Are You Planted in Good Ground? Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15
Last week we went over the parable of the sower sowing seeds in four different types of ground or soil. Some seeds fell on hard ground, a foot-trodden pathway, so the seeds were quickly seen and scooped up by the birds. The next were among the rocks which had some soil and moisture, so the seeds sprouted for a short time until the sun came out and dried them up. The third ground was among thorns and weeds which choked the sprouted seeds. The last fell in good ground that produced 30, 60, and 100 fold return.
When the Word of God is preached or taught, it is being sown into the hearts and lives of those that hear it. As the parable refers to four different kinds of ground or soil, we can also look at the ground or soil that we put ourselves into and see if the result is something fruitful or productive. Are we growing in our spiritual walk with God? Has our relationship with God made a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others we are around?
Although we live in the world we have choices in whom we surround ourselves with. Are we surrounding ourselves with positive people who support and speak life into us and our dreams or are we surrounding ourselves with negative, naysayers, or those who don’t believe that God is a good God that cares and loves us and wants the best for us?
Personal Development Tip of the week:
Plant yourself into good ground. Get away or spend little time with those that are hardened towards the things of God, those that have no depth in their relationship with God, and those that would distract you from your destiny and calling from God. Although we may not be able to choose who we work with, certainly who our family is, and who we may interact with on a daily basis, we can protect our hearts. Everything we allow, what we see, what we hear, what we feel, that scares us, puts doubt in our minds and distracts us from prayer and God’s Word, are tools that our enemy, Satan, uses to take away the good Word of God that has been sown into our hearts.
God wants us to grow, mature, and be fruitful in our relationship with Him, be in good health, and prosper so that we can help spread the good news of the gospel to others. Not only that, God has placed goals and dreams in our hearts which are supported by promises in His Word. Do you need healing, better relationships, a miracle, a job, prosperity, health, whatever it is, make sure you know God’s Word and think on good things. (Phil 4:8)
Prayer for the week:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I’m praying for a week filled with confidence, joy, and strength. I’m praying for this individual to remember to fight fear with faith and know that God is always working for you, not against you. Bless this individual to be filled with the holy spirit this week and make progress in whatever they put their hands to in Jesus name amen!
-Dayne
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Are You Planted in Good Ground?