This word is submitted by Debi Thomas (leadebithomas@primus.ca)

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                        Weeds
 
I kept procrastinating pulling the weeds from my garden, but finally 
spent some time doing it today. I heard God telling me that many things
distract us from spending time in His presence and allowing God to pull 
the weeds out of our lives. The weeds take away the nutrients we, as 
flowers, need to grow. We can't even see the sun (son) light through 
the tall weeds overshadowing us.
 
As I kept pulling out the many weeds, I pulled some leaves off some 
new plants I hadn't noticed because of all the weeds. Sometimes people 
mistreat and pull us apart with unkind words and deeds. I also stepped 
on a small plant accidentally. Sometimes people step on us and hurt us 
without even realizing they are doing it. But God sees all, And He 
patiently tends to us, mending, and helping us grow into beautiful 
flowers. 
 
I was tired working in the hot sun after about thirty minutes. I wanted 
the work to be finished quickly, but there was so much more to be done. 
God keeps working patiently on us, no matter how long it takes. He 
never tires tending to us, lovingly. He tells us to be patient. He's not 
finished with us yet. But we will become a beautiful, sweet-smelling 
flower, a rare and wondrous work, as we wait patiently on Him, and 
allow His expert hands to pull the weeds that have surrounded our lives.
It is a process that takes much time. But as these weeds are being 
pulled, we will finally be able to see the sun shining upon us. We'll 
receive the good nutrients of the soil (God's word) and His bountiful 
rain (His Spirit) will help us grow.
 
Some of the roots took a lot of effort and strength to pull out of the 
earth. They were thick and long. Sometimes hurts caused by people 
around us have caused deep wounds, roots of bitterness, and 
unforgiveness. It will take a little more digging for God to pull them 
out. But eventually they will all be pulled out of our lives, and we 
will become an exquisitely beautiful garden. But the roots  will start to 
grow again if we don't continually allow God to work in our lives, 
cleansing us daily from all bitterness, envy, works of the flesh, anger, 
pride and fear.
 
We must give Him every offense as it comes, so no bitter roots will 
grow in us. We must keep free from the entanglements of the world. We 
must spend time with God daily, asking Him to tenderly work in our 
lives, showing us His goodness and mercy.