It's that time of year when many of us are playing in the dirt – working in the garden that is.  We’re busy pulling weeds, removing old, dead plants and vines, maybe reworking the soil a bit so that this year’s crop of whatever has a better chance to flourish.  Tending a garden and keeping our hearts and lives focused upon God can be similar chores, wouldn’t you agree?  If left untended, both have a tendency to become overgrown with things that just shouldn’t be there.

If you’ve walked with Christ for any length of time, then you’re well aware of the constant attention a heart requires in order to remain obedient.  But as any seasoned gardener could tell you, knowing what to do and doing it is two entirely different things.  It takes a purposeful determination to pull the old weeds out of your heart.  They have nasty roots that can sink deep and create a mess when disturbed.  Sometimes it just seems easier to crop them short and leave the roots alone.  It’s the same with the old dead growth.  It’s hard to admit when we’ve neglected certain aspects of our walk with Christ to the point that they’ve just grown cold and died.  We keep thinking “there's life there” but nothing happens!

Time to rework the soil, make it fertile once again.  A little determined effort can create rewarding change.  From weeds to fruit in three easy steps:  First, get on your face before God.  Humble yourself – this is properly positioning your heart.  Second, ask.  We have not because we ask not.  I firmly believe it’s our Lord’s desire for all to be producers.  Finally, act.  Respond in faith to what your God tells you to do.

Your heart is the perfect size . . . space to grow and produce the crop God desires!

– Dale