to the human race. However, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, died for all the sins of the human race.

Religion has reformed

True religion is based on Bible principles which can’t be improved upon. God’s Word is the authority on theology, philosophy, and psychology. Religion that offers reform alone falls short of its real potential and purpose. The saving, cleansing, redemptive power of Jesus Christ is the basis for truly effective religion. We must not have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.

Education has informed

We live in the most educated society in history. Scientific achievements and medical discoveries have made tremendous contributions to our world. But mankind sis still frustrated and searching for fulfillment. Education can meet our mental and physical needs, but to meet our spiritual needs we must be changed by a spiritual new birth.

Jesus Christ can transform!

According to Webster’s dictionary, to transform means to change in nature, disposition, and heart. Also, it means to convert. That’s exactly what Jesus Christ does for those who come to Him. When we repent of our sins and believe, we are forgiven. As we commit our lives totally to Christ, He cleanses and fills us with God’s divine love. Have you ever been transformed? If not, it’s time for a transformation. Only when the Holy spirit renews, re-educates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.

It is often most difficult to follow God when life is easy because we can fall prey to temptation and fall away from God. This is very apparent in the book of Deuteronomy 6:10-12 which reads, “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, when you have eaten and are full then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”
Let’s look at a few examples of people who had problems with the danger of having plenty then going astray. First, let’s look at Adam, who lived in a perfect world and had a perfect relationship with God. His needs were met, he had everything, but he fell to Satan’s deception. Second, Noah and his family had survived the flood, they were prosperous, and life was good. However, Noah shamed himself by becoming drunk and cursed his son Ham. Finally, Solomon had power, wealth, fame, and wisdom. We can say that he had plenty but his very abundance was the source of his downfall. He loved his pagan, idolatrous wives so much that he allowed himself and Israel to copy their repugnant religious rites. So, we need to be very careful and cautious when we have been blessed with plenty because the danger is right around the corner.

Hebrews 5:12-14 reads, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
One way to evaluate spiritual maturity is by looking at the choices we make. The writer of Hebrews notes many of the ways those choices change with personal growth. Here are a few examples to check and see if you are making spiritually mature choices versus immature choices.

1. Are you teaching others rather than just being taught
2. Are you developing depth of understanding rather than struggling with the basics
3. Are you seeking unity rather than promoting disunity
4. Are you desiring spiritual challenges rather than desiring entertainment
5. Are you walking in confidence rather than walking in fear
6. Are you walking by active faith rather than cautious apathy and doubt
7. Are your feelings and experiences evaluated in the light of God’s Word rather than experiences evaluated according to your feelings

These are just a few of the spiritual maturity checklist choices that will help us to determine if we are immature or spiritually mature.