![]() Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit(Matthew 12:33). History seems to unfold and reveal the nature and characters of individuals, sometimes seemingly hidden at first. It's only when someone is raised to an effective authoritative relationship with others, are these hidden characters made manifest. Sometimes these traits are not hidden, but are obscured by a lack of self examination. Let's take a look at Theodore Roosevelt for an example; the 26th president of the United States. After serving as president for two terms, he found it almost virtually impossible, not only to be reelected at a later date for another term as president; but the highest public office he attained was leadership in the Boy Scouts. Why? It seems when he first was hailed as a more than qualified leader to this country; his outstanding, aggressive, uncompromising way of life seem to magnify the ideal American spirit. When Mr. Roosevelt brought these qualities into the working of our government, the same characteristics that secured his election as president, when enforced on others caused his public appeal to plummet. Beloved our fruits will tell others a lot about the Jesus in us. Only the Holy Ghost can illuminate the Jesus we read about in the Bible. Even as this country realized that the outstanding qualities of Teddy Roosevelt, when imposed, caused a new kind of soul searching. So it is with our Lord, Savior and master; the Jesus within; the fruits we produce will tell the whole story.
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![]() Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. (Psalm 89:14 –16) In the month of February, 1929, Pres. Hoover proclaimed, "We in America are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land..... Giving our policies a chance, we shall soon, with the help of God, be in sight of the day when poverty will be banished from the nation." Seven months later this country experience the great depression; the worst poverty ever. Although God's name was used, his holy Word wasn't! Man's principles where used replacing God's. However good they seem on the surface, their foundation could only bring destruction. It's not what man says or thinks about God that concludes God's judgments; but what God says about man. Beloved don't be fooled or deceived. Your walk with the Lord Jesus never changes, because the God of word never will change or fail. It's not how many times you or I use God's name or Jesus', but how you fear God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) ![]() The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23 1&2) Yesterday is behind us, tomorrow lies ahead and we can only live for today. Paul wrote to us a most comforting note concerning anxiety, mental pressure and frustration. God's advice is this: brethren I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13 & 14) Jesus himself advised us that each day has enough evil in it for itself. We need not to be anxious for anything, nor spend our time looking at the mistakes or victories of yesterday or worrying about our tomorrows. Our Lord said, "It is impossible that offenses must come." We are asked to pray, give us this day our daily bread and forgive. It is impossible for us to not have natural plans for our lives. But we do have this rest, God will make the final decision on what will come to pass each day. Because we are his, what ever he decides, we know that our loving heavenly father gives us the best. When we see our God face to face, then we will know how much he has loved us. Beloved, there is a time and a season for all things. Hold fast to the word of God, love the Lord your God with all your heart and love the brethren. Give thanks and praise for all things and live one day at a time. This rest will do you a world of good. ![]() There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30) As we walk through the mountains and valleys of our personal lives with Jesus, time and time again God's counsel seems to be challenged. Oh, that I had wings of a dove, I would fly away and be at rest; sometimes are the only words of comfort we seem to possess. Beloved, what God has said, God has said! When Almighty God said there is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel that can stand against the Lord your God; not only did he mean it, Jesus will back it up. If God be with you, who can be against you? Wait on the Lord. Do not compromise on His precepts and commandments. Do not rob yourself from receiving the blessings God so graciously bestows on his faithful. Therefore, faint not at the times of adversity, reproof or when others challenge Almighty God's counsel. You will surely mount up on Eagles wings; renewing and strengthening your faith. |
Dr. Thomas SnyderArchives
January 2019
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