New Growth

Spring is here!  The trees, bushes, and plants have been cut back and pruned in order for new and healthy growth to take place.  Old plants and shrubs, some that were damaged in the two days of freezing winter, have been removed and the ground prepared for new ones to plant in their place.  Mulch has been added to retain moisture and protect against weeds.  With rain and additional watering as an encouragement, buds are becoming flowers and new growth is taking place.  The lawn has been fertilized and aerated and is thick, lush, and green.   It is already to the point where Larry needs to mow once a week in order to maintain the lawn.  What a refreshing time of the year.

Plants aren’t the only things that need attention in order to bloom and grow.  God wants to carefully cut off and discard what is not healthy or beneficial in our lives.  Once that is complete, pruning can take place so our lives are even more fruitful.  Worship, Bible study, prayer, discipleship, and accountability help “fertilize” and encourage new growth. 

Yards and people are both worth investing in and tending to this time of year.  And what we plant and take care of have the best chance to bloom, blossom, and grow.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:2

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24