Matthew 13-12.6.22

Scripture

Matthew 13:3-9

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Observation

Seeds (the Word of God) need healthy soil (your heart) in order to produce crops (grow and multiply).

Understanding

Tips for improving your soil (The Spruce):

1. Test your soil

2. Add organic matter - Adding organic matter is hands-down, without a doubt, the number one way to improve your soil.

3. Adjust your soil’s pH as necessary

4. Don’t compact the soil - One of the main causes of soil compaction: people stepping in the garden beds.

5. Disrupt the soil as little as possible

With these tips, you will see a vast improvement in the quality of your soil, and, therefore, in the health and beauty of your plants. It will take a little time, but your patience will be well rewarded.

Life Application

1. Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

2. Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

3. Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

4. Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

5. Mark 4:19 But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

-Debbie Dunn