Known By Our Fruits

It has been said that great comedy has it's roots in the family stories of the comedian. I believe these experiences are the fodder for many great writers. Today's post may not rank with the best, but our latest family outing serves as it's inspiration.

The eight of us had gotten together at the Green's house and then gone out to eat. After wards we went back to their house to talk, play, and watch TV. What I meant to say is this; we girls talked, the little boys played, and the big boys watched TV. How the 3 of them did that with one remote is beyond me.

I had brought along some cantaloupe for those who liked it. As some of us began to eat it, my bil T said, "this is one of those Mennonite cantaloupes, isn't it?." Before I could answer my baby sister burst out in laughter and said, " a Mennonite cantaloupe! How do you know that's where it came from?" We both began to explain how we have seen enough of them to know. We recognized the color, taste and texture as being the type that was grown by the Mennonite folks.

Today false prophets are a dime a dozen. Some are so obvious it is laughable, yet still they garner a following. Others are slick making their message sound like it is straight from the throne room. Millions of dollars are mailed, wired, charged, and handed over to crooks every day. Maybe I should say, every night. That's when some of the worst ones are on for hours and hours with their double speak and big smiles.

We should not be taken in by these shysters. The Bible has warned us of their existence. It has also given us the criteria by which to judge whether a person is a true prophet or not. It is time for us to apply the Word of God and expose the works of darkness.

We are limited as to what we can do about the TV preachers, but we don't have to support them in any way. Local pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists should be open to inquiries. If they are above being questioned then they are suspect. I am not advocating we confront every member of the clergy. We should simply be observant. If we notice any improprieties then we should follow church protocol to report them. (That is another post for another day.)

15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:15-17,20 KJV


We are known by our fruits too. Do you have the look of LOVE? Are your hands HELPFUL? Are your words seasoned with GRACE? Are you FORGIVING and KIND? Do you have a GENEROUS heart? Are you COMPASSIONATE and MERCIFUL?

If you answered no to any of these questions, I urge you to call the Master Gardener. He knows just how to fertilize, cultivate, or prune you. I should know, I just got a trim myself.

Check out The Message version of our text. It really puts the pesticide on the trees.

The Message


Worship Wednesday has been brought to you by my older, wiser, and more learned sister, Sista Cala.

Border Patrol

Today's Worship Wednesday post brought to you by PT2006--As always, I am challenged and blessed by your words, sis. Thanks. After you read today's devotion, don't forget to read the post, "My Story" below and share your story with all us.

Many an invasive parasite has entered the U.S. by way of imported fruits and vegetables. Even within our borders, destructive bacteria has made it's way to our tables due to the lack of proper inspections. Most recently the culprits have been riding on baby greens and shallots. What nasty intestinal problems these bacteria have caused. Even the most stalwart of men have been hospitalized by Salmonella.

In the same way, tiny little temptations invade our mind. They are often attached to a person or thing that has taken our attention without so much as a minimal inspection. The old cliche is true, birds of a feather flock together. You will become like the company you keep. When choosing your running buddies, you should take note of their habits and hangouts. If the places they frequent are unwholesome then most likely they are not ideal companions for you. On the flip side, people who are faithful to church and family have the makings of quality friends.

The principle is the same whether you are choosing a friend, church, or place of employment. Do a spiritual health assessment. Check out their surroundings. What are their limits or standards? Even the strongest of Christians can be pulled down by a small ploy of the enemy if it is hidden in the garb of light. Scripture warns of Satan transforming himself into an angel of light. That's not much of stretch for him since he is a has-been heavenly angel. Look out for the has-been Christians, they know just how to play the game.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:15 - 20 KJV