Tag Archives: positive influences

What You Need

Following in my father’s footstep, I attempt to plant a garden each spring so I can enjoy the fruits of this labor.  Most of these vegetables compromise my favorite salsa recipe, a pastime I enjoy sharing each summer.  Unfortunately, some time over the last month, my garden has become a haven for weeds.  I didn’t plant them; nor did I water them.  Weeds just show up, wherever and whenever they want.

But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away, Matthew 13:25.

Weeds are like adversaries individuals encounter on a weekly and monthly basis.  If you ignore these people, their impact can choke, suffocate or steal your joy in life.  Thus, the quicker you act, the better your chances for survival.  However, your response must be calculated or else their roots will multiple and can leave you outnumbered.

“ ’An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  “ ’No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them, Matthew 13:28-29.

In view of these obstacles, believers need to develop an action plan based upon what you need in life.  First, everyone needs nourishment, quenching the thirst of the soul.  Second, its essential to establish a healthy routine, which helps promote a consistent and vibrant life.  Finally, when you surround yourself with positive influences and engage in activities that energize and are uplifting, you will be ready to conquer the weeds that infest this world.

by Jay Mankus

Bring Us Back to Life

Time has a way of taking its toll on the human body.  The prophet Isaiah lets Israel know that even young people are not immune to this reality.  Thus, whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, a common prayer asks the Lord, “bring us back to life.”

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isaiah 40:30.

While father time is undefeated, there are factors that speed up the aging process.  Anxiety, depression and a lack of positive influences can suck the life out of human souls.  If you allow yourself to become isolated, void of encouragement, the will to live can fade.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer, Psalm 32:3-4.

Another element that saps the strength of individuals like heat and humidity from the summer sun is sin.  Whenever you hurt yourself or others by a careless act or word, conviction can weigh heavy on your heart.  This spiritual condition requires a boost to revive the joy you once had in life.  Thus, if you ever reach this state, don’t forget to cry out to the Lord.  Lean on his grace and mercy and perhaps you will be brought back to life.

by Jay Mankus