Riches To Rags - Matthew 19:16-22 (NNKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 19:16-22 (NKJV)

“Riches To Rags”

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

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The young man was expecting to have eternal life by “Doing” something deserving of it.  As if to say “I have done everything the law has required, so how do I claim eternal life!”  JESUS named six commandments and the young man said that he had kept those commands since he was a little boy!  Then the young man asked “What do I still lack?”  JESUS told him to sell and give away all his stuff here on earth, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then he told the young lad to follow HIM!  Now we have all heard the “Rags to Riches” or “Riches to Richer”, but who is willing to go from “Riches to Rags”.  Some of us have worked very hard to have the little bit of riches we do have . . . so it can be very hard to give it all up and follow CHRIST!

I am reminded of Isaiah 64:6a, All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;  The young man could not understand that even with all the riches of the world, our righteous acts are like filthy rags if we lack HIM! The big part that the young man missed (and a lot of us too), is that JESUS told him about the treasure in heaven before HE said follow ME!  If we focus on all of our stuff before we follow CHRIST, then we will miss the fact that JESUS is promising us treasure in heaven . . . then HE invites us to come with HIM and receive it!  It may seem strange to some, but I am happy to give up the riches of sin and live in the rags of Salvation!  JESUS came from the high place to dwell among us in the rags . . . surely we can put down our small possessions to live for the King of Kings!  The young man was afraid to go from Riches to Rags, because he missed the invitation into heaven!  Have you accepted the invitation?

Love Sincerely

Let Us Worship HIM - Psalm 95:6 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 95:6 (NIV)

“Let Us Worship HIM”

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

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     A little boy, hanging off the edge of a cliff, is crying out for someone to help him.  A man passing by hears him, and immediately comes to the little boy’s rescue.  The man reaches over the edge of the cliff and pulls the boy up on solid ground.  Once the little boy is safe . . . he runs over and gives thanks to the person who pushed him over . . . leaving the One who saved him still standing at the edge!

     It doesn’t make much sense for the little boy to run from the arms of his savior and back into the hands of the enemy . . . right!  But we do it all the time!  We are constantly bowing down to the things that keep pushing us over the edge!  GOD saves us, and we run right back to it . . . whatever “it” is! We keep running from the arms of our Savior and back into the hands of the enemy!  The very next time the LORD saves you . . . again!  Bow down and worship HIM!  Let us worship HIM!  The only One who can and will save us from the fall! Lift your voices all ye people!

HE Is Forever Our King!

Beneath HIS Wings - Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

“Beneath HIS Wings”

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

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     When baby chicks hear a loud noise, they run under the wings of their mother!  If the mother chicken (hen) senses danger, she will spread her wings and all of her chicks will find refuge . . . in the shadow of her wings.  When the baby chicks are frighten or confused, they don’t grab a self-help book!  They run to the one safe place they can always rely on!  In obedience . . . the mother does not have to chase after the baby chicks to protect them!  The babies know to run under the shadow of protection!

     When we, GOD’s babies, sense trouble, we can find refuge beneath HIS wings!  When GOD calls you under HIS wings, don’t go looking elsewhere for protection . . . run to the place of refuge that is never failing!  You don’t need self-help books or some trinket around your neck to provide protection . . . just place your eyes on GOD, for his unfailing love will give you a place of refuge . . . beneath HIS Wings!  Imagine standing under HIS wings and looking out into the world!  Can you see all the things HE has protected you from! 

    Beneath HIS wings you can see the dangers that were before you, but HIS refuge is also protecting you from the dangers you cannot see!  O LORD, thank YOU for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen, as we rest Beneath YOUR Wings!

