In Matthew 13 Jesus relates a paprable to His disciples. This parable is commonly known as the Parable of the Sower. The focus was on the soils, so the focus of this article will be.
The purpose of reading and studying the word of God must result in the transformation of the reader. If the reader, student or disciple simply reads and gets a clear understanding and does not apply the word to their life, what good is it?
What kind of soil is your heart?
What has the word of God changed in you lately?
Jesus explained the different kind of soils and what the results of each soil type is. Now let's look at our heart and compare the results to see what kind of soil represents your heart. I will do an inventory of mine and you do and inventory of yours!
The first soil is The Way side Soil:
Matthew 13 :19 "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and snatches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side".
The second was Stony Ground:
Verse 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."
The third is Thorny Ground:
Verse 22 "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. "
And finally the Good Ground: Verse 23 "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it; which also bears fruit, and brings forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Here is a list of some possible things we need to change:
From:
* Jealousy to Joy for successes of others.
* Approval seeking of people to total dependence upon God.
* Lust to love
* Resentment to accepting responsibility for our lives and souls.
* Gossip to spreading the Gospel
* Fearfulness to Confidence and Trust in God
* Lying to speaking the Truth in love
Just to name a few.
When Jesus spoke the parable He gave a clear view of what He expects from us. If you are having difficulty in allowing the word to change you, - ask the Lord to remove whatever it is from you. Ask specifically for the Lord to remove all resentment. Of course, you cannot ask for the removal of resentment that you do not admit that you have. God already knows you have it. So just lay it out before Him. He will create in you a clean heart. Try the Lord.
In conclusion I appeal to that deep part of you that knows you need to change, to let God make the changes that you release to Him. He will, and He is waiting for us to call on Him. We are His daughters through adoption obtained through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Let the word of God make a change in you! When others see your good works they will glorify God. And when people ask how did this change happen in you, you will be able to share the transforming relationship you have with God, and invite them to do the same.
God Bless,
Glenda Thomas, A vessel for good
Glenda is married to a minister and Director of Diversity Relations of Rochester College (J C Thomas, Jr.). They have been married for 30+ years. Glenda edits the Sister 2 Sister Newsletter. She is the mother of 3 adult children and grandmother to 1 grandson.
http://www.glendathomas.com