Brave Hearted Stepper deeply rooted in Christ: PLANT

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

Today, we begin a series called Brave Hearted Steppers are deeply rooted in Christ." Psalm 1:3 says that a person "rooted" in their faith shall be "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do will prosper." for the seed of the gospel to grow and prosper in a Brave Hearted Stepper, it first has to be planted in good soil.

To begin our series, we will be talking about the seed's planting and the soil's quality. 

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus says: Matthew 13:3-9

"3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. 8 Still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown. 9 Let anyone who has ears listen."

Eight verses later, Jesus explains the meaning of the parable to the disciples: Matthew 13:18-23

"18 “So listen to the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. 20 And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness[c] of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does produce fruit and yields: some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty times what was sown.”

Let's take a look at the 4 different types of soil described in the Parable of the Sower:

1. Seeds on the Path (A hardened heart), Matthew 13:19

The soil represented in this bible verse is those who have hardened their hearts and refuse to listen to the gospel. They rejected it without even taking the time to consider it. Seeds on the path cannot take root, nor can the gospel take root in a hardened heart.

2. Seeds in the Thin Soil (A troubled heart), Matthew 13:20-21

When planted in thin soil, a seed will often start growing and see signs of life. However, that life is very short-lived. The soil needs to be deeper to sustain its life. There's not enough water for the plant; eventually, the sun will scorch out all life. Seeds in the thin soil represent a person who is initially enthusiastic; unfortunately, their roots never go deep. Life happens and their faith fades. Their faith never got to go below the surface, and they could not survive life's trials and tribulations.

3. Seeds in the Thorns (A distracted heart), Matthew 13:22

It's not just the good seeds that will take root in fertile soil; thorns also try to take advantage of the soil. When that happens, the thorns choke out the good seeds. Seeds in the thorns represent those who may look good on the outside and have let sin creep in on the inside. Although they may say that Jesus is their Lord and Savior, their lives tell a different story. They haven't turned their lives fully to Christ. 

4. Seeds in the Good Soil (A fertile heart), Matthew 13:23

When seeds are planted in good soil, they will sprout and grow. The seeds in the good soil represent those who hear the gospel and follow Jesus. Their roots go deep and can sustain the trials and tribulations of life. They have guarded their hearts to ensure thorns don't choke their lives and can grow strong with deep roots through the nutrients of good soil.

Deep Root Thought: 

What kind of soil describes your heart today? Do you need to spend time on the condition of your heart so that the seed of the gospel can grow strong and deep roots? Are you distracted? Are there too many things in your life grabbing your care and attention? 

Here are things you can do this week to nurture the soil of your heart:

1. Dedicate time in prayer
2. Dedicate time in fasting
3. Dedicate time in God's word

4, Dedicate time in Praise and Worship
5. Congregate at your local church

Reference Blog: Press on through the PROCESS one Brave Hearted step at a time.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing this series for such a time as this. It is not because it is the Spring season. It is a reminder of how important the care and attention we need to have for the condition of our hearts. I ask you to help us keep our hearts planted strong and deeply rooted in good soil. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Stay tuned for part two of the Brave Hearted Steppers are deeply rooted in Christ series on Grow scheduled on Friday, March 24, 2023. 

Many Blessings,
Maria Guzman