Heart Soil

Heart Soil

Hebrews 6: ⁷ God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated. ⁸ But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.

 

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“Ha, ha, you don’t even know how to curse right” were the words that fueled me to learn how to curse “right.” I practiced my foul language and got it down to a science. After a while, I was listening t how comedians used this language in jokes. I soaked in every word I could listen to.

 

• The more garbage I listened to, the more desensitized I became.
• I used foul language to joke, but eventually used it to increase the level of an argument.
• I wound up expressing frustration with foul language and brushed it off to “everyone else uses it.”

 

Paul the assumed writer, gives two types of soil, one that grows useful plants and one that grows thorns and weeds. Rather than looking at this as farming tips, Paul may have been speaking about the condition of the heart.

 

My Observations

• Things that are placed in my heart will grow into something good or something terrible.
• GOD wants to place HIS word in my heart, but if I have filled it with the garbage of the world, there will be no room for HIM to live.
• GOD gets excited when I listen to HIM and HE grows “plants that are useful” from me listening to HIM.

 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are all things that can grow from my heart when I listen to GOD. I mean, when I follow HIS ways, the fruit of the SPIRIT overflows from my heart.  Unfortunately, the opposite happens when I purposefully disobey HIM.

 

When I put the world in my heart, it grows greed, hatred, lust, blame and unhealthy self-consciousness that reverberates through all I do. Lies appear to be real and the false Utopia of the world crashes down on me. BUT GOD cleans my heart and cultivates a place where HE can live and grow me. I am glad GOD chooses to stay with me.

 

Challenge

• What soil sticks out to you from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to stop a behavior, but didn’t see how to?
• Have you checked your heart to see if you have fallen?
• Will you allow GOD to cleanse your heart HIS way so you can bear fruit for HIM today?

Fruit Bearing Love

Fruit Bearing Love

Philemon 1: ⁴ Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. ⁵ For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. ⁶ My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. ⁷ Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

 

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Waking up with a horrified feeling, I remembered it was Valentines Day. The teacher told us to bring Valentines cards to pass out to the class. I did not have money or a means to get to the store if I did have any. I had a great idea that I would make the Valentines, but I forgot.

 

• I felt I did not live up to the standard.
• I felt I embarrassed.
• I did not know this was not the definition of love GOD desired, so I felt rotten.

 

Paul spoke highly of Philemon. He pointed out Philemon’s love and faith as being a great example. The basis of Philemon’s love was his faith in JESUS. His heart must have been overflowing, because he “cheered the hearts of all GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations

• The world may have a definition of what love looks like, BUT GOD has a different criteria.
• I should have room in my heart for people who love me and for those who are against me.
• GOD’s love bears fruit for HIM that cannot be denied, even by those who have fallen into a trap of defining a different love.

 

Redefining love has gotten me into trouble. I mean, when I thought love was catering to every worldly desire a person could dream up, I found myself never quite measuring up. BUT GOD had a remedy.

 

JESUS showed me the ultimate example of love for mankind. HE never fell for Satan’s tactics to draw HIM away from showing love to HIS creation. HE was gentle when other people slandered HIS name and surrounded HIM with lies, ultimately crucifying HIM because of their insecurities. I am so glad JESUS quietly took all of my punishment and gave me an example of true love to strive for.

 

Challenge

• What “love” is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever felt bad because you did not give or receive love the way the world has defined it?
• Will you renew your mind on what love looks like and ask GOD for HIS type of love that bears fruit for HIM today?

Thanks for the Chance

 

Thanks for the Chance

Philippians 4: ¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. ¹⁵ Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

 

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With no job, no connections and no money, I interviewed with one company. I did not know how to interview and I wore a suit from my high school graduation, even though I was now leaving college. Against all odds, the recruiter took a chance on me.

 

• I was thankful!
• I was excited!
• I was grateful and humbled that someone took a chance on me.

 

Paul looked back on the long hard road he took. In the beginning of his ministry, Paul gave up his material wealth to go from place to place preaching the Gospel. No one wanted to help him being an ex-Pharisee. But one group of people took a chance and supported him with more than money.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants HIS SON to be known to humans.
• Opposition to spreading the Gospel should be expected.
• GOD provides support from people who share in HIS desire to spread the Gospel.

