self-help – Page 5 – B Is for Blessed!

DEAD HEADS

As much as I love and enjoy the beauty of my flowers, I am compulsive and pursue “dead-heading” with a passion.

“Dead-heading” is cutting off dead and wilted flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. I’ve recently done this so my roses will bloom until the frost.

Now if only we would so eagerly “dead-head” those things about ourselves that should be removed, so we can “bloom” bigger and brighter.

Unlike pruning, which requires significant effort and deep cuts, dead-heading is easy. A few snips with the scissors and the plant once again looks healthy and whole. Not only does dead-heading make the plant more productive, it also thwarts disease and rot.

Like my plants, small things can often mar our “beauty” as well. There are things about each of us that if we would only snip them now, would give way to spiritual growth and productivity.

If I allow my roses to bloom as they do in the spring and leave them untouched, the bush will look gorgeous for a short while but then quickly decline from something sensational to instead sinister.

However, when I take the time to diligently tend to them on a regularly, clipping off the dead flowers and skeletal remains, the bush thrives.

We thrive when we snip off dead things, the things about ourselves that are no longer productive. Live flowers provide pollen and nectar. Honeybees can’t get anything from a dead bloom. They don’t even try. Yet, unlike bees, we often try to pull life from things that were once life-giving but are now dead.

We may need to “dead-head” a habit or two so we can progress from where we are to where we should be. I recently saw a local church sign that implored people to stop spending so much time on Facebook so they could have time for God’s Book.

I’ll admit I frequent the coffee drive-through way more than I should! There is something each of us can “snip” that would make us more physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually productive.

Often we hold on to things that are not only dead to us but potentially deadly because their familiarity is comforting. Sugar? Caffeine? Acquaintances?

Small cuts now can prevent drastic and necessary pruning later. A little self-control in the beginning is easier and less painful than loads of self-correction later.

We are implored in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” NKJV

One way to be sober and vigilant is to manage small things before they escalate into larger issues.

Think about a few things you could “dead-head.” Habits? People? Places? Whatever God places on your heart to cut away, it is for a reason and for your benefit. Don’t dismiss the prodding of the Holy Spirit and miss a greater blessing later due to disobedience.

What cuts can you make?

Heavenly Father, allow us to recognize those things we need to cut now for greater gains in the future. We are grateful for Your renewing power that allows us to bloom when we remove those things that are dead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Buried or Planted?

There are times in life when we feel stressed and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. Family obligations, job stresses, health issues and an array of other things can make us feel as if we are overcome and buried beneath a ton of bricks. We often bury ourselves beneath the weight of unnecessary commitments, circumstances, and even our own poor choices.

In addition, the storms of life can pour more rain on us that any umbrella can withstand. It is at this time we must make the pivotal decision that will determine our outcome. We must each decide if we are buried or planted?

Buried is to be overcome by whatever situation is bearing down and you can’t see your way out from under. Buried is seeing a situation as permanent and immovable. When something is buried it lies dead never to emerge again.

Planted is quite different. Dead seeds are covered with dirt just as something that is buried, however they will eventually emerge transformed into something new! You are planted when you are overcome with the stuff in your life yet expect to rise up from under and into something better, something only God can do!

Our storms dump water on a grave from which nothing will rise forth. For that which is planted, those same storms provide the water necessary for growth, transforming that dead seed into something that will yet live and break out from under the dirt.

We can look at the “dirt” that appears to overtake us and believe we are buried or have faith in God that we are instead planted in that same situation.

The dirt that weighs us down may actually hold the nutrients (circumstances, experience, and maturity) required to grow into what God would have us to become. We all require a unique combination of trials and tribulations if we are to grow instead of wither and die. God truly gives each of us what we need (not necessarily what we want) to grow with Him.

Jesus was planted in the tomb and resurrected into something new. His own disciples didn’t recognize Him upon His resurrection. This same power is available to us when we choose to submit ourselves to God and allow Him to transform us into so much more than we were before!

