"LITTLE FOXES SPOIL THE VINE"
King Solomon said, ... My mothers children were angry with me; they made me the keeper
of the vineyard; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. (Song of Solomon 1:6). Obviously, from
being the vineyard keeper Solomon learned about keeping his vineyard with God. Then he said,
Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vineyards ... (Song of Solomon 2:15). God has
used this to give a message that I believe will help increase joy, happiness, and blessings for all of
us.
Little foxes cannot get to the fruit in the vineyard except they cut the vine and let the fruit
fall to the ground. Consider the fruit to be joy, peace and the blessings of God. Now consider the
little foxes to be anything we do that causes us to deviate from God's instructions for a good life.
All throughout the Bible we read stories about men of God that do not follow God's
instructions to the letter. Every story shows man's fallacy and God's chastisement, even His
personality. One may say, "I live under grace." This is true, but grace for everlasting life does not
give license to disobey the LORD's instructions for a good life on earth. In other words, God
forbid that we use grace for an excuse to continue in inappropriate acts of the flesh.
When we enter the contract (covenant) between God and man we are changed inwardly.
This makes us different from unsaved people. Suddenly, we live by a different set of rules. If we
live within these rules we are in unity with God and his universe. No longer should we be in
opposition to His works, and His works in opposition to us. Surely we remain in the world but we
are not of the world. (Read John 17:9-11) By the power of the Holy Spirit we can live in
the world and live by right thinking, right speaking and right actions. This is taking
on the mind of Christ. (Read Philippians 2:1-5)
In order to have the good life that God intended for us we must free ourselves from things that prevent us from being like Jesus. Therefore, we must remove the little foxes that creep into our vineyard.
The most profound fox is named unforgiveness. (Read Mark 11:24-26 often) After he has been killed we can go after the little foxes. Watch out for manipulation, deception, falsehoods, cheating, stealing, fornication, adultery, talking about others and such like. Check for little foxes named excuse. "I can't tithe this month because ..., or I can't go to our church assembly because ... ." These things are not profitable. They steal blessings from us.
Today, the way not to live is expressed in television programs. It is evident in much of our advertising. When watching shoppers, it becomes evident. It is especially manifest in "the big business world." Unfortunately, it is apparent in our churches. What happened? Christians are suppose to be different; however, unless they are prudent they will fall into the same living patterns as the world. If we do not stay on guard the little foxes will cut our vine and take our joy, peace and blessings.
Therefore, let us live, "By a new and living way, which he (Jesus) hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say the flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; ... ." (Hebrews 10:20-25)
In January of 1997, JoAnn and I were blessed while ministering to college students. They are important! Two other January stories will encourage those that need a miracle. For many years a Christian man could not get free from mental anguish. Then he confessed his condition, we prayed, and Jesus set him free. It was beautiful to watch him change. Our son-in-law, Bob, got a good medical report. The cancer (too close to his heart to be treated) is drying up. The doctors can't explain this, but we know and thank God for His healing power. Thank you for praying for him. Continue to pray for JoAnn. She is doing fine except for some sensitive places on her skin. Three doctors have tested her and say that she is healthy. They believe there may be some nerve damage caused by radiation. She now needs a miracle of restoration.