Pull The Weeds For Spiritual Growth

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“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19, CSB

On the last day of 2025, we discussed the importance of your spiritual goals for the new year and beyond. If you’re a subscriber, you can search for “God’s New Year Plans” in your email inbox to refer back to this timely message.

As the second part to this message, let’s dive into overcoming obstacles, negative mindsets, and bad habits that potentially keep us from reaching our spiritual goals.

Leave The Old Behind

To plant a garden and expect fruit, we begin by removing weeds and brush (i.e.- bad habits and negative mindsets that will restrict growth).

But it’s unrealistic to believe that everyone can drop any bad habit, negative mindset, or leave an uncomfortable circumstance behind- easily and on their own. However, there is hope through the unsearchable riches of Christ Jesus.

First, we can start by acknowledging that whatever is weighing us down, it does NOT have us. Rather, we have “it” because our Heavenly Father is in total control, for nothing will be impossible with Him (Psalm 135:6, ESV, Luke 1:37 CSB).

Second, when we lean in to the Holy Spirit with great faith for changes in our lives, we can be assured of six truths:

 ★ God will give us a peace and joy that transcends all human understanding, despite the outcome. We’re not always promised to be taken from a situation or circumstance; and even during our struggle to overcome bad habits, we are promised His peace and joy. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NIV).

 ★ And if we are not taken from a situation, circumstance, or a habit in the timeframe we want, we can trust in the Lord’s timing, as well as His purpose for allowing adversity in our lives. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9, CSB).

 ★ In our times of waiting for a breakthrough, we can pray for persistence and the fruit of patience, comforted in knowing that Jesus also leaned on the Holy Spirit when He walked the earth. Despite what adversity crossed His path, Jesus stayed focused on the mission, purpose and plan of the Father. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me” (John 6:38, CSB).

 ★ God is always perfect, always holy, and always wants His best for us, for He “does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, CSB). We are His “handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). “God- His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:30, CSB).

 ★ And God’s plans? They are always good- always good for those who love Him. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, CSB). “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11, ESV). 

 ★ God wants our best, however He’s not interested in our comfort. He is interested in us becoming more like His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, and He will use pressure from the people, situations, and circumstances around us as tools for our growth. Refinement through fire. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

Put It On The Alter

Sacrifice your bad habits and negative mindset to Christ Jesus. Let Him bridle it, crush it, and use it for His good plans and purpose. Ask Him to part the uncrossable Red Sea that’s in front of you, to use that old habit as dry land and safe passage for you to cross over into something new (Isaiah 43:19, CSB). Whatever that new thing is, you can be assured that the result of your obedience will be your glorious transforming into the likeness of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior- the greatest treasure of this life and life everlasting.

And if this has resonated in your heart today, you can pray right now:

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of humbleness and surrender. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience, bitterness, or resentment I’ve held. I surrender the habits I no longer want to be chained to which have spiritually and emotionally held me back, as I now put them on the alter. I ask for your supernatural patience and persistence. I believe in your perfect plans, and I pray for the patience to see them unfold as you will. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Broccoli Sprouts: A Superfood To Know

We all know broccoli. It’s that tough-stemmed cruciferous wonder with many health benefits found in many types of dishes, salad bowls, and on dinner plates. But perhaps you aren’t familiar with the less mature broccoli plant which is richer in phytochemicals- broccoli sprouts.

Broccoli sprouts are sought due to their high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties), vitamins and glucosinolates, minerals, and carotenoids. These phytochemicals seem to play a crucial role in protecting the human body against different types of chronic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. 

The most notable phytochemical associated with broccoli sprouts is the high level of glucoraphanin. Your body converts glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, which protects your cells against inflammation and many diseases. Glucoraphanin is found in many cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, Swiss chard, broccoli, and cabbage to name a few.

Health Benefits

Some common health benefits of broccoli sprouts include:

1. Antioxidant Properties

As mentioned, broccoli sprouts contain large amounts of glucoraphanin, a nutrient that becomes sulforaphane when broccoli sprouts are chopped or chewed. Sulforaphane is a compound with antioxidative properties that can help protect against free radicals.

Studies have found that sulforaphane may help change your body's susceptibility to carcinogens and reduce cancer's ability to spread throughout the body.

2. Gut Health

Sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts may promote healthy microbial communities in the gut. There is some evidence from animal studies suggesting that consuming broccoli sprouts may help protect against inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Brain Health

Animal studies have found that glucosinolates may help enhance cellular metabolism in the brain, nourish brain cells, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. There’s also been research showing positive results on autism and Parkinson’s disease.

4. Mental Health

Researchers have found that sulforaphane may help reduce levels of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate sends messages between brain cells and has been linked to depression and schizophrenia. Broccoli sprouts may help people with depression and schizophrenia manage symptoms and medications.

5. Cancer Prevention

Many studies over the years have confirmed that eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage) raw or lightly cooked can protect against a number of cancers. Sulforaphane from these foods slows tumor growth and stops benign carcinogens from converting into active ones.

In one study, researchers found that just 3 to 5 servings of cruciferous vegetables each week reduced cancer risk by up to 40%.

6. Stomach Ulcer Treatment

The sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts helps fight the type of bacteria that causes ulcers. One study on mice found that sulforaphane may even be more effective at treating ulcers than traditional antibiotics.

A more recent study showed that these effects might be similar in humans as well. Test subjects who ate 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts every day showed lower levels of ulcer-causing bacteria than those who ate alfalfa sprouts instead. They also had less inflammation.

Nutrition

Broccoli sprouts load a lot of fiber and protein into just a few calories. They also contain anywhere from 10 to 100 times as much glucoraphanin — the nutrient that becomes sulforaphane — as the mature vegetable.

These sprouts have a lot of vitamins and other nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin A

• Calcium

• Iron

Nutrients per Serving

On average, a cup of raw broccoli sprouts contains about:

• Calories: 20

• Fiber: 2 grams

• Protein: 2 grams

• Carbohydrates: 2 grams

• Sugars: 0 grams

• Fat: 0 grams

How to Prepare Broccoli Sprouts

You can buy broccoli sprouts at many health food stores, but you can also grow them at home.

Soak two tablespoons of broccoli seeds overnight and rinse them. Put the damp seeds into a mason jar and screw on the lid. Then, prop the jar in a bowl or dish with the top slanted downward — this will allow moisture to drain away from the seeds. Keep the jar in a dark cupboard.

Rinse and drain the growing sprouts twice a day. After about 4 or 5 days, they will be ready. If you put them in the window for a few hours, they will take on a vibrant green color. Dry your sprouts on paper towel before you put them in the refrigerator. Eat within 2 to 3 days.

Though generally safe, consult with your licensed nutritionist, holistic/integrated practitioner, or medical doctor to see if consuming broccoli sprouts would interfere with prescribed medications. Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Broccoli sprouts might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications.†* 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}