As I mentioned yesterday, prayers are like seeds. If I do not have any seeds, how can I grow a healthy garden? We need to plant seeds and plant them intentionally, because, sadly, do you know what will grow without any effort of our own? Weeds! This is what the world gives us, and tries to entice our children with too. Listen to this quote from a website I found talking about actual weeds: “Weeds can be defined in a variety of ways: a plant growing where it isn’t wanted, one that interferes with farming, or one that wasn’t intentionally sown.” (if interested in reading the article, see link below) While not all weeds are deadly, there are many things of this world that can cause harm because they are not intentionally sown. They are things that can interfere with our relationship with God. They are ways that God never wanted us to live. Let’s look at some examples of these.
Not intentionally sown: Sadly, many times our children may get the wrong idea that we parents are too busy for them, as we are going about making a living. While we do not want those deadly weeds sown, the enemy sure does! And so he will intentionally sow weeds into their minds leading to this false conclusion that they are on their own, because mom and dad just don’t care. This kills the relationship.
Interferes: While everyone needs to work and earn their keep, including our children, sometimes they can focus so much on the money they are making that they forget to praise God for the talents, opportunities and health to have that job. This can get in the way of their relationship with God, causing them to turn away from God, instead of towards Him. These weeds, for instance a job, may not be toxic in and of themselves, but if they forget they are to be used to deepen their dependance and gratitude towards God, they can be deadly.
Not Wanted: Life is rough and so every human will have to endure some challenges. God never wanted these trials to hurt our children, but if they have not learned the truth that God is still working the difficulties together for their good, these weeds can cause trauma.
As parents, through prayer and following God’s guidance on how to raise our children, it is our privilege to help uproot these pesky weeds so our prodigal’s hearts can grow in the Love and Grace of God’s Garden. Communication is key. More on this tomorrow…..
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
<>< Peace, Diane
