THE ICY GNARLY ELM 

The icy, gnarly elm alone
in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses;
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.

Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building,
and there lies at core a diseasing worm
as the branches soon are breaking;
forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.

But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles,
even through the strain and brittleness
there is reason yet for marvels;
hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.


I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2



THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Winter is established here in the woodland. Thank goodness evergreens provide a dash of color against the white backdrop of land and sky! Snow and ice cover the gnarly branches of maple, beech and elm trees and makes skirts for the evergreens.

Walking in our integrity with longsuffering is part of the easy yoke and light burden we accept as followers of Christ. I don’t know about you but sometimes that’s difficult to do. Enter prayer. Prayer is that vehicle to help enable us to bear one another and ultimately love others.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

As a tree holds up in the winter landscape waiting for the arrival of spring, so we wait for Jesus to return. Gather with like-minded people who in glorifying God can encourage each other. Commit to prayer. Build and maintain confidence that will be richly rewarded. Pray that the Word of God has free course. 

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:8-9

A wrath is coming from God as the clock ticks. There will be a time when God will have His vengeance as His Word says. The end time is when our Creator is no longer patient with us. Use your time wisely now and sow to the Spirit, to Jesus, who saves from the wrath. 

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28

Perfect peace is what Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, gives. It’s the kind of peace you can have right up to the last breath when you commit your spirit into the hands of the Living God. With a sound mind that is fixed on the Author of our faith, rest comes.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.
1 Corinthians 13:4

We know the version ‘Love is patient, love is kind.’ In the King James Version, we read that charity suffers long. Long suffering must really be quite reliant on prayer. How else could we do it?

Endure the hostile winter scene with long suffering.
Sow to the Spirit.
Be faithful in prayer and model patience.