On Monday, I drove home from the 20th Annual Plot, Play, and Pray retreat in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. As always, I am filled up with joy from my time with these wonderful sisters in Christ. They mean more to me than I can say, and they continue to strengthen and inform my faith.
One of the first things I noticed upon my return was that my large patio plant looked very beleaguered. It received water, but it looked very brown and sparse because no one had plucked off the dead blooms, something I do almost every day. I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of it in that sorry state. But here is a before my trip photo:
On Wednesday morning, with wonderful old Keith Green songs playing on my patio speaker, I sat on the stool and plucked and plucked and plucked off most of the “dead stuff.” And it got me to thinking about how drab I would look if I let the dead stuff—the sins, the old habits, the wrong thoughts—that Christ has freed me from cling to me as I walk through life.
Gathering with other believers, whether at a retreat or at church or anywhere, helps us to get or remain untangled. It helps us renew our minds, to get rid of the “dead stuff” that clings to us.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
With the transformation that comes with the renewing of my mind, I can cast off the old dead blooms that try to cling to me. Hopefully, after walking with the Lord for the better part of five decades, I don’t have as big a pile of “dead stuff” as my patio plant had.
What steps do you take to remain unentangled?
Many blessings,
~robin
Hey Robin, I was so surprised that you still listen to Keith Green!! He’s always been one of my favorites along with Don Francisco. Do you listen on vinyl? That’s all we have for their tunes but our turn table is broken. I agree with you but we need to pluck off our dead leaves so that the Lord can give us new ones. You know– beauty for ashes, the oil of joy from mourning… I am glad that you are refreshed from your trip. With much love, Brenda.
Although I have a turntable and many vinyl albums from the 1960s thru 1980s, I mostly listen on my Apple HomePod speakers. I say, “Hey, Siri. Play Keith Green.” I love that I can listen to old favorites and new favorites that way.
This is so true.I thank God for his abundant grace everyday.I enjoy your posts they are so encouraging.I love your books.
Amen. So grateful that He has poured out His grace LAVISHLY upon us.
Nothing is better than reading God’s Word, absorbing it into my spirit, knowing it is His love letter to Mr.
Amen, Elsie. His love letter to each one of us. I love what Kristi McLelland (Bible study teacher) says: “We don’t want to so much read His word as to eat it.”
I was so blessed by your blog post, Robin. Here in New Jersey, we’ve had some excessive heat as well. One of my flowering plants shriveled up while I was away for a short time. Upon my return, I watered it and shortly after I did, it perked up into full bloom. I was reminded of the water of God’s Living Word. When we feel all shriveled up, we can drink of His Word and burst into full bloom again. 🙂
Drink His Word and burst into full bloom again. Yes!
Thank you. In alignment for me as I am journeying. Thank you. Love to you
Blessings to you
and I appreciate Keith Green also as many of his
contemperaries.(sp?)
Rich Mullins 🙂 and more
So many wonderful singers and songwriters have helped guide my worship times over the years. Keith Green is just one of them. And worship can definitely help unentangle my steps.
thank you for sharing – a very meaningful and thoughtful message.
I’m glad you found it meaningful, Susan Ann.