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An
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Weed or Flower? Dandelions are deep-rooted weeds that put out a small yellow flower that turns into a puffball full of seeds. When the wind blows, the seeds are scattered, thus potentially planting more dandelions in many more places. To many, they are a nuisance, a weed. However, Ray Hawk discovered that there are some in the world who look at dandelions differently: In June of 1992 a group of us went into Russia for the first time after they became an open society. We landed in Moscow and then flew to Syktyvkar, 1,000 miles to the north. When we arrived, I was surprised to find dandelions growing everywhere. I asked my translator why they didn’t cut them when they mowed the grass. Her reply was, “We don’t cut them because they are beautiful flowers.” My first thought was, “Dandelions have a flower, but... they are a weed!” Hawk also points out that PEOPLE can be viewed similarly… A man found himself staring at a person who was using foul language. The individual realized he was being stared at, turned and with anger shouted, “What are you looking at?” The response was, “I am looking at one of God’s creations that he loved so much that he sent His Son to die for.” Others would probably have looked at that young man, heard his profanity, and viewed him as a weed. However, the staring man saw a flower. Because of our sins, we are like weeds – useless, troublesome, fit for destruction.... But GOD sees us as objects of His love, redeemable through His love. His desire is to re-create us into something lovely – like flowers! God does this by His GRACE as we submit our lives to Him. God gave His one and only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to redeem us from sin (Ephesians 1:7). When we place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Rom 10:9-10) and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38), then we are cleansed of sin and become “new creatures” in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Hawk continues: Regardless of what we have done, in spite of all our sins, no matter how gross they may seem, God still looks at us with love. He loves us and wants to mold and shape us to His glory.” What a GLORIOUS DAY when we see the glow of God’s love and embrace what Jesus did for us upon the cross. When we do, we are no longer a weed, but one of God’s beautiful flowers. Won’t YOU allow Him to recreate you through your trusting obedience? David A. Sargent, Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood * Ray Hawk, “My Thoughts: Weed or Flower?”PRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT=My Thoughts_02.jpg" To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
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