Weed Control is Important - Encouragement Café - September 2, 2016

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Weed Control Is Important
By Jill Beran
Friday, September 2, 2016

For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Weed control is important on our family farm.  We cover every acre of our organic corn and bean fields looking for and removing weeds.  

The process begins as my husband carefully works the soil in attempt to limit weed growth.  Once the crop is planted, he harrows and cultivates it.  If weeds get out of control, we walk the field and simply pull the weeds by hand or use a machete.

I’ll be honest this is not a job I enjoy.  It’s often hot, there are bugs and you can get itchy.  It’s a job that takes time and one that can cause my kids to grumble.

One day as we walked up and down the rows with time going slow, God started to speak to my heart.  The work we were doing in the field was similar to the work I needed to do in my heart.  Weeds didn’t just grow in our field, they were growing in my heart.  

Chances are you might have some in yours as well.

These weeds impact growth and can diminish the harvest.  They can weaken our roots and affect our attitudes.  If left too long, they can kill seeds God is trying to plant.

That day as I used my hands and clippers to remove weeds, I was reminded of a tool I need to daily use to remove the weeds of my heart.  Hebrews 4:12 wasn’t new for me, but during that hot day in the field, I realized knowing the truth of Scripture isn’t enough.  I knew walking beans would get rid of the weeds, but I had to do the work.  

Friend, you and I must do the same if we want to grow as Christians and produce fruit for the kingdom.

We must remove the weeds from our hearts and to do that we need two things - a tool and time.  Chances are you have the tool; I pray you will join me in making the time.  

Dig into God’s Word, ask Him to show you the weeds and pray for His help in removing them.  It’s a job that takes work, but it will be worth it!

Pause for a moment and pray.  Ask God to show you the weeds in your heart.  Is it unforgiveness, bitterness, anxiety or doubt?  Perhaps you struggle with anger or a lack of discipline?

Think about these 7 T’s - time, talent, treasure, temper, thoughts, temple and tongue - any weeds there?

Spend some time in God’s Word… He will show you.  Once you’re aware of the weed He’s trying to pull, look for verses on that topic.  Write them down, revisit them throughout the day and work to committing them to memory.

A few tips from the farm...

●      Weeds grow fast!  (One sin often leads to another.)

●      The smaller the weed… the easier to pull.  (Deal with sin now!)

●      You need to get the root!  (Don’t just change a habit, get to the root of your sin issue.)

●      Some weeds look like plants.  (Sin deceives us… ask for wisdom.)

●      Pulling weeds is more fun with others.  (Accountability is a good thing when you’re working to overcome a sin issue.)

Dear Heavenly Father, You are Elohim, the Creator of all. You know how weeds work… ones in the field and in our hearts.  I’ve been reminded of some and ask for Your help in rooting them out.  Use Your powerful, living and active Word to do the work.  Guide me to Scriptures You know will help.  This work isn’t fun Lord, but I know it is necessary.  I ask for the discipline to complete the task.  I want to produce fruit for You, so please help me remove the weeds of this world.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

© 2016 by Jill Beran.  All rights reserved.

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