affirmation, appreciation, bible, choices, Discipleship, Enlightenment, faith, Growing, humility, mental challenge, mindfulness, Mystery, Life,, personal growth

The Condition Of Our Heart Matters!

In Matthew 13, one encounters the insightful Parable of the Sower and the Soils, a teaching by Jesus that delves into the diverse conditions of human hearts through the metaphor of four soils. Each soil represents a unique response to the (Seed/Word) message of God, offering profound insights into the spiritual journey.

“The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” -Matthew 13:1-9

The wayside, the first soil, signifies hearts hardened and unreceptive. Just as a path is trampled, these individuals allow external influences to hinder the growth of spiritual seeds. The challenge lies in breaking through this hardness to cultivate a fertile ground for transformation.

Moving to the stony places, the second soil illustrates hearts with initial enthusiasm but lacking depth. Like shallow soil covering bedrock, these individuals may receive the word joyfully but struggle to sustain their faith in the face of trials. It serves as a reminder that genuine spiritual growth requires depth and endurance.

The third soil, filled with thorns, symbolizes hearts entangled by worldly concerns. The distractions of life—worries, money, ego and other preoccupations—choke the growth of spiritual seeds. This soil urges reflection on the importance of cultivating a heart free from the entanglements that hinder spiritual flourishing.

Finally, the fourth soil represents the receptive heart—the good ground. Here, seeds find fertile soil, yielding a bountiful harvest. This soil teaches us about the openness, humility, and readiness required to embrace and internalize the teachings of God. It encourages us to nurture a heart that bears the fruit of faith and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Four Soils in Matthew 13 serves as a timeless guide for self-reflection and spiritual growth. It prompts us to examine the condition of our hearts and encourages the cultivation of receptivity, depth, and resilience in our journey towards a fruitful and flourishing faith. In other words: Get your heart right and everything else will begin to fall into place!

appreciation, bible, change, Creativity, Enlightenment, Expectation, faith, God, grace, Gratitude, Growing, ideas, journey, Lessons, life, love, mental challenge, mindfulness, Mystery, Life,, personal growth, positive, self help, self improvement, spiritual enlightenment, Spititual Development, Values, vision

New Year – New You!

Philippians 4:8 “From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.”

The clock struck midnight and its out with the old and in with the new. The transition to a new year brings with it a sense of renewal and the promise of fresh beginnings. “New Year, New You” is not just a good phrase, but a meaningful mantra that invites each of us to experience the better life we were created for.

The transition between the old year and the new offer us an opportunity to reflect on the past, set new goals, and embark on a journey of self-improvement. It’s a chance to take stock of where you’ve been and where you hope to go, all the while, shaping a better version of yourself in the process.

Reflection and Gratitude:

Before diving into resolutions and new goals, it is essential to reflect on the year that has passed. Take a look back on both your achievements and the challenges you faced. This looking back fosters gratitude for lessons learned and accomplishments made. Take a moment to appreciate personal growth and the strength gained from overcoming obstacles. The fact that you are entering into a new year is success itself, because if nothing else, you survived!

Setting Intentions and Goals:

Most folks have given up on resolutions, but we don’t need to throw the baby out with the bath water. Call it what you want – resolutions, goals, action items or intentions? The simple act of setting intentions helps pave the way for the journey ahead. Rather than just creating a list of resolutions, consider setting specific, achievable, and meaningful goals. These could encompass various aspects of life—health, career, relationships, personal development, or hobbies. Break down these goals into smaller, actionable steps to make them more manageable and realistic.

Embracing Change:

The new year signifies an opportunity to embrace change. This could involve stepping out of comfort zones, trying new experiences, or breaking old habits. Embrace change as a chance to evolve and grow, welcoming the unknown with open arms.

Prioritizing Self-Care:

Self-care is fundamental for personal growth and well-being. Make self-care practices a priority in your daily routine—whether it’s through prayer/meditation, exercise, nourishing meals, quality sleep, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Nurturing the mind, body, and spirit is essential for overall happiness and success.

