From: The Pastor’s Heart
To: You
Title: The Leaf
While sitting in my chair this morning about to get some reading in, I looked out the
window and saw a leaf falling to the ground outside. I realize there’s nothing special about
that event, but sometimes in the smallest of things we can get enormous inspiration.
Watching the leaf descend downward reminded me of how sometimes a wind of force hits
us just strong enough to remove us from our main source of strength. The leaf is connected
to the branch and the branch is connected to the tree and the tree is rooted in the ground
and the ground is apart of the earth and the earth was created by God.
When the leaf became detached it moved back and forth as the wind determined. It had
no power on it’s own to alter the direction it was going. Whenever we allow the force of
temptation to remove us from our source we place ourselves on a path of indeterminate
outcomes and setbacks. We become tempted to see things in obscured light and what was
once an ‘absolute wrong’, becomes only a ‘possible wrong’ in our mind. That’s how
temptation works. It doesn’t immediately pull us into sin, but it compels us to at least
consider that the ‘bad’ may not really be as bad as we first conceived.
James, the new testament author, write {James 1:14-15[AMP} “Every man is tempted when he is
dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust,
passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has
run its course, it gives birth to death.” The time frame from the initial temptation to death
doesn’t happen rapidly, but rather, it moves in a smooth methodical pace. When the leaf
was falling it didn’t happen quickly, it moved ever so gently and quietly to its death
without even realizing what was going on.
If we don’t guard our spirit every day from the devices and deceptions of the enemy, we’ll
find ourselves disconnected from our tree and lying on the ground alone and unprotected.
Daily devotion is not just meant to increase our understanding and awareness of God, but
it’s also meant to solidify our connection with God and our strength from the enemies
attack. We have come to far in this journey to be pulled down to a place where we lose
more than we can afford to lose. The sacrifice made for our souls was more valuable than
anything the devil can offer us at any stage in life. I pray every day that we would maintain
our walk and integrity in God so that we can live out the plan of success He always had
designed. Remember, Jesus came that we might have abundant life, but it’s up to us to go
after that life no matter what the adversary tries to tempt us with. We are stronger when we
stay connected to the source.
EVERYTHING WE DO MOVING FORWARD WILL BE INTENTIONAL AND DRIVEN WITH
PURPOSE TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT!
NOTHING WILL BE DONE WITH ENERGY LESS THAN OUR BEST AND EFFORT BELOW
OUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.
OUR SERVICE IS LOCAL, BUT OUR REACH IS GLOBAL – SO WE CANNOT REDUCE OUR
PRESENTATION DOWN TO WHAT’S CONVENIENT, BUT RATHER WE MUST RAISE IT TO
THAT WHICH IS EXPLOSIVE!
Get ready for major change that’s coming systematically, intellectually, purposefully, and
professionally. Nothing we do moving forward will be done haphazardly, sloppily, poorly,
or carnally.
We Are the LIGHT!
Sincerely,
Pastor J.E. Chandler, Sr.
(CEO/Pastor of MLCM)