 

Having a burden for those in need is nice, BUT GOD wants more. I mean, HE wants salvation for all humans. Doing all that it takes to ensure GOD’s message is heard can bring on a great deal of prayer. Opposition to GOD’s very existence, coupled with greedy, power hungry humans, makes it seem impossible for anyone to believe the Good News about JESUS. But it happens.

 

JESUS decided to take a chance on humanity by becoming a human, living a sinless life, allowing HIS creation to murder HIM and being raised from the dead. HIS resurrection gave me a second chance because my sin doomed me to die for all eternity. I am grateful JESUS did all that for me and I am also grateful for those who supported me spreading the Gospel.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the writer’s gratitude?
• Has GOD called you to start out on a ministry and you don’t have any means to do so?
• Will you start out with thankfulness and pursue being led by the HOLY SPIRIT in spreading the Gospel anyway today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please provide for those who seek spreading the Great News about JESUS. Help the reader know his or her purpose in YOU today. amen

Attitude Power

Attitude Power

Philippians 4: ⁵ Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 

 

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After receiving instructions from the LORD to serve my neighbors, I was a bit confused, but did it anyway. Soon it became routine and something I looked forward to. But there was one neighbor who would let their dog out without supervision. The dog would inevitably “go” on my lawn. “Do I have to serve them too?” I wondered.

 

• There have been many people I wanted to “tell off.”
• There have been many circumstances where I was annoyed.
• There have been many situations that I could have been justified in reminding “that” person about the rules.

 

What a strange statement Paul says. It is just shoved in there but says a lot. “Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon.” Implies being caught in the act of gentleness when the LORD returns.

 

My Observations

• GOD handles me gently when HE could handle my sin with harsh discipline.
• JESUS was gentle with those who sought HIM for their needs.
• GOD wants me to be gentle because HE was gentle with me.

 

Gentleness is extremely powerful. I mean, it takes incredible restraint not to complain about “that” person or even judge him or her. GOD is all powerful and is justified with all HIS actions. HE has and could almost wipe out all of humanity, BUT HE shows us incredible restraint.

 

Instead HE gently nudges me back to HIM. HE is gracious enough to open my eyes to say “Is whatever I gain worth ‘that’ person losing their soul?” The answer is always “No.” I am glad GOD gives me the opportunity to show gentleness each day.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the LORD’s return?
• When hearing the term ‘show gentleness”, do specific people come to mind that you feel do not deserve gentleness?
• How can you align to GOD’s will which includes salvation for all, even those you may not like?
• Will you gain the power the HOLY SPIRIT wants you to have by being gentle to “that” person or “those” people today?

Good Fruit

Good Fruit

Galatians 5: ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

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Continuing on my thought of going to college, bearing the fruit of human nature and getting kicked out, I felt lost, let down and angry. I started thinking of excuses like “Nice guys finish last” and “They are simply trying to control people into being slaves.” I began searching for racial freedom and other forms of freedom, but I remained thirsty. Tired of “my” efforts I asked “What do YOU want from me?”

 

• I was losing hope but ready to hear GOD.
• I was always angry or frustrated but was now ready to surrender to GOD.
• I felt like people were letting “me” down but realized “I” could be part of the solution with GOD.

 

“But the fruit of the SPIRIT” are words that provide hope to everyone Paul wrote to. It takes pressure off of trying to be perfect by performing the Law correctly. One singular fruit is produced by nine wonderful actions.

 

My Observations

• Good fruit gives me rest assurance that GOD loves me dearly.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is responsible for guiding me to bear good fruit.
• I can rest well when I put aside my human nature and follow what the HOLY SPIRIT says.

 

Keeping “in step with the SPIRIT” is hard but doable. I mean, when I want things to go “my” way I usually want to speed the process up. When it does not happen as quickly as I would like, I lose patience and bear bad fruit.

 

BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT steps in and says, “Use patience” when I want to go fast or “Use joy” when I want to be happy but things are going wrong. All nine actions bear a single fruit which draws people back to GOD. I am grateful GOD gave me an alternative to “my” actions.

 

Challenge

• What part of the fruit could you use today?
• Do you have a problem with this list if people showed these actions towards you?
• Will you slow down and show these actions towards others without thinking you will get something in return?

Promise Kept

Promise Kept

Galatians 3: ¹³ But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God's curse.” ¹⁴ Christ did this in order that the blessing which God promised to Abraham might be given to the Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the Spirit promised by God.

