Lessons from my Acoma Myrtle

Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, May 27, 2022

Today’s Text: Matthew 3:7-12

Key Verse: Matthew 3:10 (ESV): “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Acoma Myrtle Trees are, perhaps, the best and commonest front yard trees in Texas. Until 3 days ago, we used to have one in our front yard, right beside our driveway and flanking the basket ball hoops. It brings incredible all seasons uniqueness to the house. It offers itself for a ready lighting skeleton at Christmas and a well scented flowery clusters all Springs and summer long. It’s so easy to maintain, clean and healthy; but we woke up on Wednesday morning to a surprise: a little rain and a fairly normal wind had routed the Myrtle tree from its root.

The imagery of this morning’s scriptural declaration of cutting down trees that bear no good fruit and then the burning of them up come to mind. And, I am not proof-texting here. As soon as I saw this occurrence, I remembered that I had used the same scripture to pray against any evil arbor around me, just in the middle of the night. I had asked God to uproot anything that is attracting negativity to my life. Well, if you are praying, then expect some mysterious physical and spiritual happenings around you. Remember: the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

In context, John the Baptist was warning Jewish leaders against such arrogance that made them assume that just because they were chosen people guarantees their salvation. God could remove them if they fail to produce needed fruit and raise up others in their place if needed!! While this is a powerful testimony for me, it also offers some enlivening lessons: be encouraged in prayer; guide your life from losing its place and purpose; there is no such thing as hereditary salvation—every tree must bear it own (good) fruits; and bear in mind that everything contrary to God’s plan in your life should be axed and rooted out—including all distractions, bad omens, and things that deprive you of joy, happiness, healing, fruit of the womb, righteousness, promotion, and progress.

Quote for the Day: “Metaphors of plants are common in Christ’s analogies of His people. He must want us to always remember that He is the vine, and we must remain His branches.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, uproot everything that represents failure, delay and losses in my life and removed anything that attract negative inspiration to me — in Jesus’ name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

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