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OF SEED AND SOIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
Psalm 1:1-6

Luke 8:9-18

 

Be fruitful for God every day!

 

OF SEED AND SOIL
 
My soul, examine thyself this morning by the light of God’s Word. Thou hast received the word with joy; thy feelings have been stirred and a lively impression has been made. But remember: to receive the word in the ear is one thing; to receive Jesus into thy very soul is quite another. Superficial feeling is often joined to inward hardness of heart, and a lively impression of the word is not always a lasting one.
 
The seed which falls on stony ground with scanty soil takes root but its downward growth is impossible. The plant itself pushes upward for a time, but without inward moisture to support the roots, it withers away. Is this my case? Am I making a fair show in the flesh without an inner life? Strong growth is both upwards and downwards. Outward piety must be rooted in inner fidelity and love to the Lord.
 
A “Christian exterior” must be the result of a heart softened by God’s grace and made fertile for spiritual growth. A hard, stony, unbroken, unsanctified heart is not suitable for the seed of God’s Word to flourish. An external “godliness” that grows rapidly must have a corresponding internal and deep work of the Holy Spirit.
 
The good seed of God’s Word can only flourish, endure and eventually bear fruit, if it is energised by the Holy Spirit in the heart. Only God’s blessed Spirit can make the “soil of the heart” receptive, moist and nourishing for growth. Only His continual watering and fertilising can sustain the plant so as to withstand the scorching heat of trial and temptation, or the storms of ridicule and persecution. Good seed needs the support of good soil!
 
THOUGHT: What goes on in my head and heart when I hear or read God’s Word?
PRAYER: O heavenly Sower, plough me, then implant the truth into me, and let me yield Thee a bounteous harvest.

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