Its the Pin Dots Too

If it looks good and the rest of the fruit around it looks good, there is less of a chance that any of the fruit wouldn't be good. That's practically the basis by which I told my children because of certain types of people I had to do case studies with. One rarely saw the unseemly element with those that try to do something with their lives. Their focus is different. Those that apply themselves don't have the time for distractions. They have been trained that with studying and some drive the result will always be beneficial (Joshua 1:8 KJV).

To some extent, I still hold fast to this; however, due to some life lessons and this analogy, adjustments were needed.

The analogy comes from  the old adage, "one bad apple spoils the whole barrel." Most people would be able to spot a bad apple. Going to the produce section upon sight, bruises is the tell all sign. Another way is to pick up the apple and squeeze to see if it is still firm. The sight and touch signs should be all that is needed; yet in these last days, men have devised a means to spray apples with pesticides not only to keep the bugs from ruining a crop but to maintain the color and superficial texture while displayed in the produce section. Recently, while waiting for my guests to arrive at a family dinner, I felt "peck-ish" and got an apple to snack on. Seeing the red color, I went to wash it off. Just out of habit, before taking a bite, I shine the apple first. It looked delicious. When I took a bite, it tasted nothing like it looked. The skin was taut and a beautiful bright red, but the flesh was like a dry sponge. This has happened to me before, but then I clearly saw small black pin dots on the bright red skin. This time the apple color was darkened and the dots weren't clearly as visible. The experience was disappointing, appetite destroying, and can turn a customer from purchasing apples ever again.

From the perspective of people getting rid of spots and wrinkles in their lives, it would take God (Ephesians 5:24-30 AMP). We are given the foundation of righteousness and have to conduct our lives accordingly. It takes studying to replace the old, wicked ways into new habits. Some seem harder then others not because it can't be done. Its hard because of the will to relinquish those ways (Acts 3;26 AMP).

An alcoholic can get to rock bottom, losing everything and even his health is in jeopardy; yet, unless the taste and desire is no longer as strong as the desire to live, then he will mostly certainly die (Proverbs 23;30-35 AMP). This would also be true for an addict, thief, murderer, liar, idolater, and the like. A true believer knows this because of the Word, experience, and history. A fool disregards what is most certainly obvious (Proverbs 1:7 AMP).

The Word says that God inhabits the praise of the righteous (Psalm 22:3 AMP). The Word says that He hears the prayers of the righteous. It is all do-able for us. To others we are like iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17 AMP). We assist those that try to do right and teach those that don't know what is the right thing to do. Our work is to remove the spots and wrinkles to be ready for His return. So would there ever be a time when pin-dots could not be visible on you or those you believe to be your friends? Something I use to desire in my life were long term friendships. I have seen people have 30-40 year friendships and then get married. It is truly a blessing to have. If this is a desire for you and you believe you have this sort of friend, would you leave if God tells you to? What if the bond is with finances, a good paying job, an expensive car, the perfect house, the best deal, your favorite suit/dress, $100,000.00? If you winced at any of these suggestions or can make an excuse for not doing so, you have discovered pin-dots on you. What is your recourse now (2 Peter 3:14 KJV)?

It Was A Mistake

A mistake is a missed opportunity, a lapse in judgment, a wrong turn, a word spoken too soon, a signed contract based on the personality of a con artist, or a business deal gone awry. A mistake isn't repeated because it is costly whether it is financial, a person's time, or the direction of one's life.

Many car accidents come from the mistake of depth perception, running an amber light, not looking out of the correct mirror, or just plain arrogance. The same mistake is rarely repeated, if actually a mistake, because people value their vehicles. Trusting a Realtor with an attractive smile to purchase a house or a piece of land and later finding that the property has faulty wiring or flood damage is a mistake not repeated because people value not wasting their hard earned money. Allowing a stylist creative license with hair having the end result of looking crazy is never repeated because people value the opinions of others. A mistake isn't something fondly remembered nevertheless, is reminded of so not to do it again.

