We are almost at the end of the winter season and most of us are getting ready for the spring! Some are excited at the expectation to begin working in their gardens, and although it involves lots of work and dedication when in due time we get to see the results of it, we enjoy the beauty of it and we can smile and sigh thinking it was worth it!

Those who are pros in the subject know they need to have good soil, so whatever they plant will grow and even bloom. Besides good soil the plants have to be protected from weeds and pests so that beautiful plant or tree will continue to grow and eventually bear fruit. So almost on a daily basis the gardener must bend down and look for those weeds and pests in order to get rid of them ASAP!!

In today’s scripture Paul has written God’s heartfelt desire for His people to walk in spiritual wisdom and understanding, “¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];” (1:10 AMP Emphasis mine)

Did you get that? He wants us to: “please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];”

In our Christian walk we as “the gardeners of our soul”, must also protect our hearts and minds from those “weeds and pests” that will prevent us from growing and bearing fruit.

James 1:21-22 tells us how:

 ^“So get rid of all uncleanness and ^[a]all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls. ²² But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].”

-Get rid of … 

Paul also instructs us to:

³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV Emphasis mine)

-Get rid of …

Challenge: I would like to ask you to take some time and prayerfully -and in wholly surrender- ask our Abba Father to show you, what are you to get rid of to fully please Him and to be able to bear fruit? He will show you and will also help you… you only need to ask, for He loves you and He is Faithful!!

Blessings,

Mari