What's On Your Mind - Romans 8:5-6 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 8:5-6 (NKJV)

“What’s On Your Mind”

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

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What is on your mind today?  Have the things of the flesh occupied all of your thinking?  Was the first thing on your mind this morning related to you or devoted to GOD!  Did you read your text messages before you read the scriptures!  Did you think about your blessings or how you could bless someone else!  If we are thinking in the flesh (carnal), then all our thoughts will conclude in death, but if we think with our spiritual mind . . . there is life and peace.  I heard a song this weekend that said, “We are not natural beings having supernatural experiences, but we are supernatural beings living in the natural experiences!”  Now that is spiritual minded!  What’s on your mind!  Prayerfully . . . it is JESUS!

Show JESUS Some Love - Luke 7:44-47 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Luke 7:44-47 (NIV)

“Show JESUS Some Love”

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

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Even though the bible was written many years ago . . . every word is fitting for today!  For example, if someone you don’t know pays for your $5 lunch, you will more than likely say “thanks”  and give a slight head nod or a brisk hand shake.  But if someone walked up to your birthday dinner at an expensive restaurant, with all your family there and pays your $150 bill . . . you would want to give them a hug, maybe invite them into the fellowship!  If nothing else . . . you would want to know their name! If the bill was $500, you would show even greater gratitude!

On the average, we walk around with $5 in our pocket at any given time, so if someone pays for our $5 lunch we see it as a “good Samaritan” gesture.  But not many of us can just pull a $150 or $500 out of our pocket at any given time!  So for someone, who you don’t know, to walk up and pay that kind of money for your meal would leave you speechless!  That person just saved you a lot!  Especially when you were expecting to foot the bill all by yourself!

The woman, who was following JESUS with the alabaster jar of perfume, treated JESUS with a lot of love.  She showered HIS feet with tears, kisses and perfume!  She wiped HIS feet with her hair!  Now that is love!  She was overwhelmed by HIM.  It seems as if she just couldn’t find enough ways to thank HIM!  So she placed herself at HIS feet and gave HIM all the love she had!  However, Simon, who was a Pharisee and the host of the party showed JESUS very little love.  Simon had the customs and laws . . . he was a Pharisee . . . he didn’t feel the need to be saved, nor did he feel the need to have someone else pay the cost!  Why would someone like that be grateful for what JESUS can and will do, when they think they can do it themselves!  Simon was the host of his party, and JESUS was just a guest to him!  But the woman say JESUS as the host of salvation and was able to show HIM a kind of love that no one else was willing to show!

Show JESUS some love!  Show HIM a lot of love, because I know HE has done many great and miraculous things in your life!  Just like the woman . . . we must be willing to show our love towards JESUS in front of everyone who is looking and when no one but JESUS is looking!

JESUS is Willing & Able - Matthew 8:1-3 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 8:1-3 (NIV)

“JESUS Is Willing & Able”

When JESUS came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed HIM.  A man with leprosy came and knelt before HIM and said, “LORD, if YOU can make me clean.”  JESUS reached out HIS hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” HE said.  “Be Clean!”  Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

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     When I see homeless people on the streets, I have a heart of compassion!  I can give everything I have in my pocket, glove compartment, etc., but what they really need is peace, shelter, and unconditional love . . . and in some cases, they just want to be clean!  Even when most of our society would consider a homeless person a “cast-out”, many of us still have a willingness to help them . . . but we are only able to do so much on our own!  We can’t prepare rooms in our house (no matter how big or small) for every homeless person.

     But JESUS, is willing and HE is able to do it all!  See the man with leprosy was a “cast-out!”  by the customs and laws . . . he did not have a right to ask JESUS for anything.  But because of JESUS’ love, this homeless man was able to kneel before the Christ and asked to be cleaned!  JESUS told the man that HE was willing and then HE showed the man that HE was able!  Our Savior is willing and able to do the same thing for you and me!

     No matter what our current situation is . . . even if we don’t think we are worthy of kneeling before Lamb of GOD . . . HE is willing and HE is able!  We can be covered with all the muck, grime, and dirt of this world, but If we ask HIM for help . . . If we ask HIM to wash us clean . . . HE is willing and HE is able!  Through Salvation . . . we are washed and covered in the Blood of the Lamb!  HE will clean us and HE is able to make room for us! “In My FATHER’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

AMEN!