 

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Nervousness made me think of wild outcomes. “My life is ruined” I said out loud when I failed a test or when the dean told me my grades were not up to par or when I lost a loved one. I took past wounds and used them to guide my thinking. I wanted to “see evidence” that a mistake would not catch me off guard so that I could “live.”

 

• Life made me place faith in what I could see.
• I thought I needed large bank accounts, great insurance and various comforts or pleasures to be categorized as “blessed.”
• I was blinded by what people called “blessed” and felt GOD did not keep HIS promises.

 

CHRIST gave up everything to save humanity. Paul explains this from the perspective of the Law and from the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. He explained that GOD made a promise to Abraham to “bless” him because of his faith. This blessing includes a “promise” that all who believe will receive the “SPIRIT.”

 

My Observations

• Humanity will scoff at the HOLY SPIRIT as my prize.
• GOD wants me to see beyond this life to understand being with HIM for eternity is the true goal.
• JESUS died for me and was raised to life, so my faith in HIM gives me purpose which stores up treasure in heaven.

 

Whatever is in the heart will come out in words and actions. I mean, if hatred, rage, jealousy, fear, lust, or pride is in my heart, it will come out of my mouth or I will act on it. While GOD may forgive me, it does not produce fruit for HIM.

 

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom daily and to turn away from the usual thinking I fall prey to. HE wants me to praise JESUS daily for saving me! When HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me, HE wants me to feed HIM with acts of faith daily. I am glad JESUS kept HIS promise so I can received the “promised blessing.”

 

Challenge

• What is the blessing promised to Abraham?
• Have you ever doubted GOD because of the definition of “blessing” humans have tried to present?
• Will you seek GOD’s true blessing and allow HIM to lead you to grow HIS kingdom today?

Need for Seed

Need for Seed

2 Corinthians 9: ⁶ Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. ⁷ You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. ⁸ And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. ⁹ As the scripture says,

 

“He gives generously to the needy;
    his kindness lasts forever.”

 

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Both of my grandmothers were not the best cooks, but were always willing to give me food in their house where I borrowed a bed for the time I was there. They weren’t rich, in fact, quite the opposite. But they gave GOD to me in generous doses.

 

• I complained about their food.
• I complained about their bug laced homes and horrible water and discomfort.
• I complained about their constant mentions of JESUS.

 

Paul speaks about a different currency, namely “seed.” This is GOD’s currency and HE is the benefactor who supplies HIS seed. Paul suggests that everyone who takes GOD’s currency and spreads it around generously will grow a large crop.

 

My Observations

• There is a huge need for GOD’s seed and HE wants me to provide it.
• Everyone may not have money but GOD gives them and me, seeds to plant in other’s hearts.
• Seeds and bread seem to be highly important to GOD.

 

When I am greedy, I only see “giving” as a transfer of “my” money to an organization. I mean, I look at my bank account as a measure of how “generous” I can be. I then hear messages about “faith” being based on money amounts given. BUT GOD sees currency differently.

 

HE sends comforters to crying people, joyful to the hurt, peaceful to the angry, loving to the lonely, patient to the impetuous, good to the bad, gentle to the rough, self-controlled to the wild, faithful to those who give up easily and lastly, kind to the unkind. GOD sees and appreciates HIS seeds planted; and grows a rich harvest. I am glad HE provides the right seeds at the right time.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means about a “small” and “large” crop?
• If you had no money, what can you give generously to someone?
• Will you use your GOD given gifts to spread the Good News about JESUS in a way that only you can deliver it so HIS kingdom will grow a large, rich harvest?

Fixed Attention

Fixed Attention

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. ¹⁷ And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. ¹⁸ For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

 

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Short pants were in and it was hot! Notice I didn’t say shorts. I wore them outside as we played. Unfortunately, my fashion choice gave mosquitos more opportunities for their evening snack.

 

With tens of bites on each leg, I sat inside miserable. The itching was overwhelming. Dinner didn’t seem to taste good because of my distraction. Sitting was uncomfortable and we had another six days to be there. “Don’t think about them” someone said. All I could think about were the bites.

 

• Mosquito bites seem small but somehow draw my attention.
• When I am uncomfortable, I only want to see a path to comfort.
• My focus on scratching the problem made the healing process extended.

