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The Devotional Diva - WEEDS
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The Devotional Diva - WEEDS
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.” Jesus, Matthew 13:35-36 (NIV)
It’s Monday morning and as I sit and peer through the window, I see a beautiful day. Each day I grow fonder still of my office and its window. The view is vastly different from that one I had in Phoenix, yet equal in its ability to make me smile.
I see a grouping of trees and foliage that we planted soon after we bought the house ten years ago. It offers a glimpse of a pond dotted with my neighbors exquisite landscaping. Now, if I can get the birds to discover my bird feeder, it will be paradise once more.
Thus, I sat down at my desk this morning for my time of prayer and Bible reading before starting my writing and my work. As always, I peeked out my sanctuary window and glanced around only to discover a man in my backyard! No problem, it’s just hubby Bob.
To be honest, there are a few minor issues with our backyard. Bob says we have moles. That’s creepy. We probably also have mole crickets. That’s creepier. We also have more weeds than grass. Today, Bob has decided to pull weeds before cutting the grass. If it were me, I’d just mowed the rascals down and be done with it, but not Bob. He is out there on his hands and knees, armed with a scary-looking hunting knife. He isn’t merely pulling weeds. My safari sweetie is hunting them down and digging them up vigorously.
His goal is to rid our yard of weeds completely. He isn’t satisfied with swiftly chopping them down just to have them return in a few days. He wants them gone! Therefore, he is prepared with patience to get his hands dirty and get those weeds gone.
Spiritually speaking, we all have a backyard. Perhaps we can refer to this backyard as our heart. Unfortunately, some days I am much better at telling someone else how to maintain his/her yard, without taking care of mine first.
What can we glean from my window with a view? What lessons prevail from pulling weeds? I am sure there are more than we have time for this morning. However, this is how the Lord spoke to me. Jesus is my gardener. He consistently is trying to rid my heart of weeds. After all, weeds destroy – they choke out healthy growth.
Like Bob, Christ isn’t satisfied with a quick fix in the lawn and garden department. He wants those thorns and thistles dug up by the roots so they cannot inhibit our growth, learning and performance any longer. Like Bob, our Lord is willing to get His hands dirty. He is right there weeding and pruning to make us fruitful and inviting to others.
Okay, even in the best yards a few weeds will pop up from time to time. It happens. When you notice one, what do you do? Do you let it go or wait for the lawn mower? Do you take the time to deal with it by the roots? I couldn’t help but wonder.
So what does your backyard look like today? If you can say you’re looking pristine right now, then praise the Lord and don’t ease up on the maintenance. If you have more weeds than grass, don’t be discouraged! Jesus is the Master Gardener. Don’t wait a moment longer to ask for His help.
Let Christ pull the destructive weeds from your heart and remove them for the last time. It may take some time and yes, it might hurt a bit – but the results will amaze your neighbors!
Striving for ‘Yard of the Month’
Barbara
Divinely Inspired Victoriously Active
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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