Monday Scripture: Matthew 7
Sheepish Wolves
(A Devotion to Prepare for Election Day)
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Watch out for false prophets.
They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
By their fruit you will recognize them.
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The southern lexicon has lots of great words you don't hear anywhere else.
One of my favorites is "Hoodoo."
A hoodoo is a trickster--a deceptive spirit--trying to con you.
Hoodoos don't have to be paranormal.
Most of them are winsome people who can flash a smile, shake both of your hands at once, pick your pocket, and stab you in the back, all in one smooth motion.
Some are so sly they can even make you thank them for doing it.
They come in every gender, color, orientation, and political stripe.
Don't be taken in by smooth talk and silky promises.
Like a wolf in lamb's wool, hoodoos leave tracks:
Trails of broken promises and empty platitudes.
A hoodoo will climb a tree to mess with you when they could stand on the ground to tell the truth.
But after a while, you can't blame the hoodoo for fooling you.
That's just what they do.
Look at the tracks.
Examine the fruit.
Trust the people who leave a trail of healing and hope.
And wherever you go today, care for the sheep who have been hurt by hoodoos.
The tricksters will make sure there are plenty of them.
You make sure to leave a trail of love and compassion.
The wounded sheep will know you by those fruits of the Spirit.
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When I was a little boy and the devil called my name
I'd say, "Now Hoodoo, who do you think you're fooling?"
And if I was the President,
The minute the Congress called my name
I'd say "Now Hoodoo, who do you think you're fooling?"
Oh, my mama loves me, she loves me
She gets down on her knees and hugs me
Oh, she loves me like a rock