THE SET UP
Our theme for this year at Journey Church is, “Cultivate.” We believe that God wants to grow something new in each of our lives and that we need to cultivate or prepare ourselves to receive it. That means setting aside time and space in our lives to listen to God and act on what He speaks to us. That’s not easy. There are plenty of distractions in life and a lot of things that want to choke out the work of God in us. In the parable of the farmer and the seed, Jesus identifies different types of soil and the people they represent. As you read this passage, take time to reflect on the spiritual condition of your heart. Is it hard? Are you living a shallow life? Is God’s Word and work being choked out by your pursuit of this world? Is there good soil ready for growing?
PASSAGE TO READ
Luke 8:4-15 (Page 620 in our house bibles)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
If you were to honestly assess your heart right now, which soil would best represent it?
What do you think are some of the ways we can cultivate God’s presence in our lives?
If your heart is anything but good soil (hard, shallow, conflicted), what can you do today to start cultivating it? Who or what can help you with that.
PRAYER IDEA
Open your heart to God. Tell Him what the soil of your life looks like right now. Ask Him to help you cultivate the work He wants to do in you.