 

Because JESUS died and was raised from the dead, we can have eternal life. Paul says “for this reason we never become discouraged.” He was the poster child of going through trouble. His troubles were very large in comparison to mosquito bites, yet he provides some great advice for facing large and small troubles.

 

My Observations

• Faith is something GOD loves for me to focus on.
• Joy is a gift GOD loves to give me daily.
• Eternal rewards are the true prizes GOD wants me to seek.

 

The unseen things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are what GOD wants me to have in abundance. This fruit is the best meal to place my attention on.

 

Whenever life becomes challenging, GOD wants me to seek the fruit of the Spirit, so I can endure and persevere. I am glad GOD loves the unseen fruit to focus my attention on.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt more rested when you were not focused on the problem?
• What does the writer say about never becoming discouraged?
• What things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous or praiseworthy can you focus on today?

Kindness

 

Kindness

Acts 27: When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. ² We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

 

³ The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.

 

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Planning my day, I thought of all that I had to do. As I crept towards the toll booth, I could see the building where I worked. This let me know I had to be ready. When I got to the window to pay, the attendant said, “You can go. The driver ahead of you paid your toll.” I stopped thinking about work for a moment and was thankful.

 

• I have experienced many kind acts.
• I have experienced times when people have done kind things, just for me.
• I have experienced kindness and it made me thankful.

 

Paul and the other prisoners were being transported to Rome. Paul had appealed to Caesar for his defense, but had done no wrong. Many people knew Paul was innocent. Julius, a centurion, decided to do something. He decided to be kind to Paul.

 

• GOD wants me to be kind to people.
• GOD wants me to use kindness to bear fruit.
• GOD wants me to remember to be kind to people so my heart will be filled.

 

Empty distracted hearts easily forget to be kind. I mean, the distractions of the world can lead to hurt and pain. BUT GOD steps in and sends HIS servants to be kind in the middle of a doom-filled situation. From giving me a ride to simply smiling at me, many people have been kind.

 

Acts of kindness from others prompts me to be kind to someone that day. But when I am flustered and it seems like a lot of problems are rushing at me, I can use kindness as a weapon. I may only have the strength to smile at people, but it makes the problem smaller and smaller. I am glad people have used the fruit of the Spirit by being kind to me.

 

• Have people been kind to you?
• Are you easily provoked to anger, jealousy and rage?
• Will you trade in your hurt for kindness, so you act can be remembered by GOD today?

Wanting To Be Angry

Wanting To Be Angry

Acts 19: ³² The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. ³³ The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. ³⁴ But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

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“Why is it so dismal today?” I asked. “Why is traffic so heavy today?” I asked. “Why is that guy driving so stupid?” I asked. “Why don’t they just open up some lines at this grocery store?” I asked. Each complaint was met with silence because I was by myself. If someone looked at me the wrong way, I was ready to fight.

• There were times when I wanted to be angry.
• There were times when I wanted to complain about everything.
• There were times when I wanted to be in a bad mood; even if an issue was remedied, I may have complained about how it was handled.

Many people in the angry mob didn’t even know why they were there. They just wanted to be angry and went along with the crowd. When Alexander, a Jew, tried to settle things down, the crowd saw through the ploy and shouted their allegiance to the goddess Artemis.

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to investigate my rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to trade my anger in for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, namely the fruit of the Spirit.

Rage and anger bears no fruit. It does get someone’s attention, but should not be the method of change. GOD says “Bear fruit.” What better fruit to bear than that of the fruit of the Spirit. Many sinful situations need to be resolved in society. All situations can be resolved using the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful JESUS used the fruit of the Spirit to save me.

• What are you angry about?
• Do you quickly get angry and stay there without remedy?
• Will you remediate your rage by applying the fruit of the Spirit today?

Urges

Urges

Acts:5 ¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

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“Don’t go in that room while we are gone” was the statement given to me. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that I had a restriction, I only wanted to go in “that” room. I thought of excuses for being in the room, but the door was closed most of the time.

One day, the door was left open. I put one foot in the room to test it out. Nothing happened. I went in boldly and became comfortable, too comfortable. They caught me in the room and I could not remember the “excuses” I made up.

• Sometimes I get urges that were prompted by someone telling me what I should not do.
• Sometimes I get urges to do something I am not supposed to do.
• Sometimes I get urges from something I was exposed to.