We need only to ask Him and be changed for the better. Obedience may require that we push through some dirt and weather some storms but it is faith in what God can do that fuels our final outcome.

Which do you choose…buried or planted?

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” 1 John 4:4 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” John 16:33 NKJV

P is for Purpose

We all have a purpose. God loves, corrects and directs us enabling us to walk into the talents and dreams that He instills within each of us.

Purpose means that we have a job or a role to fulfill according to God’s plan. This means that no matter what we “mess up” in life, God is not done with us. He can still use us to serve some purpose in His Kingdom.

We are not here by accident and each have something to contribute no matter what the media, economy or naysayers may say. As people who have a role or a purpose in God’s great scheme we should act like the children of God that we are!

God can turn life’s “losers” into winners. Only He can transform the addict into a counselor. God can allow you to lose it all so that you are a better steward when He later restores you. God can allow the tests you endure to become a testimony that not only glorifies Him, but inspires someone else to seek salvation.

Never doubt that God has a plan for you. God can use your past mistakes as learning blocks for spiritual growth. Your experiences and failures are opportunities that you can share to show not just how God got you through the storm but how God got you to a better outcome.

We can’t possibly imagine how God places each piece of the puzzle together. However we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan, when we (deceptively) feel like we have nothing at all.

God can take the least of us and transform us into something great. God spared a baby and made him deliverer of a nation. God took a shepherd boy and anointed him King. Moses and David were not perfect, yet God used them nonetheless.

We don’t have to be perfect to fulfill our purpose. If we make ourselves available, God will surely make us able!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.” Psalms 20:4 NKJV

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 NKJV

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV

The Root of the Matter (excerpted from God and The Garden)

“But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away,” Matthew 13:6 NKJV

No matter how beautiful the plant, no matter what its leaves look like or its fruit that shines, if the roots are rotten it is as good as dead.

The same also holds true for us as well. No matter how we appear to others, it is truly what is unseen that determines our character.

Most people want to look good but fail to nurture what really counts, their roots or the foundation that is vital for growth and sustenance.

Psalms 80: 8-9 states, “You have brought a vine out of Egypt; you have cast out the nations, and planted it. You have prepared room for it, and caused it to take deep root and it filled the land.” NKJV

Deep roots are necessary for significant growth. The acorn cannot become a mighty oak with shallow roots at surface level that leave the tree vulnerable to disease, a lack of nutrients, and physical destruction. It is necessary that the roots grow deep if the tree is to grow to up.

Our roots must grow deep if we are to grow up!

“And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward,” 2 Kings 19:30 NKJV.

This theme is found repeatedly in the Bible. Deep roots are crucial. Jesus’ parable as explained in Matthew teaches if we have shallow roots the heat of life will surely scorch us! We won’t survive. We will wither and die. This fate is not what Jesus died for. He died that we may live and do so abundantly. So, how do we develop deep roots and thrive as God intended?

In nature a lack of water at the surface forces plant roots downward. Our personal droughts can do the same for us when we don’t give up, but instead dig in. When we are in hot situations we must root ourselves in God’s Word that we may not just survive but thrive in spite of our test. Our trials are to push us closer to God, not drive us away. Plants survive by doing this even though they may look parched at the surface. Certain trials leave us looking fried as well but digging into the Word strengthens us and leaves us better off long after the test has passed.

Our roots need fertilizer. Nothing will develop you into the person God intended like the real “Miracle Grow” of God’s Word. His Word establishes the righteous. “But the root of the righteous yields fruit,” Proverbs 12:12 NKJV.

Turning to God when the heat is on, establishing yourself in His Word, constantly reading and meditating on it allows your roots to push downward so you can bear fruit upward. The taller the tree, the deeper the roots.

We can’t grow up unless we dig in!

