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In The Garden...Weed Control

Today’s topic is weed control, and I'm going to start with excerpts from the mowing guidelines Weed Man sent us.  “A properly mowed lawn is thicker, healthier and better able to withstand stresses like weeds, insects and diseases.” and “Weeds never quit.  They take any opening to reestablish in the lawn.”

Weeds mar a beautiful lawn and hide patiently under the soil.  Some reseed.  Others grow nodules.  And then there are those with root hairs.  That’s what I call those miniscule roots left behind when you pull up the tuberous root of a dandelion. Ugh! 

Weeds of the heart are the same.  They sprout at unexpected times and manifest in many different ways.  Fear, insecurity, worry, bitterness, and discontent to name a few.  They infiltrate the soil of our heart and pop up with a word or action that mars the beauty of our lives.

I’m learning thought control is key in controlling the weeds of my heart.  But I can’t just catch a thought and stop thinking it.  The mind of my heart must have something else to think about or I will go right back to the same old “root hair” thinking.  I have to use the Philippians 4:8 method of weed control.  Replacement therapy.

I also have to bring my thoughts into agreement with God’s Word.  Okay, that is not as easy to do as it is to type.  In fact, I’m pretty lousy at it.  I recognize when the root hair is there, but coming into agreement with God on the subject requires a renewing of my mind.  A transformation of my thought processes. 

Confession?  I want what Jesus wants, but I also want my own way.  I want to take that uncomfortable step of faith, but I don’t want to risk failure, disapproval, ridicule, or hurt.  I want to trust the LORD’s plan for me is the very best, but I don’t want to face the unknown or suffer heartache along the way.  I want to forgive, but I want the ones who did the hurting to feel the pain they caused.  I want them to get justice (even though I want mercy). 

I want to cultivate healthy growth that leaves no room for weeds!  That means filling my mind with God’s Word, learning His perspective, and daily putting into practice the things I’ve learned.  The more I allow His Word to take root, the less opening there will be for “root hair” thoughts to grow into life stealing words and actions. 

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.  Philippians 4:8 (CEV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.  Proverbs 3:5-7 (GNT)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen. Do not make God's Holy Spirit mourn.  The Holy Spirit is the proof that you belong to God. And the Spirit is the proof that God will set you completely free. Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don't have anything to do with any kind of hatred. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.  Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIRV)


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