Uprooting the Sycamine Tree

Dear N EGST Team,

You probably heard about President George Bush being in Africa this weekend passing out aid to more stable countries to encourage and set an example for Kenya to get their house in order. If they want to continue to be a benefactor of US Aid, they must also get their political issues resolved. In other words, they need to uproot the sycamine tree in their culture, in order to drive out the evil spirits mentioned by Oscar Muriu, in his e-mail about "spiritual warfare".

Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
February 18

Uprooting the Sycamine Tree

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:2

The sycamine tree of the New Testament is the black mulberry. Its edible fruit is similar to the fruit of fig trees. The root system of a large sycamine tree is impossible to uproot, even by an experienced dozer operator.

Spring Valley Grocery was a small, simple but busy country store. Brother Alvin, the owner, was enthusiastic and aggressive. He deeply loved the souls of his employees and customers.

But Alvin noticed a definite problem at the store. Fruits and groceries were mysteriously disappearing. Quietly he made it a matter of earnest, fervent prayer and fasting. Though tried, he sincerely loved the soul of the unknown thief.

After some time, Alvin confronted and kindly rebuked an employee named Jay. Jay brokenly confessed stealing the groceries. Alvin freely forgave him and rejoiced over the penitent sinner.

In the next month, Alvin confronted Jay three times for repeated offenses. Jay confessed each time. By now Alvin realized that Jay had a “sycamine tree” in his life. He began to doubt the sincerity of Jay’s confessions, yet he chose to discard those doubts and instead pray, “Lord, increase my faith.” Consistently Alvin prayed for Jay and assured him of his love and forgiveness. Eventually, Jay gained victory over this sin.

Through faith in the power of God, and a consistent spirit of meekness and compassion toward an erring but penitent brother, sycamine trees of sin can be uprooted. Leaf, branch, stump, root, and all may be cast out.

David Stoltzfus, Spencer, WI

~God can mightily use a Christian who stays cool in a hot place, and hot in a cool place.~

Bible Reading: Luke 17:1–7; Matthew 17:14–21
One Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 2
Leviticus 26, 27