When it’s needed, God comes to us with pruning shears.

“He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Jesus NLT

The activity of pruning involves removing dead and unfruitful branches with the singular purpose of channeling the energy of the plant toward greater health and fruitfulness. God is an expert gardener. Need we say more about why He wounds us from time to time?  Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2014

When it’s needed, God comes to us with pruning shears.

“He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Jesus NLT

The activity of pruning involves removing dead and unfruitful branches with the singular purpose of channeling the energy of the plant toward greater health and fruitfulness. God is an expert gardener. Need we say more about why He wounds us from time to time?  Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2014

"Be comfortable being uncomfortable." Peter McWilliams

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Ps.119.71 NIV

Jesus drank from the bitter cup and refused the cup of comfort on the cross. There may be times when God may ask us to drink from the cup of affliction. We do well to remember that God only gives us a cup of medicine to heal, never a cup of poison to harm. Do not refuse His discipline; take your medicine with faith in the benefit it offers.  Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2014

"Be comfortable being uncomfortable." Peter McWilliams

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Ps.119.71 NIV

Jesus drank from the bitter cup and refused the cup of comfort on the cross. There may be times when God may ask us to drink from the cup of affliction. We do well to remember that God only gives us a cup of medicine to heal, never a cup of poison to harm. Do not refuse His discipline; take your medicine with faith in the benefit it offers.  Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2014

It is good to have reminders and one in particular--that grace alone defines our standing with God.

“For by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves.” Eph.2

No one likes to be reminded of how utterly sinful they are but we still need it from time to time. I need it because after being forgiven, my pride starts to creep back in and I start feeling smug because of something good I might have done. I am sure God is pleased when His children do good but we need to make no mistake about it, our only standing with God is because of His grace.  Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2014