Using the phrase, a mistake, has been abused. People have had affairs, misappropriated funds, has run from the law, ruined families, people have lost their minds and lives based on someone stating that they have made a mistake.

A mistake is not a preconceived, premeditated, plan for action. People attend college and are trained for certain positions of employment so not to make a mistake especially while on the job. A doctor making a mistake makes him a liability. His/her insurance rates are too high to meet. Other doctors try not to associate themselves with a medical professional who has made a mistake. Police officers carry lethal weapons and have to rely on the months and months of training so not to withdraw their weapon too soon but soon enough so not to become the victim. A lawyer without the right strategy can make a mistake causing his/her client to receive an unjust punishment. A mistake for trained professionals is the difference between having a career and being unemployed.

In Christianity, a minister, speaker, or anyone calling themselves "the mouth piece of God" cannot have the luxury of stating that they have made mistakes. They have been to school and have had their own personal study. They have been in prayer and have a close, continuing relationship with God having taken on the responsibility of feeding the flock. He/she cannot afford to give the flock tainted or spoiled spiritual food. It is the difference of having a flock for the next sermon and closing the ministry down. There would be no reason for such a profession to make a mistake over that pulpit because of so many other factors have been set for such a thing not to happen. Much like a doctor or lawyer with the concentration being specifically on one subject so that he/she could do the best job for their client. The same with the clergy only not to be pleasing to man, but pleasing to God having still the assignment that has been given to them. After all, how many times have we heard that the pastor, minister, evangelist, preacher, or bishop have said that they have not taken their assignment lightly but has count it as an honor and a privilege?  How then would a mistake happen? How then could they have heard anyone else but the voice of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-5 AMP)?

In that same vein, with a Christian couple knowing the basics of what is expected from the two of them that have become one in front of witnesses, how could a mistake happen within that couple? How could he/she be in an uncompromising position knowing not only that the vows spoken weren't just lip service but also that they have received the blood bought salvation of Christ, Who sees all? How could anyone with these factors in place (Christianity, the blood of the lamb, the anointing, a spouse, integrity, character, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit), then decide to embezzle funds from their place of employment, cheat on their taxes, lie to cover for a friend, manipulate to cause confusion, have an affair just to do it, plot revenge, continually be late on a job, start an argument to distract from the real issue, gossip, brag, or be a dead beat parent? All of which has been rationalized with - it was a mistake (2 Peter 2:20-22 AMP).

One of my favorite television shows for the last 20 years is COPS. It is the first reality show I believe that has come on T.V. and is credible. I watch the show and feel comforted that there are those that have been employed to uphold the law and no matter how fast the criminal runs, or cries, pleads for the officer to let him/her go with a warning, the officer doesn't say a word until he hears what is necessary from the device he has strapped to his shoulder. The information given back dictates what the officer will do to this person. If a repeating offender, there is no amount of tears that will sway the officer from doing his/her appointed assignment (Romans 13:4 AMP). It could be a traffic violation. If the offender did not appear in court at the date given, the judge issues a warrant for arrest. There is no skipping out on that court date. Once found, he/she will serve jail time. Those committing felonies, get the royal treatment especially if they run. Pepper spray, taser, canine officer, billy club, whatever device necessary to be used to subdue the non-complaint individual, it is used and well deserving because of the offense. It is written in scripture - I would suppose that's why it is so comforting to watch.


God is good. He is our Heavenly Father to those who believe. He is the creator of us all. How then would He allow for anarchy to continue and those perpetuating it to live a care free life. It doesn't happen for them and it would never happen to those who believe. Mistakes repeated are not mistakes. No one is fooled - not man and definitely not God. If man (in the authority of police, judge, or parole officer) doesn't take the opportunity to give correction, correction will be. God will see to it (Proverbs 2:8-10 AMP). Disregard what is written if that's what will make you feel better (Proverbs 1:7 AMP). Just know when making a plan, right it down. One is less likely to make mistakes. To call a foiled plan a mistake is deceptive. Deception is evil. With God being good, evil will never reign - ever!