Cultivating Mindfulness:

Practicing mindfulness involves being present in the moment, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness can help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall mental health. Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as reading your Bible, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling can significantly contribute to personal transformation.

Staying Flexible and Resilient:

While setting goals and intentions is crucial, it’s equally important to remain adaptable to unexpected challenges or changes in plans. Embrace flexibility and resilience in the face of adversity, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.

Seeking Support and Accountability:

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, mentors, or professionals when pursuing personal growth. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide encouragement, advice, and accountability, helping you stay committed to your aspirations.

In conclusion: The “New Year, New You” mentality symbolizes the limitless potential for personal growth and positive change. Embrace this opportunity to craft the life you desire by setting intentions, prioritizing self-care, fostering resilience, and staying committed to your goals. Remember, transformation is a journey—a series of small steps taken consistently toward becoming the best version of yourself.

As the new year unfolds, let it be a canvas for your self-transformation—a chance to paint a vibrant picture of the person you aspire to be. Cheers to the journey ahead and the limitless possibilities that await in this new chapter of life.

affirmation, bible, choices, Enlightenment, faith, Growing, Healing, Lessons, life, love, peace, responsibility, scripture, self help, self improvement, Suffering, Uncategorized

Getting The Monkey Off Your Back!

Do you ever feel like the devil is “messing with you”? This thought often refers to spiritual or personal struggles rather than direct interference from a supernatural entity. In other words, there is always a possibility that it is the devil, but it could also just be part of the ups, downs and sideways of life. Here are some signs that people may interpret as indications of negative influences and a few ideas about what we can do about them:

1. Constant Negative Thoughts: If you’re persistently experiencing negative, self-deprecating, or harmful thoughts that seem beyond your control, it might feel like an external force is influencing your mindset. There is an old computer terminology that says: “Garbage In, Garbage Out!” What are you allowing into your life in the things that your eyes, see, your ears hear, your mouth taste, your nose smells, your skin feels and your minds thinks about?

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8

2. Sudden and Unexplained Struggles: Unexpected difficulties in various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or health, might be perceived as signs of interference. The first thing we need to do, before looking to place the blame on someone or something else, is own our own responsibility for what could be a contributing factor.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4

3. Feeling Disconnected or Drained: Sensations of feeling spiritually or emotionally disconnected, drained of energy, or experiencing a sense of impending doom may lead one to believe they are under negative influence. If you are feeling disconnected ask yourself: “What have I done to make sure I am connected?” If you are feeling drained of energy, take a look at your diet and exercise and think about changes that you might need to take. If you are experiencing a sense of impending doom, make sure that you are spending time reading and thinking about spiritual literature, especially the Bible.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

4. Unexplained Physical or Mental Health Issues: Though often medical, if someone experiences unexplained physical ailments or mental health issues, they might attribute them to external negative forces. Sometimes the body gets sick and there is almost always a reason for this. It is usually because something has gotten into us that does not belong or we have failed to take something in that our body or mind needs. Check yourself and if need be, get professional help to get back healthy.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

5. Repeated Obstacles or Failures: Feeling like there’s a pattern of repeated obstacles, failures, or challenges that hinder progress or success in life. The reality is that sometimes we are our own worst enemy and we just keep on repeating the same of self defeating behaviors. We will not ever overcome, until we get honest with ourselves and our Maker.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

It’s important to note that while these signs might be concerning, they can also be attributed to various other factors such as mental health conditions, life circumstances, or personal struggles. Seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, counselors, or mental health professionals is advisable if these signs persist or significantly impact your well-being. Additionally, interpreting these signs as the direct influence of the devil is largely subjective and varies according to personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Often we give the devil way too much authority and power. If you are a child of God, the devil has no power over you, unless you give it to him, so remember this: You Got The Power!

Amazed By Grace!