I PETER 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Wow!  I can’t believe how fast things are growing! It seems like overnight the plants in the garden came up another couple of inches. With recent rains, warm temperatures, and then an abundance of sunshine, the conditions were just right. They just can’t do anything but grow!

In your spiritual life the same principle is true—when the conditions are right, growth will just naturally take place. Start with a fertile heart that is open to receive God’s Word. Daily soak in the water of His promises, His direction and His teaching as you read and study the Bible.

Pull out all the weeds of hatred, anger, bitterness, fear and discontent. Toss them aside with any other weeds you find to wither and die. Don’t let them re-root in your heart and mind. Instead, replace them with the seeds of love, kindness and harmony.

Soak in the sunshine of God’s love and greatness and let that shape your thinking. See His hand at work all around you each day. Focus on the positive and count your blessings. If your head is full of lustful thoughts, selfish desires, and clouds of despair, growth will take place alright, but you won’t be cultivating godliness. You’ll be growing dandelions and thistles not contentment and healthy living.

Spiritual growth is a matter of choice. You can choose what you plant in your mind, the attitudes you nurture, and the actions you cultivate. It’s really up to you. What do you want to grow in the garden of your heart?

Gracious Master, help me tend the garden of my heart well. May the fruit it yields be pleasing to You and may it bring me an abundance of peace and satisfaction.

By Ann Shorb
© Copyright Ann Shorb, 2009

Skits for Fun and Learning
Skits for Fun and Learning is a collection of 15 puppet scripts and 5 articles on the subject of success with puppet ministries. The articles and scripts have been written by Dr. Ann Shorb and the book is available for purchase as a paperback, or as a PDF download.