Fed up, the high priest and other church leaders had the apostles arrested. BUT GOD sent angels to release them, telling them to speak the “words of this life.” Early in the morning, they could not do anything else but teach.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so my urges point to serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so I desire to do what HE says.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling so I want what HE wants.

Urges can be great when pointed to GOD. I mean if I got the urge to speak to someone in an encouraging way, expressing GOD’s love, then HE would be extremely pleased. Unfortunately some of my urges come from places of temptation. Any follow through on those urges are against GOD.

Obedience to GOD makes me place my urges under HIM so I can exercise self-control and bear the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful GOD leads me not into temptation but delivers me from evil.

• What urges are you following?
• Are you asking GOD “Should I be doing this” or acting on your own urges?
• Will you stop fighting GOD by not exercising self-control and present HIS gift of love through kindness and peace today?

Guarding the Fruit

Matthew 13: ¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

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People got on my nerves discussing the Bible. I had not read it and did not understand what was said in it. “Trust in the LORD” people would quote. “What about my needs right now? I would quote back this was a bad path.

Every once in a while I would attend church, especially when things were going wrong. I would hear some music, cry a little and feel better after service only to disappear for months on end. This was rocky ground.

When I started attending church regularly, I finally fit in. I would sit and listen for a couple of hours but would act different on the very next day, sometimes the next hour. My worries about finances and other aspects of life would creep in and there was no way I would talk about CHRIST.

• GOD wants me to seek not only HIS word but HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to plant my roots deep in HIM so my relationship with HIM is everlasting.
• GOD wants me to clip the thorns of life on a daily basis by quieting down and listening to HIM.

Yielding fruit is the most important thing I can do, according to this passage. It requires understanding and purposeful relationships that bring people to GOD.

• Do you lack understanding of GOD?
• Do you pop in and out of church, meanwhile wondering why your life is not on track?
• Do you worry about life’s difficulties or financial woes?
• Can you stop your lack of understanding by seeking GOD’s kingdom to purposefully bring people to HIM?

Becoming a Farmer

Matthew 13: ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

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Overlooked in this passage is the farmer. There are many qualities of the farmer that stick out to me.

• The farmer had a purpose, namely to sow as many seeds as he could.
• The farmer did not care where he spread the seeds because he had plenty to spread.
• The farmer had seeds of potential that could produce huge crops from only a few.

JESUS was so busy explaining what the seeds were for that could not get to the point where HE revealed HIMSELF as the farmer.  HE had plenty of seed to spread but sometimes I could not allow them to grow in my life. BUT GOD did something wonderful in my life.

• GOD tilled my rocky soil heart to become softer.
• GOD fertilized my barren heart to become ready.
• GOD watered my dried up heart to grow HIS seeds.

Farming is the example in this parable that is often overlooked. GOD wants me to spread HIS seeds wherever I go.

• Does your life have purpose?
• Can you stop caring about who you spread GOD’s message to and go where HE sends you?
• Will you take one “seed of potential” and place it in someone today to grow GOD’s kingdom?

Produce Fruit

Matthew 3: ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

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Listening intently in the meeting, I picked through all of the rough parts of the conversation to hear what was needed. I formulated a plan and executed it without flaw.  Observers were impressed and gave me a raise, promotion and a bonus!

• There have been times I when worked hard for the world.
• There have been times I when put a lot of effort into obtaining wealth.
• There have been times I when monopolized my time with helping the rich get richer.

You have had a “fruitful” career someone once said to me, but what is “fruit?” I mean if “fruit” is making people wealthy who could care less about the poor, then yes I did that. BUT GOD’s fruit is quite different.

• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of appreciation of HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of thoughtfulness of those who are truly seeking HIM.
• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of passion for HIS kingdom.

Recognition that I am here today and gone tomorrow means that I am not trying to leave a legacy to myself, rather I am trying to put people on GOD’s path so they can carry on HIS plan. Bearing fruit is important to GOD. HE loves that I “believe” in HIS existence but wants much more.

GOD wants me to act upon my belief, bearing fruit whenever and wherever HE sends me. HIS kingdom has to be foremost in my mind so HE can draw those HE desires towards HIMSELF.

• Are you bearing human fruit or GODLY fruit?
• Do you spend most of your time working and are too exhausted to mention GOD during your day?
• Can people see GOD in you?
• Will you step back from bearing worldly fruit for just a moment and bear GOD’s fruit today?

