God’s Garden

I love good garden vegetables and fruits. My father-in-law has a great garden. My parents also have a big garden every year growing squash, corn, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, peppers, etc… The food that is grown there seems to just taste better because of the love and labor put into it. Sometimes the gardens are a family affair – meaning that we all pitch in and help.  The garden is the fruit of many hours of labor.

Jesus told the parable of the sower about how the seed that falls on different soil responds differently.  He tells the parable and then explains it. Check this out…

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:11-15 NIV)

I think at one point in my life, I’ve represented all four types of soil. I’ve been too busy, too shallow and too worldly-minded. This is “Faith 101” –we must cultivate our hearts and lives to take in the Word of God for it to grow and mature. I want my heart to be noble and good so that I can process the Word of God in my life each day.  The fruit of my life will shine forth and be noticed. My heart condition is my responsibility. God can change my heart and shape my heart to be like His ONLY if I present it to Him properly surrendered. He does all the work, my role is surrender. He can grow incredible fruit from a heart that is prepared for Him and His Word!