Rooting ourselves in God’s Word provides stability that keeps us from being blown over and plucked up by hard winds (hardships). Sure we may lose a few leaves and have a branch or two broken through our trials but most importantly we can remain rooted where God would have us.

Some plants, once established in the ground are incredibly hard to pull out. Shovels and picks won’t do the job. Their roots expand outward and downward embedding themselves through the earth and around rocks. The longer the plant is established in the ground the stronger it becomes. The more we establish and root ourselves in God’s Word the stronger we too become.

Who we become in life is often dictated by what is unseen by other people. What we do when no one is watching, the thoughts we have toward others, the things we say when no one can hear are extensions of what exists below the surface. These inner things dictate what is produced outwardly.

“And if the root is holy, so are the branches,” Romans 11:16. If you want good branches start below the surface. Kill anything below the surface that will hinder your growth. Bad habits, bad thoughts, ill influences and addictions will do nothing but promote root rot. People who are negative influences are often “weeds” that can rob you of nutrients you need to grow.

Replace whatever has the potential to kill you with the Miracle Grow of God’s Word, inspirational influences, positive acquaintances, prayer, devotion and whatever it takes to push you up toward God’s very best for you!

If you feel unproductive or at a loss don’t focus on the surface but instead investigate those deeper things that may hinder your desired outcome.

If there is anything that needs to be gone, toss it! Change habits. Change direction. Make different choices. Think different thoughts. Turn toward God who “establishes” you so that you can thrive, not just survive.

If you want to bloom and be fruitful, living the abundant life Christ died for… tend to your roots!

Thank you Heavenly Father for enabling me to root myself in You. Allow me to take root and grow strong into the person you have ordained me to become. May I focus on what lies beneath the surface and find nourishment in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

B is for Better Late than Never!

Oftentimes, life’s challenges and unexpected circumstances cause us to defer a dream. A dream that has been placed in our hearts by God can often become buried by responsibilities, poor choices and even circumstances beyond our control. Yet God’s grace and mercy affords us those second chances we don’t deserve. God can restore time and opportunity when we allow ourselves to be open to what to what He can do instead of focusing on what is impossible for us to do under our own power.

Abraham had a promise of a son. This promise came to him when both he and his wife were well beyond child-bearing years. While waiting, Sarah became impatient. She hastily took it upon herself to “accelerate” God’s plan which resulted in later turmoil and strife.

We often make the same mistake when we work outside of God’s timing and end up with a mess! In our microwave ready world, the notion of waiting on anything seems futile and frustrating when we are constantly bombarded to “do it now and get it now before it is too late.” That may be the way of the world but it is not the way of the Word.

Abraham received his blessing after he obeyed God. And many years after, at that. Then, his obedience was tested yet again, when he offered up the very child God promised as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22)

We often want the blessing but are remiss to be obedient, especially in areas that are “comfortable,” even when we are well aware those same habits and comforts distance us from God’s very best.

God desires to bless us but we need to want to be blessed enough to change.

We must renew our minds not to pursue what we want, but to be willing to pursue God’s will in our lives. Anything else would be less than God’s best anyway. Who wants that? You can struggle outside of God’s will and even when you are in it! But when you are in the will of God you can have peace that you will overcome your trial and not be overcome by it.

A willingness to do new things (like obey), meet new people and change attitudes and habits often manifest a different result. These changes often take time but thankfully, God holds time in His hands. His timing is always perfect.

Joshua and Caleb had faith that they could inherit the Promised Land even though it took decades to see their dream fulfilled. They were the few spies who lived to see the promise fulfilled. Joshua knew that they were well able to take the land with God on their side and said so! God rewarded them for their faith. (Numbers 14)

If you don’t have faith enough to speak life with your words, what good can manifest under those circumstances? You have to expect God’s goodness if you want to see it. Allow your mouth to align with your spirit. Allow what you know to supersede what you think!

