Post by sarah on Feb 8, 2007 20:59:06 GMT -8
12/05:
Ok so I found myself looking at the well worn parable of the sower in new light. I guess I have always heard/read this area with a bit of personal bias. Quickly identifying people that I had run across who fit in the various categories and then of course securely placing myself among the seed sown in good soil. (No pride involved here, no never, not me!)
Well I suspect that in fact I actually have moved between the last three types of planting locations. I have certainly had rocky moments in my life, where I thought I would wither and die. But through grace, I managed to push my roots deeper. I am still pushing them deeper. I figure if a root can break concrete, I can bloom wherever God plants or transplants me.
The part of the thorns is what got to me last night though. I have always thought of the thorns being "SINS!!" as in the big ugly ones. Well that may be part of it, but I got leveled with verse 22 "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." Wow does that sound like an accurate description of my life right now. Choked. I actually said out loud, "It is time to do a little weeding in my garden" Time to sit with the Lord and determine the things that give life, and the things that take it away. I got this picture of a winter garden in my mind, overgrown and a little neglected. I think the Lord has been pointing this direction for awhile, I just have been reluctant to hear.
I know there have been times where I am in good soil, and that I am productive for the Lord. I want to walk in that all the time though. Consistently productive. I guess this is why a seed has to die before it opens up new life. It is that seemingly endless process of being alive to God and dead to self.
Forgive my prattling on, I just was really struck by this last night.
Ok so I found myself looking at the well worn parable of the sower in new light. I guess I have always heard/read this area with a bit of personal bias. Quickly identifying people that I had run across who fit in the various categories and then of course securely placing myself among the seed sown in good soil. (No pride involved here, no never, not me!)
Well I suspect that in fact I actually have moved between the last three types of planting locations. I have certainly had rocky moments in my life, where I thought I would wither and die. But through grace, I managed to push my roots deeper. I am still pushing them deeper. I figure if a root can break concrete, I can bloom wherever God plants or transplants me.
The part of the thorns is what got to me last night though. I have always thought of the thorns being "SINS!!" as in the big ugly ones. Well that may be part of it, but I got leveled with verse 22 "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful." Wow does that sound like an accurate description of my life right now. Choked. I actually said out loud, "It is time to do a little weeding in my garden" Time to sit with the Lord and determine the things that give life, and the things that take it away. I got this picture of a winter garden in my mind, overgrown and a little neglected. I think the Lord has been pointing this direction for awhile, I just have been reluctant to hear.
I know there have been times where I am in good soil, and that I am productive for the Lord. I want to walk in that all the time though. Consistently productive. I guess this is why a seed has to die before it opens up new life. It is that seemingly endless process of being alive to God and dead to self.
Forgive my prattling on, I just was really struck by this last night.