As I shared in our study on the parable of the sower, the ground is referring to the heart of man and the four different descriptions that Jesus talks about, the wayside, the stoney ground, the area with thorns, and the good soil are possibilities on the same plot of land. That all four speak to four possible conditions that we might find within our very own heart. It is so important to remember that the very same seed - God's Word - fell upon the entire terrain, yet the yield varied from no return (the wayside) to that of a hundred fold (on the good soil). I believe that we all are seeking the very same fundamental things from life; getting our physical needs met, peace, joy, having a mate, family and friends with whom we can share a Christ-like life. In other words, we all want a hundred fold return on the seed planted in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:10,11 tells me that God provides seed, bread and the fruit of increase so that I will be so enriched that my only reaction will be to bring forth a public thanksgiving to God. If this is true (and I DO believe that this is God's desire for all who serve Him through Jesus), why is there still so much lack and pain in the life of most Christians? Well, one of the first directives that God gave man was to tend the garden - to take care of what God has provided. It is my opinion, that far, far, far too many of us fail to tend our garden, to prepare our hearts to receive God's Word so that It can provide us with the maximum return available for us. In 2 Peter 1:3-10, Peter sums up the basic dynamics of Christian living, he give us a complete picture in how to prepare our heart (God's soil), so the His Word (God's seed) can produce the maximum return. A harvest that gives God the glory and we receive the benefits of living the abundant life that Jesus desires for us to have.

Preparing Your Heart for God's Word