Sometimes we lose sight that we are well able because we are trying to accomplish things under our own power and not through God’s power. The great things we are blessed with and desire to achieve are often done not through our own ability but God’s power in us enabling us to endure to the end.

We all seek the blessing but few are willing to endure the test that puts you in position to be blessed. When we trust God enough to walk out His plan for our life then can we embrace joy and peace even in the midst of what we perceive as trials. The bigger the blessing, the longer the test. The longer the test, the greater the testimony.

Joseph suffered many trials and many years before he became ruler. He kept his faith even after he was sold into slavery, lied on, and imprisoned. He continued to hold on to the dream God placed in his heart. His faith allowed him the confidence to expect better. Joseph expected deliverance, telling the chief cupbearer to “remember him” while imprisoned. The cupbearer did remember Joseph but not until years later. (Genesis 41)

Joseph’s blessing came by way of preparation. Joseph allowed his God-given gift to interpret dreams to provide way for his eventual promotion. How many of us would have been too concerned with our own plight to help the cupbearer while in dire circumstances?

Expect the best and prepare for your blessing, realizing that preparation will probably require patience with a good attitude. Whatever dreams you allow to die within you, God our Father, can resurrect. He is the absolute Master of bringing dead things to life. He can even resurrect you into the person you were destined to become instead of someone currently content with what is comfortable.

Our feelings can convince us that nothing good will happen because we can’t see God working or we can’t see our circumstances changing. Instead, we must act on what we know God is capable of doing and the plans He has for each of us. God gives us a dream. Rarely will He reveal how it will manifest. If we knew, that wouldn’t require faith, patience or maturity on our part. The journey to deliverance is just as important as the manifestation.

It is never too late. There are eighty year olds competing in triathlons. Octogenarians are earning college degrees. People are pursuing second and third careers to fulfill dreams they deferred decades before.

I know a ninety year old man who recently was able to purchase his dream car, a red Mustang convertible! He never gave up hope and decades later God allowed his dream to come true!

Whatever your dream, God can make a way. He can do the impossible if you will stretch your faith and allow Him to be your Lord of your life!

Pray that God aligns your will with His will. Don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t give in to disappointment or despair. Never doubt God’s plans for you. God’s timing may be later than you’d like but if you have faith and keep it…God can make later the best ever!

What are you believing for? Are you willing to wait patiently in faith for God’s perfect timing?

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NKJV

Follow Through!

“Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” James 2:22 NKJV

We often begin a task full of optimism and confident that God can see us through our challenges. It may be something such as starting a diet, a budget or a changing careers.

However, our good intentions are often derailed as soon as the path we have chosen gets a little bumpy, muddy, broken or narrow. Sometimes when we make a concerted effort to break specific strongholds, the more things seemingly come against us.

Good intentions are often interrupted by family obligations, emergencies, or other events. A number of things can just “appear” right when we decide to make some serious changes. This is the time when you must press forward with “follow through faith.”

This faith is different from the initial confidence that you can “do all things through Christ.” We often know what is possible, yet still fail to push through to that next level.

This faith allows you to pass the cookie aisle when you need to lose weight. It forces you to sign up for classes even though you seemingly don’t have the time. It pushes you to apply for another job, open a savings account or put into action those things that will promote the changes you desire.

We often pray to God for change but fail to do our part to produce the change. The first day or even week we often start out strong but then as time wears on and the task becomes harder we often fall back into comfortable habits that don’t push us to become all that we can become.

Follow through faith prompts us to do the things we don’t feel like doing. It pushes through fatigue and pessimism. It does not yield to complacency It sees beyond the pain that will yield the eventual gains.

Follow through faith differentiates the believers from achievers. Achievers continue down the narrow path even as the pain sets in. Achievers are not afraid of failure as they pursue their goals. They simply learn from their mistakes and move on.

Follow through faith will push you forward when everything and everyone around you is a deterrent.

You can believe all things are possible, but are you willing to obey God and push yourself to turn the possibility into a reality?

