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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 279 October 2, 2001
A Beautiful Bush
There are a couple of places along my daily walking trail where a beautiful shrub has been planted. I have no idea what kind of bush it is, I’ve never seen it anyplace else.
It has thin, olive green leaves and is loaded with clumps of bright orange berries. In fact the berries look just like little oranges. More than once I’ve slowed and simply enjoyed the beauty of the shrub.
I’ve noticed, lately, a bit of a strange smell as I walked by, and it’s been getting stronger. In fact it’s so strong now that it is nauseating to walk near.
That pretty little shrub, with the beautiful berries, gives off a smell like rotting garbage as the berries ripen. The spots I loved to walk by before are repulsive now and I almost hate walking by them.
Sin is like that. Satan is pretty wise, He doesn’t appeal to us with things that at first glance appear to be rotten. He tempts us with things that are pretty enough to cause us to tarry just a little too long.
It’s only when we’re deeply ensnared that the fruit begins to smell rotten. When we’re in so deep that it seems that we can’t get out no matter how hard we try.
When we find ourselves attracted to things we shouldn’t be, remember that we are not alone
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
If we do stumble, remember the words of King David
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD" and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 NIV
Walk your daily walk close to Christ. Be careful of those attractive little fruits along the way that at first seem so appealing, but in the long run lead only to decay.
Until next time, may the only fruit you find attractive be the fruit of Holy Spirit.
God bless.
Kevin
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© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
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