
Blooming Ain’t Easy
Matthew 13:24-28 (NLT) Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. 27 “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. “‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.
If you don’t TEND it NOW you will have to MEND it LATER
Tend = TO TAKE CARE OF
Tending Tasks: PULL THE WEEDS
Luke 8:7 (NLT) Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants.
Weeds will CLOAK IN then they will CHOKE OUT
Luke 8:14 (NLT) The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
Tending Tasks: PRUNE IT BACK
John 15:1-2 (NLT) “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
PRUNING is the PROCESS of learning what needs to GO in order for me to GROW
Tending Tasks: PROP IT UP
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV) Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
When I let myself BEND, I limit my BLOOM
Tending Tasks: PROTECT IT WELL
Matthew 13:36-38 (NLT) Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” 37 Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.
Your BLOOM is the enemy’s BATTLEFIELD