Prepare Cultivate my Heart

Day 3

The parable of the soils shares some interesting thoughts about rocky soil. 

A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.  Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” Luke 8:5-8

"And those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved.  "And those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:12-13 

Rocky soil must be cultivated if anything can grow there. The Rocks must be taken out so that the plant has a chance to take root. 

Just because we hear a good message or read a great verse doesn't mean that it will stick with us. In order for it to have a lasting effect it must become part of us. The only way for the seed of God to grow and help us mature is for the rocks to be removed and for the roots to go deep!

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

Sometimes these rocks are the underlying doubts, old habits and choices that prevent us from fully following Jesus. Maybe it is time to move those rocks out and allow the word of God to fully grow inside your heart!

Prayer
Cultivate my heart Lord. Take out anything that is blocking your word from taking root. I want to grow deep deep roots that can withstand any temptation that comes. 

The rocks will cry out!

Luke 19: 32-40

Jesus rides along the dusty rode on the back of a colt. He knows that Jerusalem lies ahead of Him, but for now there are people to see and to show concern for. Men, women and children have placed cloaks onto the path as a sign of homage to Him. Many have followed Him down the road and now all of His followers including the disciples, have begun to offer praises and shouts of joyous worship as He strolls by them.  

Imagine the excitement to see the Messiah right in front of you!

What would it be like to have the opportunity to say thank you for the miracles and provision that you witnessed?

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
   “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

At that moment, some Pharisees demand that Jesus silence the crowd. I love His response! 

I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.

Often people do not understand our need to thank Jesus for all that He has done for us. They may even act like one of the Pharisees, demanding that we quit talking about all of this Jesus stuff!

I can not keep silent about my Jesus!

He laid down His life so that we may live
He conquered the grave and rose again!
He will return on a glorious day!

Blessed are you Jesus! You:

Saved and redeemed me
Gave me a hope and a future
Promised that you will never leave or forsake me
Filled and sealed me with the Holy Spirit
Prepared a place for me.

I can not keep silent!