What Kind of Tree are You?

When we moved to our present house fourteen years ago, a tall tree grew just inside the driveway. Three thick limbs stretched up to the sky. One limb pointed toward our house, the second toward our neighbour’s, and the third toward the road. We thought a tree growing in the driveway strange. Yet we admired its grandeur.

I don’t know when the bark began to split. But I didn’t think anything of it. Eventually I wondered why there were so many carpenter ants at the base of the tree. When woodpeckers began to peck holes into all three limbs, I knew they were after the ants.

From a distance the tree still appeared strong and beautiful. Close up was a different story. Last winter woodpeckers had penetrated deep into the inner core, well past the centre of one of the limbs. Now we did not want to be responsible for a limb falling onto our neighbour’s house. The tree had to go. After the tree feller cut it down, we mourned because of the rotten interior. At some point a strong wind would have toppled it over.

That tree caused me to ponder the difference between believers and non-believers. At birth all of us are born in sin. Like the inside of all trees we are spiritually dead. “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:10, 11, NIV). That is why sin crouches at the heart of everyone, believer and non-believer alike. Sometimes our own fleshly desires tempt us. Other times it may be the world or Satan and his demons.

Like the tree whose bark split we are tempted to sin. Ants and woodpeckers try to pierce our heart. James cautions us, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:13–15, NIV).

Paul writes to believers: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV).

Have you acknowledged that you are a sinner saved by grace? If not, cast yourself on the Lord and cry for mercy. Jesus is mighty to save, and the Holy Spirit will guard your heart and mind.

www.tale2k.com

Fit for Faith

You’re invited to the launch celebration of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011.
To join the fun, please follow these simple steps:
1. On Tuesday, October 11th place your order for Fit for Faith through Amazon.com
2. Retrieve the Amazon Order Confirmation Number from your order.
3. Visit http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com to discover all the gifts that can be yours.
4. Email your name & Amazon Order Confirmation Number to kimberleypayne [at] nexicom [dot] net
5. After submitting your information, an email will be sent to you containing the information to access the Bonus Gifts. Choose all the free gifts you like.
Note: Gifts and prizes are available only on October 11th

Kimberley Payne's Virtual Book Launch

Kimberley Payne, author and speaker, is launching her book Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health on Tuesday, October 11th at Amazon.com. You can help Kimberley achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at Amazon.com on that day!

About the book:

This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.

About the Author:

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counselling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com


Bonus!
Buy Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical on Tuesday, October 11th and receive loads of FREE gifts from many generous supporters.

Sample chapters, Bible studies, short stories, and children’s books from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors.

All if you buy your copy of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health at Amazon.com on October 11th 2011!

These free gifts are valid on Tuesday, October 11th only.


Disclaimer:
This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the Internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, Amazon.com