Being Jealous

Ezekiel 8: ³ He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. ⁴ And there before me was the glory of the God of Israel, as in the vision I had seen in the plain.

⁵ Then he said to me, “Son of man, look toward the north.” So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy.

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“This guy really bugs me” I thought to myself. I mean he is loved by management and he never seems to have to do any work. He was always going out to lunch with them and they seemed to work his name into conversations I was having with them.

• Sometimes I get jealous of what someone has.
• Sometimes I get jealous of the position someone else is placed in.
• Sometimes I get jealous of someone else’s success.

When they asked me to help this guy, I dragged my feet. I mean “you are the darling, do it yourself” I thought. Little did I know, management was trying to bring me into the fold. They wanted me to get along with this guy and all I had to do was help him. My jealousy blinded me and everyone lost.

• GOD says to me “I detest jealousy but I love a helping heart.”
• GOD says to me “I cannot stand jealousy but I love self-sacrifice.”
• GOD says to me “I loathe jealousy but I love kindness, thoughtfulness and gracefulness.”

Appreciation cannot exist when jealousy is present. Jealousy says to GOD, “YOU did not put me in the right place or YOU did not make me correctly or even worse YOU made that person better than me, do something about it.” Looking at someone else is the problem. My relationship should only be between me and GOD. In other words I should focus on doing what pleases HIM and let HIM handle the affairs of others.

Satan was jealous of GOD’s position and GOD kicked him out of heaven. When I show jealousy I am reminding GOD of a part of Satan HE despises. Pride stems from jealousy which causes missed opportunities for love, peace and enjoyment. GOD wants me to give my jealousy to HIM.

• Are you jealous of someone?
• Do you see what someone has and feel like you want that?
• Can you take your jealous desires to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants for you?
• Will you look at the benefits of that person instead of what you are jealous over?
• Will you fill your heart with appreciation today?

Taking the test

Proverbs 17: ³ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

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Looking at the other students take their test was all I could do as I did not know many of the answers. I sat there perplexed, staring at the paper. “LORD, please bring something to mind” I desperately asked. Nothing came. I handed in my test and slumped away from the class. To my surprise I got a “D” instead of failing. The entire situation felt pitiful.

• Sometimes I look at tests wrong.
• Sometimes I think tests are awful.
• Sometimes I feel tests are not my thing.

When I hear the word “test” I still cringe to this day. I mean I do not like tests because they do not seem like they are in my favor. It seems like all the information flies out of my  mind and I can’t recall whatever I need at that time only. Doe GOD treat me that way when HE “tests” my heart? NO!

• GOD’s test for me is refining like silver in a crucible.
• GOD’s test for me is refining like gold in a furnace.
• GOD’s test for me is refining through situations and circumstances.

A heart full of sin is GOD’s specialty. HE takes my heart through the fiery furnace of life, allowing it to feel the heat so the things that don’t belong can melt away. GOD takes away the things that distract me from HIM and leaves me in that furnace until my heart is fully refined. HE burns away fear, doubt, lust, envy, anger and replaces it with love, joy, peace, humility, kindness, grace, mercy and forgiveness.

I have to admit, I don’t like the process of having to go through the fire, but I love the results that only GOD can bring.

• Are you in the fire?
• Do you want to get out of the fire before you are fully refined?
• Will you let GOD take you entirely through the situation?

Choose Maturity over the Cover-up

Job 34: ²¹ “His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
    he sees their every step.
²² There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
    where evildoers can hide.

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Immediately, I said to myself, “What will I tell my parents?” when I had the accident. I cursed the deceptive cap color as the olive green spray paint didn’t quite match the evergreen exterior. I was making matters worse thinking, “Maybe they won’t notice.” This deception led to others. Soon I was lying for no reason.

It was easy to stretch the truth about accomplishments in the business world, but this time I didn’t feel like it. I sat in the interview and told the truth for a change. Not believing what I was saying I belched out the truth and said “I had a less than stellar college performance, my first job was a steep learning curve for me and I am unprepared for this position, but I know what I know.” I didn’t get the job, but I could feel shackles fall. My lying days were over.

• My immaturity makes me cover things up instead of exposing what is right.
• My immaturity keeps me from telling the truth and standing for what is right.
• My immaturity says to me “lie, cheat and steal” instead of focusing on what is right.

