Organizing the Inside – Day 161 What Happened To The Seed That Was Planted?

February 11, 2012 at 1:39 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Inspiration, Organizing, Simplicity, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christianity, HolySpirit, Soil, Word

3“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

18“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
~Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23

Jesus teaches the different ways the Word is received.
No matter where you fit in, God has solutions to enable the Word to take root and grow within your heart. I’m sharing four quick and easy steps to help you get organized and allow His word to grow in your life. Which group do you fit in? We all want to be in the last group Jesus talks about, it definitely can be done. The Holy Spirit is our helper and teacher; He gives us the power to overcome all of life’s obstacles.
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true–it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

1. If you don’t understand what you hear or read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you by opening your eyes of understanding. He will teach you different ways to research and find the specific answers you need. He may also lead you to partner with another sister in Christ who can help.
2. You are excited when you hear God’s word, but somehow you quickly lose interest when things get tough. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and willingness to spend time nurturing (studying) the Word of God, which allows more time for it to take root. Schedule study time with God. Be as committed as you would be if you spent good money to take a class.
3. You may be really busy and have a tight schedule that often doesn’t permit you to spend time reading God’s word. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you find creative ways to simplify your busy schedule. As you would schedule a doctor’s appointment, first schedule time alone to read and fellowship with God. Give God the first fruits of your time and the cares of the world won’t crowd and choke out the Word that is planted. Put God before your schedule.
4. Things are going well. You manage to be faithful about spending time in the Word. It used to be a huge struggle but now you’re finally doing well. Continue doing what you’re doing and encourage others by letting them know what helped you.

So many Christian women I meet are overwhelmed with the cares of life and seem to struggle with finding quiet time with God. Quality is far more important than quantity. If you spend an hour at the end of your day, but can’t keep your eyes open or stay awake to read, that’s not fruitful. Try starting with 15 minutes first thing in the morning. God will honor your efforts and give you the time you need to do everything else.

Please tell us what works for you. Post a comment to share a tip; it will help strengthen and encourage other sisters in the faith.

Value in Wisdom: Chasing the Wind as a Busybody.  A wonderful word of encouragement from Terra, a sister in Christ.

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