“Squirrel!”
That’s the word I say in my mind or even out loud when I have random thoughts, one after the other. After about three minutes of reading James 1:21, I thought, “squirrel”. I would read this verse (and the verses surrounding it) in one translation, and a scenario would visualize in my mind. Then I’d read it again in another translation, and another scene would come to the forefront after reading just one variation of a word. Welcome to my world. Yai-yai-yai! See for yourself…
It was late at night, and I realized that I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch.   A bowl of cereal is my go-to-late-night-meal. I poured the milk on top of the cereal, and noticed that there was a faint odor. As soon as the spoonful of milk and cereal settled on my tongue, I knew that I should have obeyed my instinct. Let’s just say that the spoiled milk found its way down the garbage disposal.

“Throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” James 1:21 (MSG)

This past week my mom and I took a road trip to Georgia. My oldest brother has purchased a home which has been vacant for the past twelve years. Graffiti and dried chemicals were all over the walls. The ceiling and walls had been punctured. Windows had been broken. So, with years of neglect, it was time for this home to be sanitized. We got rid of any mildew and unwanted critters that had claimed residence in the home. Getting rid of the filth felt and smelt satisfying! This once vandalized home is being saved from any more devastation.

“Get rid of filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21 (NLT)

“Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:21 (NIV)

Listen, my Christian brother and sister, God’s word is planted in you! See…follow these verses with me:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  Colossians 3:16

The word planted in you is God…His Son, Jesus Christ…the Word is full of truth and grace…it is a guiding light…the word is glorious…the word is alive and active…it is our “god-conscious” …the word is fulfilling and gives wisdom. ALL THIS IS PLANTED IN YOU.
You have no filth in your life that is too dirty for God to make clean.
I pray that you will allow the word of God, and all its fruitfulness, fill your life. Rid yourself of anything that doesn’t put a smile on God’s face. Grant The Gardner to pull the weeds in your life out and create a beautiful landscape in your heart. He will!
Okay… No matter how many times (and trust me…my mind is still running and going deep) I may have to say “squirrel”, my focus is always on Jesus and allowing Him to teach me lessons in my life through everyday moments. Now, I’ve applied this verse diverse ways from my life (also click here to see another entry titled Weeds in My Life.) I would love to hear an interruption from you as you permit God to reveal Himself to you.
Blessings to you and yours. Love, Stephanie
Click here for more on James 1:21