It made me think about when the Lord starts dealing with us about the need to "kill" sin in our lives. It may be bitterness. Or anger. Or pride. Or selfishness. Or laziness. Whatever our pet sin is, when God starts asking us to "let it go" it sometimes is a painful process. Sometimes it dies slowly as our poison oak did leaving an ugly brown vine clinging to the tree.
Just as it was such a blessing to see the beautiful flower blooming right in front of the dead poison oak on our tree, so it is a blessing when we replace our pet sins with something good and wholesome. Bitterness can be replaced by sweetness. Anger by patience and long suffering. Pride by humility. Selfishness by sharing. Laziness by getting to work. I've asked God today to help me "plant" something beautiful in the place of some ugly things I have let creep into my life. How about you?
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6: 11
Marilyn
12 comments:
I don't know the name of the flower, but here is a website that might be able to help you identify it.
-Kathy
That's a beautiful flower! At first it reminded me of a hibiscus, then I thought a lavatera or perhaps a hollyhock. I can't quite tell from the leaves and whether it is a bush or a stalk. Have fun finding it on Google!
Amen dear sister! We can never outgive God. We give us the ugliness of sin and self and He gives peace, love, joy, forgiveness and so many other wonderful gifts.
Blessings ~ Lisa
This looks like a hibiscus to me. I had one a few years ago that was red and it looked just like this. They are just beautiful. What a blessing that God planted it for you! I wish he would plant me one! I do not have a green thumb.
Ladies,
Thanks for the suggestions. I have looked up some pictures of flowers and although it's hard to decide between the hibiscus and the hollyhock, I believe it may be a hollyhock.
Marilyn
Very Good; it is sometimes suprisingly easy to fall prey to those sins that you mentioned. You have given me inspiration today.
Thanks,
Peggy
a great post...Enjoyed reading your blog tonight.....I love finding new blogs...Had a little time to blog hop tonight while waiting to go to the hospital and welcome a new grandson tomorrow. This month I am posting about our Disney trip, plus a great giveaway.
It is so stinkin' easy to let sin creep in--whatever that looks like in each of our lives. For me, at this season, it is major anxiety and worry. I KNOW that it is so unproductive and wrong and I get so frustrated with myself for letting it happen. AAAARRRGGGHHHH!! I think only in heaven will I really be able to do away with this junk!!
Leah
It is a type of hibiscus! I used to have one at out other house!! Enjoy the beauty that came from ashes!!
Wonderful post, my friend! Thank you.
Hugs,
Susan
Beautiful illustration girl! When you rid yourself of something, you MUST replace it with Someone! Blessings.
Oh what a great word Marilyn,
I'm so blessed to have God's amazing grace in order to replace the bad with better!
Sorry to hear about your back, I truly understand how you feel.
I find the water exercises don't hurt and I'm feeling much better.
You really need to try it!
Have a blessed weekend♥
Yes! The flowering bush is called "Rose of Sharon" - we purchased and planted some in our back yard. They are beautiful and come in white, purple, magenta...that is awesome to find such a beautiful surprise!
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