It's Pruning Season - John 15:1-2 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

John 15:1-2 (NIV)

“It’s Pruning Season”

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  HE cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit HE prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

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Sometimes GOD will keep me on a particular passage for several SODs!  Yesterday was about the importance of having the dead, dying and infested branches in our lives cut off.  This same passage also speaks of pruning season!  Every branch that bears fruit is not cut off, but it is pruned!  Both are done to protect the tree, just as GOD will cut some things out of our lives and HE will prune things in our lives!

GOD, the great gardener knows when “It’s Pruning Season” for you!  And HE knows what needs to be pruned and what needs to be cut off!  With trees, one of the best preventive maintenance for a young plant is pruning!  Wow!  The same stands true for our youth!  Their pruning season should start when they are young!  Pruning helps shape the tree without cutting off the base of the branch. 

GOD is pruning us to be better than we were last season!  HE keeps us growing in HIS Word!  If there is no fruit . . . let GOD cut the branch!  Let go, and let GOD!  If there is the fruit of GOD’s Word growing in your life . . . let GOD continue with the pruning season!  Trust me . . . GOD’s pruning will only make you better

Cut It Off

Scripture of the Day

John 15:1-2 (NIV)

“Cut It Off”

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  HE cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit HE prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

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If a branch is cut off of a tree, it is usually because it is dead, dying or diseased.  A branch that has severe insect infestation will be cut off, so that it cannot infect the entire tree!  A dead, dying or diseased branch cannot bear the fruit it is suppose to! 

When we allow the dead, dying and diseased sin(s) to overtake the branches in our lives, we become infected!  It’s hard to raise your hands and lift your heart to the LORD during Sunday morning worship services with dead branches.  It is hard to give your best during bible study if you have dying branches!  It is hard to embrace those who are in need of hope when you have diseased branches.  At the most, you may be able to clap along with the beat on Sunday! 

Let GOD cut off those branches of death and disease in your life.  For some reason, we believe that a “cut off” is always a bad thing!  But if they can “Cut you off” at the bar because you have had too much to drink, and they fear you may become a danger to yourself and others . . . why not let GOD “cut off” the things that HE knows will become a danger to you and others!  In your prayers and petitions, ask GOD to cut off all the things that are keeping you from producing the fruit that HE has for you!  After all . . . GOD is the gardener, and HE knows what is best for HIS garden!

GOD Bless!

GOD Didn't Give You That - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

“GOD Didn’t Give You That”

For GOD did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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Where does the spirit of fear come from?  What would make any of us live in fear?  Is it the lack of knowledge that ushers in the spirit of fear?  Is it being set apart from GOD that causes us to live in fear? 

I’m sure we have asked ourselves similar questions!  And regardless of the questions, there is the root of the issue that must be addressed, and this is the facts!  GOD did not give us a spirit of fear, nor does HE desire for us to live in fear!  HE has given you the power to overcome your fear(s)!  HE has given you the love to make it through!  And HE has given you the sound mind to know that HE is always with you!  Know tell me . . . what fear is greater than GOD’s Power, Love and Knowledge? 

Success Full - 1 Samuel 18:14 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Samuel 18:14 (NIV)

“Success Full”

In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him.

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I’m sure we have all heard or said “GOD can do anything but fail!”  GOD is success and HE is success-full!  The GOD we serve is full of success and in HIM we are success-full.  This one verse tells us of great success!  JESUS is success-full too!  What JESUS did over 2,011 years ago has given each of us to be success-full by the Holy Spirit that fills us!  The song writer asked the question, “If it had not been for the LORD on my side, where would I be?”  Without HIM we will be empty, but with the LORD . . . we are “Success Full”

No matter what Saul threw at David (1 Sam 18:10-11), GOD turned it into great success!  HE is the same GOD that will do this for you!

