A LITTLE PRUNING

​A YEAR FOR CHANGE 

The hedge bordering the arable field opposite our house was cut this week. Suddenly the panorama from the window, already beautiful and appreciated, was greatly enhanced. It wasn’t that the hedge was neglected, overgrown and unsightly, just that a year’s growth had sprouted, reducing our vision.

So it is in the Kingdom. Sometimes the daily stuff of life, irritations, frustrations or grumbles sprout and grow, and we don’t realise they are obscuring our outlook, because the general view is still good.

All it takes is a little pruning: the recognition and confession of sin; forgiving and being forgiven; placing frustrations at the foot of the cross; choosing to believe that all things work for our good; rejoicing in all circumstances...

TIME FOR AN AUDIT

 Let's check out our relationships...

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
​[Colossians 3:12-14]

Our attitudes...

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
[Philippians 2:14-16]

And our peace levels...

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[Philippians 4:5-7]

Any adjustment needed?

These pages may help:

THE POWER OF THE CROSS
CHOOSING GRATITUDE
HEALING THE WOUNDED HEART (pdf)
GRUMBLING: A BARRIER TO REST
A HEALTHY HEART
​

​It’s amazing what difference a little pruning makes to the view!

THIS WEEK'S GRACE RHYTHM

​Take a little time to ask the Lord if there is anything obscuring your outlook.

NEXT WEEK: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
A belief system which is not aligned with God holds us in bondage...

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​[Photo credit: Zac Edmonds (hedge-cutter); Chang Duong (people); Brett Jordan (mail icon) @ Unsplash, with thanks]