What is God asking you to follow through?

P is for Praise!

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoice; and with my song will I praise Him,” Psalms 28:7 KJV

“Praise” is mentioned roughly 200 times In the KJV Bible. The book of Psalms is full of songs that praise our God. This emphasis on “praise” should show us just how powerful it is. David wrote song after song about the greatness of God. His heart was filled with praise for the Father. Even after committing murder God’s love for David did not falter.

Could it be David’s continual praise made all the difference?

Praise was taken very seriously. There was praise before battle. There was praise after the battle was won. How much more could we find ourselves in God’s presence if we would intentionally praise Him beyond the church walls?

Praise is a mirror image of prayer. Our prayers tend to focus on us and our needs. Our praise glorifies the goodness of God!

Praise is the “thank you” we give God for each new day. Praise is the song that acknowledges that yes, God, I know it was you that pulled me through difficult times. Praise is worship. Praise is the product of allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest inwardly within us and we in turn manifest outwardly the joy and peace that He brings.

Praise paves the way for progress. Praise is the power that pushes us through situations instead of keeping us stuck in them. Praise speaks to God our Father and reflects our love for Him. Praise speaks to our own spirit and is an outpouring of His love for us.

Never minimize the power of Praise. It can open doors that have been shut for years. Praise can produce results you could never make happen!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” Proverbs 18:21. What kind of life do you want to live?

Don’t blame. Praise instead! Blame never produced one good thing. It is a negative reflection on a past you cannot change. However, praise uses your voice to push you into position to overcome past failures and open up to new opportunities. Praise takes the emphasis off of ourselves and magnifies our Father with Whom all things are possible!

Praise God because of His goodness. Praise Him for who He is. Praise God for what has done for you!

Replace your complaints with praise and see what a difference it makes in your life. Praise is the fuel that allows you to fly high with faith. Allow your praise to take you to levels you would never dared believe you could achieve.

Praise God in all things!

P is for Praise!

“I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” Psalms 7:17 KJV

“Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.” Psalms 69:34 KJV

Pruning

“I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit,” John 15:1-2 NKJV

Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches is one of the most readily quoted. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15: 5 NKJV

Without Him we can do nothing. However, the scripture prior to that, John 15:2 is often skimmed over. It is easy to realize how dependent we are on Christ, yet most of us are remiss and become ill at the notion that to become fruitful we must be pruned.

Without pruning, even the best specimens in any garden will eventually lose the ability to bear fruit. At the very least, the output will greatly diminish. The limbs will become weak and unable to support what little fruit that is produced. Comparatively, the same tree that has been pruned will be shorter but stronger.

Trees and shrubs that have been freshly pruned usually look awful. Where I live Crepe Myrtles trees are blooming now. However, for them to bloom to the fullest, dead limbs are cut away in winter. The trees look so bad after their winter pruning the process is jokingly called “Crepe Murder.”

We often look bad and feel bad when our Father takes to pruning us as well. Sometimes it may be a stray branch here or there that is removed. But then there are times in our lives when we may feel like we’ve been taken all the way down to the roots!

Pruning is painful.

We may even feel like we’re dying all the while God is preparing us to produce more! We don’t often see it at the time or understand. We can feel bad and look worse. Yet, Jesus promises that every branch that does bear fruit God prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Sometimes the removal of things in our lives, though devastating at the moment, eventually make us stronger. Sometimes there is a reason so-called “friends” leave. It may be a job. Or even a relationship.

God cuts off what is not good for us. God often removes those things or people we would in no way leave on our own.

We can have faith knowing that He is our life source and through Him we will be fine no matter how deep the cut. Our progression in life requires some pruning. Thankfully, the potential fruit is well worth the temporary pain.

The next time you experience a hardship, disappointment or painful experience; don’t assume it is an attack from the enemy. It might be time for God’s hand on you.

It may just be time for you to produce more fruit than you thought possible!

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8 NKJV