"Sayings"
1. "IT'S TIGHT, BUT IT'S RIGHT"
Bishop Tucker had a delivery when preaching the word that is best described as cut and piercing, and not pleasing to the flesh. He reminded us that to make it to heaven requires full obedience to God's word, slipping and sliding just won't do.
Scripture References Jeremiah 23:29 Hebrews 4:12
2. "A FORWARD CAT, GETS HIS HEAD CRACKED"
Sometimes in our haste to do things, we act before we think and fall into trouble. The saying, " curiosity killed the cat," refers to one not minding their own business, and becoming a "busybody" in other men's matters. It brings problems unexpectedly in one's life.
Scripture References Proverbs 25:12 II Thessalonians 3:11 1 Timothy 5:13
3. "MEAN WHAT YOU SAY, AND SAY WHAT YOU MEAN"
In a time of much irresponsibility and denial of what is said, whether it is from high officials or common people, the need to be truthful and honest is essential for the child of God. The saying goes, "You're only as good as your word," and one's character is often judged by whether or not he lives up to his word. A person who makes bold and declarative statements, and never acts on them becomes small in the eyes of others, and his word becomes meaningless. He is no longer to be trusted.
Scripture References Proverbs 8:8-9; 15:23 St. Matthew 12:36 4. "PROCRASTINATION IS THE THIEF OF TIME"
We fall into problems unnecessarily when putting off things that need immediate attention. Whatever has to be done for the present cannot wait until tomorrow, because there's no promise we will live to see it. Scripture References Proverbs 27:1 James 3:5
5. "THE WAY UP WITH GOD, IS DOWN"
If one desires to be blessed of God, he must learn to be of a humble spirit for God does not call the proud and haughty. People who are vain and full of themselves can never be used effectively by God. Their pompous attitude gets them in constant quarrels with others.
Scripture References Psalms 24:4 Proverbs 11:2; 13:10; 16:18; 21:4
6. "WHAT YOU DO IN HASTE, YOU'LL REPENT IN LEISURE"
Decisions that are made without proper counsel or through stubbornness can lead to many disappointments. Acting impulsively or on a spur of the moment brings disaster and heartache to one who follows such a path. Some decisions may affect a person for a day; others like getting married can last a lifetime. Woe to the one who made the wrong decision, for he has a lifetime to regret it.
Scripture References Proverbs 14:29; 29:20 Ecclesiastes 5:2; 7:8-9 Hebrews 12:16-17
7. "FOOLS RUSH IN, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD"
Like No. 6, this statement deals with doing things hastily without thought. A fool is not one who is mentally deficient or lacks intelligence, but is driven by carnal desires that leads to constant trials due to unwise
decisions. Bishop said when a person lives in the flesh; he's liable to do anything an unsaved man would do.
Scripture References Proverbs 12:15-16; 14:9,17; 18:6-7; 20:3
8. "FLATTERY WILL GET YOU NOWHERE"
Flattery is defined as praising one too much in an insincere way in order to win favor with that person. Flatterers are shrewd manipulators and opportunistic in their pursuit of "preying" on victims for personal gain. They use their "gift of gab" to influence people to believe they're well thought of, as well as luring them into false security with "acts of kindness." Such people are like a "slithering snake in the grass," winding themselves around their prey, squeezing the life out of them. Excessive flattery leads to plain lying, and once they're exposed their fortunes tumble like a stack of cards.
Scripture References Job 32:21-22 Psalms 5:9; 12:3; 78:36 Proverbs 20:19; 26:28; 29:5
9. "NO ONE DOES WRONG AND GET BY"
When saints decide to follow the wrong path, and ignore the word of God, they suffer dire consequences as a result. There are those who become stiff-necked and hard-hearted and feel they could do anything without giving an account of their actions. It catches up to them in the long run, as they reap what they sowed.
Scripture References Proverbs 1:22-32; 13:15; 29:1,6 Romans 6:23
10. "WHATEVER YOU DO, BE HONEST"
This was the most quoted saying that Bishop Tucker preached and taught, for if one couldn't be honest with himself, he will not be with God or with man. Uprightness
and sincerity is a must for every child of God, and to do less is living beneath one's privileges.
Scripture References Psalms 26:11 Proverbs 11:3; 20:7 Romans 12:17; 13:13 Philippians 4:8 Hebrews 13:18
11. "IF YOU MAKE YOUR BED HARD, YOU HAVE TO LIE IN IT"
Similar to No. 6 and 7, this saying involves making decisions against better judgment, and suffering the pain of accepting the consequences. Regretfully, when one acts on emotions rather than practical principles, disappointments usually is the result.
Scripture References Proverbs 3:5; 11:14; 13:15; 14:12; 28:26 Isaiah 47:8-11
12. "DON'T READ ON THE LINE, BUT READ BETWEEN THE LINE"
It is sad that virtues like honesty and sincerity are in short supply in today's society, and even in the church it is found lacking among the saints. People won't give straight answers, but try to hide what they mean by double-talk and subtlety. They fail to see that the spiritual-minded person can discern through the camouflage and determine their falsehood.
Scripture References Psalms 12:4-5; 52:2-4 Proverbs 14:15 I Corinthians 2:15 Hebrews 5:12-14
13. "DON'T GIVE THE DEVIL A BASEBALL BAT TO HIT YOU WITH"
Once God saves a person, the Devil declares war on him and is determined to bring one back under his power. He looks for signs of weakness and opportunities to take advantage of a believer, when they're not vigilant. We must strive to always be conscientious, for if we give in to our flesh, the Devil is there to embarrass us and make us ashamed.
Scripture References II Corinthians 2:11 Ephesians 4:27; 6:11-18 James 4:7
14. "SOME PEOPLE CAN'T STAND PROSPERITY"
Bishop Tucker's teaching on this subject was that it is better if some people remain poor for the drastic change in personality that occurs when they become blessed with material things. When they had nothing they faithfully attended church, gave liberally of what little they had, and were pleasant to everyone. But once blessed, they're too busy for church, too stingy to give, and act ugly when approached. We were reminded to "never forget where God brought you from."
Scripture Reference St. Matthew 6:19 St. Luke 12:15-21 I Timothy 6:6-11 James 5:1-6
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