Be Strong In The LORD; Stand Firm In HIS Word

Leaning Post - Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

“Leaning Post”

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

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Many of you have heard me say this before . . . “We fall in the direction we lean”, and GOD wants us to lean on HIM!  When we lean on HIM, we fall in HIS arms!  We should lean on the everlasting arms of GOD!  The LORD is our strong leaning post!  Unmovable!  On HIM we can lean everyday!  On HIM, we can depend!

What direction are you leaning?  Prayerfully, you are not leaning unto your own understanding, but with all your heart . . . trust in the LORD!  HIS ways are better than ours!  HIS knowledge is far greater than man’s! Again, what direction are you leaning . . . today?

Walking In The Light - Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

“Walking In The Light”

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

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Let’s picture a long sidewalk with each concrete slab being the length of our feet.  Before we take each step, the next slab lights up.  Sometimes the light is quick and other times the light is slow.  Not being able to determine if the next light is going to come fast or slow . . . we must pay attention and look where we are walking!  There are many times when I am not in step with the Light!  I want to stay at the point where I am comfortable, but the Light is still leading and directing my path!  Then there are the other times when the Light has been too slow for me!  I’m sure I am not the only one.  Whenever we walk outside of the Light . . . we are walking in darkness! 

Sometimes we want to be shadows . . . you know . . . have the Light, but walk in the darkness!  Take caution when you are walking in darkness . . . because once the shadow is gone . . . you have allowed yourself to be completely out of the light (this is when our sins become a practice . . . a way of life for us).  Is HIS Word the lamp that guides your feet into the Light of righteousness?

Rejoice In HIS Blessings Today

Who Do You Trust - Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

“Who Do You Trust”

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.

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The Merriam-Webster dictionary has three definitions for “afraid”

1.       Filled with fear or apprehension

2.       Filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation

3.       Having a dislike for something

The writer is not saying “IF” I am afraid, but “Whenever” I am afraid . . . I will trust in YOU (the LORD).  This tells me that whenever and whatever I am afraid of . . . I will trust in the LORD!  Sometimes we categorize what we will trust the LORD with.  If it is something small . . . we can fix it!  But we will trust the LORD with all the big stuff! 

If I am concerned with a relationship, because I am afraid of getting hurt . . . I can just stop seeing them!  It seems simple . . . right!  I am afraid of getting hurt in a relationship, so the best thing to do is just walk away . . . but if we trust in the LORD “whenever” we are afraid . . . He will light our path!  HE will tell us if we should stay or if we should go!  Sometimes, we think we only have to trust HIM with the big stuff that comes from the doctor, bill collector, etc.  We think that HE has equipped us to take care of the small ones!  But with everything and everyone, we must trust in the LORD whenever we are filled with fear or apprehension!  We must trust in the LORD whenever we are filled with concern or regret over all of our trials and tribulations!  Even when we have a dislike for something and someone . . . we must trust in the LORD!  Who do you trust!

Be Blessed In HIS Power!

S.T.A.R.T. Program For Life - Romans 6:4 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 6:4 (NIV)

“S.T.A.R.T. Program”

We were therefore buried with HIM through baptism into death in order that, just as CHRIST was raised from the dead through the glory of the FATHER, we too may live a new life.

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As I was doing my devotional, this verse reminded me of a presentation I put together years ago.  Some may have seen it before, but it seems worth sharing again.  We must S.T.A.R.T. and/or continue living for CHRIST!

Salvation – START with accepting JESUS as your LORD and Savior

Time – START spending time in HIS presence

Acknowledge – START giving HIM all the glory and the praise for everything you have and everything you are

Repent – START seeing sin just as GOD sees sin, and ask for HIS forgiveness

Testimony – START living and sharing the testimony GOD has given you

Maybe it’s time for you to S.T.A.R.T. a new program for the LORD!  JESUS is willing and able to see you through . . . from START to finish!  From the beginning to the end!  If you have not given your life to CHRIST . . . START with saying, “LORD, I am a sinner and I need you to save me!”

May GOD START Your Heart Today!

Know HIS Will - Acts 22:14 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day
Acts 22:14 (NKJV)
“Know HIS Will”

Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.

