SOIL... the first step in planting the word
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus:
This year we will dealing with the parables of Jesus as He explains the varying differences we have in relationship with the Kingdom of God. I say ( Varying differences) because as hard as we may try to do things the same way and stay united in everything there will always be some variables.
We didn't all come to the decision to follow Christ in the same ways...and we didn't all have the same problems to deal with; therefore we will always have slightly different things that are going on in our lives that cause temptations or upsets in our Christian walk. If we will look at Matthew 13:3-9 & 18-23 we will find several areas that can be made clear to us just by taking a little different perspective on the scripture as we read it.
1. The word of God was never written for the people in the world that needed salvation, it was written for the Christian to use to grow in the grace and Spirit of God with. Just that realization will help us to understand a little better why Jesus used parables with the vast crowds of people who gathered around Him. To most of the people they were just good stories, but to those who actually were seeking God they became much more. That is why I want to take a moment with you on the soils parable. I want for you to be able to see yourself a little more clearly perhaps than before as you deal with and cultivate the soil of your life to grow the Gospel seed even better than before.
Without looking at the tremendous differences in the soil that the seed landed on, or what happened with it because of that condition I want for you to think about the condition of the soil of your life when you made the decision to follow Jesus Christ, and then try to think of the various ways that soil has changed within you since then. It may require a moment or so of meditation on your part...so don't be afraid to stop reading for a moment to reflect on it. We all have various soils that are mixed within us. Some of us lean more to one type than another and that is why we react differently to God's word. In fact one of the major areas that Christians should deal with in their growth in Christ is in getting the soil of their lives properly prepared. If you cannot understand why you are having trouble in producing spiritual fruit first look at the soil you are trying to grow in.
Another area that we don't realize is important is the preparation of soil in the lives of those we choose to witness to. How much time do you take to really get to know and understand people before you start to plant seeds? There is much of the seed of the good news that is wasted by people as they simply broadcast it into the world, and to take the time to prepare the soil of a life to receive Christ may produce much fruit. I think it is time that we become more learned in tending the garden of our lives. The very root of who we are as an individual is found in the soil, not in the will. Some have been given a soil to grow in that is unhealthy and needs to be cultivated and cared for before it is useful to the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps in looking at soil values as we seek places to plant, water and cultivate God's word we will find a wisdom from the power of His Spirit within us that we never have before tapped into. I pray that you will look more deeply into the cause and reason for growth, or lack of growth in your life and in the lives of those whom God has sent you to serve...may you richly bless God through your life in Him.
THE UNWORTHY SERVANT
This year we will dealing with the parables of Jesus as He explains the varying differences we have in relationship with the Kingdom of God. I say ( Varying differences) because as hard as we may try to do things the same way and stay united in everything there will always be some variables.
We didn't all come to the decision to follow Christ in the same ways...and we didn't all have the same problems to deal with; therefore we will always have slightly different things that are going on in our lives that cause temptations or upsets in our Christian walk. If we will look at Matthew 13:3-9 & 18-23 we will find several areas that can be made clear to us just by taking a little different perspective on the scripture as we read it.
1. The word of God was never written for the people in the world that needed salvation, it was written for the Christian to use to grow in the grace and Spirit of God with. Just that realization will help us to understand a little better why Jesus used parables with the vast crowds of people who gathered around Him. To most of the people they were just good stories, but to those who actually were seeking God they became much more. That is why I want to take a moment with you on the soils parable. I want for you to be able to see yourself a little more clearly perhaps than before as you deal with and cultivate the soil of your life to grow the Gospel seed even better than before.
Without looking at the tremendous differences in the soil that the seed landed on, or what happened with it because of that condition I want for you to think about the condition of the soil of your life when you made the decision to follow Jesus Christ, and then try to think of the various ways that soil has changed within you since then. It may require a moment or so of meditation on your part...so don't be afraid to stop reading for a moment to reflect on it. We all have various soils that are mixed within us. Some of us lean more to one type than another and that is why we react differently to God's word. In fact one of the major areas that Christians should deal with in their growth in Christ is in getting the soil of their lives properly prepared. If you cannot understand why you are having trouble in producing spiritual fruit first look at the soil you are trying to grow in.
Another area that we don't realize is important is the preparation of soil in the lives of those we choose to witness to. How much time do you take to really get to know and understand people before you start to plant seeds? There is much of the seed of the good news that is wasted by people as they simply broadcast it into the world, and to take the time to prepare the soil of a life to receive Christ may produce much fruit. I think it is time that we become more learned in tending the garden of our lives. The very root of who we are as an individual is found in the soil, not in the will. Some have been given a soil to grow in that is unhealthy and needs to be cultivated and cared for before it is useful to the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps in looking at soil values as we seek places to plant, water and cultivate God's word we will find a wisdom from the power of His Spirit within us that we never have before tapped into. I pray that you will look more deeply into the cause and reason for growth, or lack of growth in your life and in the lives of those whom God has sent you to serve...may you richly bless God through your life in Him.
THE UNWORTHY SERVANT
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