Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Matthew 7:15-20

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

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Reflect

In this brief passage, we hear Jesus offering such profound wisdom! He provides to us warning to be aware—even on guard—against false teachers and teachings. Granted, such ideas may possess strong attraction to us, we succumb to the allurement to our detriment. How can we avoid such deception?

In so many words, the Lord directs us to practice close inspection of our efforts. Picking grapes requires being able to distinguish between a grapevine and a thorn bush, or a fig tree and a thistle, doesn’t it?

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet, how many times can we recall in our own lives when thorns and thistles looked more appealing than grapes and figs? What is it which causes us to be so easily deceived? Doesn’t resemble the abundant life which Jesus promised, does it?
May the Holy Spirit guide us in our lives that we may plead God and experience His love!

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Pray

Dear God help us to bear fruit in our lives and for the kingdom. Amen

Go with God!