I made a decision not to lie to myself or others. The cover-up had to stop. Soon I found myself getting elevated to the highest levels in one company. I was able to tell people the truth, even when it didn’t feel comfortable for me.

• GOD wants me to be truthful with myself and others.
• GOD knows when I am hiding something from people because I cannot hide anything from HIM.
• GOD has searched the depths of my heart and know when I am growing instead of hiding.

Growth comes with admittance. When I admit I cannot do something or be something or that I am just plain old sinning, GOD can kneed my heart into HIS wonderful shape. Hiding hardens my heart, closes my ear and blinds me. Telling the truth opens doorways that I never would have imagined.

• Are you lying to yourself?
• Can you look around you to see if you have GODLY fruit or are you killing weeds you have sown around you?
• Will you stop lying to yourself and to others by exposing the cover-up?
• Can you be honest to GOD and confess to HIM today?

GOD’s love is strong!

Exodus 34: ⁶ As he passed in front of Moses, he called out. He said, “I am the Lord, the Lord. I am a God who is tender and kind. I am gracious. I am slow to get angry. I am faithful and full of love. 

⁷ I continue to show my love to thousands of people. I forgive those who do evil. I forgive those who refuse to obey. And I forgive those who sin. But I do not let guilty people go without punishing them. I punish the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the sin of their parents.”

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“What a rotten year” I said to myself once. After getting dumped and numerous tickets and the dean saying you are no longer at this university and my boss saying it’s only a matter of time before we fire you, I had reached the last straw. I still did not turn to GOD but I was truly exhausted. Where should I go for help?

• Sin seems like a good idea when I am in pain.
• Throwing a pity party seems like a good idea when things are going wrong.
• Spreading my misery seems like a good idea when I am down.

I probably secretly want everyone else miserable around me so I pout and complain. I share my misery openly but calculate sharing my relationship with GOD. Then I sin and feel miserable and do it again. Is there any relief?

• GOD says “I am the LORD” which means HE is supreme.
• GOD says “I am a GOD who is tender and kind” which means HE sees beyond my situation.
• GOD says “I am gracious” which means HE understands my mess yet forgives me to the fullest.
• GOD says “I am slow to get angry” which means HE knows I’m going to mess up again and again.
• GOD says “I am faithful and full of love” which means HE is not out to get me like I sometimes fear.

GOD does quite the opposite of my thinking.  When I think I have arrived and act judgmental, HE is not pleased. When I realize how sinful I truly am acting HE reaches HIS arms out and gently leads me back to HIM. HE forgives me even when I refuse to obey HIM. HE loves me.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel GOD has left you?
• Can you realize GOD is very slow to anger and knows what you are going through?
• Can you take a moment to praise HIM for HIS faithfulness towards you?
• Can you say out loud “Thank you GOD for loving me”?

Keeping in step with the SPIRIT

Galatians 5: ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 24 25 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

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“This party is off the charts!” someone said to me. Yes I said charts. We had the right combination, good music, silly people, drunkenness and lots of women! After a pretty “fun” night, the next morning I slugged to the cafeteria. A person was there trying to persuade me to go to church. “Who are they?” I said to myself.

I believe in JESUS already.  I’m just having “fun.”

• When I do what I want I get out of step with GOD.
• When I ignore GOD I lose my direction.
• When I lose my direction I feel hopeless.

After my “fun” I always seemed to have a sense of loss as if I had an opportunity to please GOD and I let HIM down. Yes I know “once saved always saved” but it seems like there is more to life than just being “forgiven by GOD.”

• GOD placed HIS SPIRIT in me to bear the fruit of love, joy and peace to show others HE cares.
• GOD placed HIS SPIRIT in me to bear the fruit of forbearance, kindness and goodness to show others HE desires a relationship with anyone who wants HIM.
• GOD placed HIS SPIRIT in me to bear the fruit of gentleness and self-control to help others when they are down.

When I am out of step with GOD I don’t feel very fruitful.  I feel like running and hiding, which doesn’t help anyone. GOD wants me to bear fruit.  HE wants me to remain “in step” with the SPIRIT. HE shows me HIS fruitful attributes and desires that I do the same. The more “fruit” I add to my diet the more “fruit” I will bear.

• Are you bearing fruit?
• Do you feel your lifestyle is drawing people to CHRIST or repelling them?
• Can you add one or more items of SPIRITUAL fruit to your actions today?