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GOD’s Sovereign Will – Nothing happens that is beyond HIS control! HE can make the impossible happen! Example, JESUS was born of a virgin. (Isa 7:14)

GOD’s Perfect Will – This is the desire GOD has for your life! Example, “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD . . .” (Jeremiah 29:11)

GOD’s Permissive Will – This gives us the freedom of choice to follow HIM! Example, Joshua said, “choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)

Do you know GOD’s Will? Do you know GOD’s Love? If you don’t, accept HIS Love and you will find HIS Will for you!

Stop Hurting Yourself - 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)

“Stop Hurting Yourself”

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

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The definition of for-ni-ca-tion is: voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other.  In other words, fornication is something a person chooses in the heart . . . long before the act!  Although you may fall in love with someone or something . . . you do not simply fall into fornication!  Every other sin that we choose is against someone else, but the sin of fornication is against our own body! Which means we are hurting ourselves.  It still effect others, but the pain and shame is what we do to ourselves.

Many of us know that GOD is the “I AM” and that JESUS is the only Way, Truth and Life . . . but for whatever reason . . . we follow the gods of the sun, moon, birds, handkerchief . . . and any other thing that we choose to make us happy!  Which means we voluntarily give ourselves to these idols or false gods.  Guess what!  When we do that, we are fornicating!  You may fall in love with the ways of the “stars”, but you have to choose to worship them! Which means we are hurting ourselves.

If you already belong to the LORD, stay with HIM!  The grass is not greener on the other side!  If JESUS is not the lover of your soul . . . come on over . . . and find rest for your soul!

Sideline Warrior - Exodus 17:11-13 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Exodus 17:11-13 (NKJV)

“Sideline Warrior”

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

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Joshua was instructed by Moses to choose some men and battle with Amalek.  Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill to observe the battle.  And so it was, when Moses held up his hand they were winning and when his hand would move down they were losing!  When Aaron and Hur realized what was happening, they sat Moses on a stone and held his hands up!  They stood shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand . . . on the sideline!  Although those on the battlefield were giving their all in combat, it was the support of the sideline warriors that brought the victory home!

Too often we think that if we are not in the battle, we can’t be effective for the team!  We may think that if they are not writing about us or chanting our name, that we are not important to the team!  Please know that, we all have a place and purpose in the battle for our families, our churches, and our communities!  You may be in the thick of the battle or on the sideline . . . don’t give up!  I can imagine how their hands being lifted up was confusing the enemy!  Why would they be on the sideline with raised hands!  That’s called praising HIM in advance, and it will confuse the enemy every time!!

Be Blessed In The LORD!

Making A House A Home - Proverbs 3:33 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 3:33 (NKJV)

“Making A House A Home”

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but HE blesses the home of the just.

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Remember when you first moved into your house?  Some of us were excited and some just saw it as a place to stay until we moved on to the next house!  But regardless of how many times we have moved from house to house, we are always trying to find a way to make it our home! 

A house is where you unpack a bunch of stuff, but a home is where you live!  A house has an address, but a home has memories!  A house of the wicked is cursed, but a home of the just is blessed!  Are you making your house a home!  Better yet . . . are you making your heart a home for the Holy Spirit to dwell or is it still a cold house filled with a bunch of stuff!

Fallen Fruit - Proverbs 1:30-32 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 1:30-32 (NIV)

“Fallen Fruit”

Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

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Have you ever seen someone walking down the street with their pant sagging or their skirt too high and think to yourself or say to a friend, “Why would they let them come out of the house like that!”  We tend to think that if someone is being careless in their behavior (talking loud in public or using inappropriate language), that they don’t have any “Home training”.    We contribute the behavior to there being no adult supervision in the lives of the fruit! Some will assume that the parent or guardian must be like that too!   You know . . .  “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”.  And that is very true! The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, but we must keep in mind . . . once the fruit falls . . . the tree can’t pick it back up!  In other words, we can't assume that there has been no home training when we see the fallen fruit!  We have to observe the fruit itself!  When I go to the supermarket and pick up a rotten apple, I don't assume the tree was bad . . . I see that the fruit is bad.  Nor do I label all the other apples as bad!

