It takes less time, less effort, less equipment and less planning to remove a small tree than it does a large one. A sapling is easier to cut down than a mighty oak tree.
Several years ago, Loretta and I lived on a point overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The view was great. However, looking straight out over the lake, the view was blocked by a tall, full sized oak tree.
Even though I had a wonderful view to the left and right, I wanted to look straight ahead, so I decided to remove the tree all by myself. After all, I was a man with a chainsaw in a red and black plaid flannel shirt. No tree was too big for me.
The tree appeared to be slightly leaning toward the lake, away from the house. I soon discovered that things are not always as they appear. I can only imagine what Loretta was thinking when she looked out the window and saw me trying to hold back the tree from falling on the house. I had cut the wedge properly, but somehow my new Craftsman chainsaw was wedged between the trunk and the tree. It was the only thing that was preventing my A-frame roof from becoming a V-frame roof. After several hours and much help, the tree toppled in the right direction. The house was saved, but my macho male ego was crushed.
God delivered me and my house that day, but several valuable lessons were learned.
1. Always consult with Loretta before doing something I’ve never done.
2. Don’t overestimate your abilities.
3. Eliminate trees that you know will be a problem while they are still small. The longer you put it off, the more you have to deal with.
God intends for our relationships to be full of life, but for many, there are hurts and offenses that date years into the past. As a pastor, I have discovered that a relationship going bad is easier to heal than a relationship gone bad.
I would encourage you today to not allow small hurts and offenses to grow. Maintaining relationships with a spouse, friends or family members is a consistent daily work. If we would only walk in the fruit of the Spirit as the Bible instructs, then the saplings will never become mighty oaks.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
(Gal. 5:22-23)
Copyright © Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.