Staying Free After Breaking FreeSample

WEED AND FEED

In the early years of our marriage, especially when finances were tight, lawn fertilizer wasn't a high priority in our budget. After a while, the effects of our neglected lawn became obvious with the progressive onslaught of weeds. The little yellow flowers looked enchanting at first. But after a few days, the blooms morphed into mysterious white orbs, releasing a frenzy of seed spores throughout our cul-de-sac. The weeds were out of control and our neighbors became increasingly annoyed.

We eventually realized spending a bit more time and money treating our lawn was worth the effort. The results were not immediate, but persistent determination in caring for our lawn eventually produced a good return on our investment.

Neglecting one’s spiritual health is like neglecting a lawn. It’s an open invitation for Satan to sow an intrusive garden of lies. Deception laced with a small dose of truth appears harmless at first. You can stop anytime you want. You deserve better. Life is short. You only live once. You're not hurting anyone.

However, a few lies turn into more lies and eventually threaten forward progress. And like our neglected lawn, ongoing neglect impacts more than us alone. Toxic thoughts and destructive behaviors left untreated will eventually impact those around us too.

The mind becomes entangled with deception when we do not protect ourselves with a daily measure of God’s unchanging truths.

One of the greatest keys to my personal success as it relates to staying free after breaking free has been my daily practice of meditating on scriptural truths which are aimed at my specific areas of weakness. I write out biblical truths in different spiral index card booklets and read through them every day. In this way, I receive a daily measure of God’s truth that nourishes my soul and protects me from Satan’s lies. You too can train your mind, body, and soul to remain healthy and strong. Rest assured, your family, friends, and neighbors will thank you!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Do you spend time in God’s Word on a regular basis to help prevent the enemy from sowing his intrusive lies? If not, are you willing to introduce this spiritual practice so that you can ward off future pitfalls? Purchase a spiral index card booklet, start logging relevant truths that speak to your personal areas of struggle, and read through them every day.

PRAYER

Lord, I know how important your truths are for me staying free. Guide me along this journey so that I can remain free. Give me the discipline and self-control to never give up and to keep pressing forward. Thank you for answered prayer. Amen.