When the parent or guardian (Tree) have done everything to ensure the child (fruit) has been trained in the knowledge of the LORD, you cannot look at the fruit that has fallen and blame the tree!  While the fruit is still on the tree, it is the responsibility of the tree to nurture and provide for that fruit.  In most cases, the fruit didn’t leave the house with the pant sagging or the little skirt.  That is something they decide to do when they are away from the tree!  But once the fruit falls from the tree, the fruit has its own seed to bare! So we should not automatically put that testimony on the parent or guardian (Tree), because the fruit has fallen away from the way they were raised!  

So parents or guardians . . . don’t give up on the fruit that GOD has given you!  And when they fall from the tree (and they will) . . . continue to pray for them! Pray that they will not fall and spoil, but  that they will fall and become the strong tree, planted in good soil, so that they will bare good fruit.  Because the good tree does produce good fruit, but once the fruit has fallen, it must decide if it will grow to be a good tree or a bad tree!  Because a bad tree will produce bad fruit!

Now to the little fruits that will one day have to fall from the tree!  When you fall from the tree . . . remember, the shelter is still there, but you must bare your own testimony.

Here is a question.  What happens to fruit when it doesn’t fall from the tree once it becomes ripe?

Love Sincerely

Review this week’s Bible Study Reflections at http://inhishandministry.blogspot.com/p/weekly-bible-study-notes.html

Anger Management - James 1:20 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

James 1:20 (NIV)

“Anger Management”

For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that GOD desires.

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From time to time, I have to demonstrate some anger management!  I don’t think anyone can honestly say that they do not get angry . . . about something!  We are not suppose to “Lay hands” on folks or “Bring on the pain” when we become angry about a . . .  situation!  The first question you should ask when someone or something makes you angry is, “Why is this situation making me angry?”  Is it because you feel threatened, disrespected, fearful or ignorant?  Whatever the reason you are angry . . . is the very reason you should manage it!  Notice I did not say the person, but I said the reason!  Don’t get twisted out of shape with the person . . . but hate the sin!  If someone is practicing sin, don’t hate them and pray for the sin . . . hate the sin and pray for them!  Let’s say that again “don’t hate them and pray for the sin . . . hate the sin and pray for them!” 

If we are living in anger, then we are not living the righteous life that GOD desires for us!  “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11)  There is some 101 on Anger Management!  Man’s anger is usually towards another man!  GOD’s anger (wrath) is always towards the sinful act(s) of a man!  Now that is some Advance Anger Management!  Love your neighbor!  Pray for your enemy!  Have self-control over your anger!  And make sure your anger is directed towards the right thing!

Rejoice In HIS Blessings Today!

Lead By Example - Titus 2:6-8 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Titus 2:6-8 (NIV)

“Lead By Example”

 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

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Thank you to all our elders who lead by example.  Those who lead by the example GOD has given!  It is getting harder and harder to lead by a Godly example, when so much of the world is being lead by “selfishness”, “self-motivation” and “inner-self”  When I say elder, I am not just referring to the person who has lived a 80-100 years!  I am talking about each one of us who is older than the person standing next to us.  I am talking about the older Christian who should be showing integrity, seriousness and soundness in what they do.  A newly converted child needs to see living examples of HIS goodness.  Some of our most sound advice is not in what we say, but in what we do!  It is hard to tell someone to pull their pants up, when they see us walking through the mall with ours sagging!  It is hard to tell a child to keep their room clean, and they see the mess our lives are in!  It is hard to tell a child to take care of their body, which is a temple of the LORD, and we have a tobacco stick hanging out of our mouths.  It is hard to tell a child to speak life, and we use our words to gossip!  Among all the wonderful things of JESUS . . . HE was a leading example of how we are to be!