Our heart’s readiness to welcome God’s word can be examined much like a farmer examines the ground for planting. There is healthy, usable soil (a ready heart), and there is hard, difficult soil (a heart not yet prepared) that takes a lot of effort and back-breaking work to make usable again. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord warns Israel about allowing the soil of their hearts to become hard and thorny. He tells them to “break up the unplowed ground” and “not sow among the thorns” (Jeremiah 4:3).
God’s people were planting seeds without having prepared the soil of their souls, and so the seeds of faith had no ground to mature. How do we avoid planting seeds of faith on rocky, shallow ground? How do we practice breaking up the hard places of our hearts to welcome God’s word into our hearts?
I’ve never personally planted anything—caked my hands with dirt, gently cradled roots, or sought the best soil for a plant to grow well. I can barely keep indoor plants already potted in good soil alive. So, I can only imagine the difficult work of removing large rocks, gathering thorns and weeds to be thrown out and turning the ground into something usable.
Thankfully, when it comes to matters of our hearts, Jesus came to break up the unplowed ground through His life, death, and resurrection. When Jesus was on earth, He brought the good news to the Jewish people—His people—though they had not done a good job of keeping their hearts prepared to receive Him. Welcoming the word of God is more than receiving a Bible passage or following God’s law; it is receiving the person of Jesus (John 1:1). Some people were threatened by His popularity and power, so they constantly looked for ways to silence Him; the soil of their hearts rejected Jesus.
Yet, there was another group of people who received the word of God and welcomed it (1Thessalonians 2:13). These people had hearts with good soil, and when they heard about Jesus, the seeds of faith took root. And to all who received in Him, “he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name” (John 1:12).
As children of God, we must tend to the soil of our hearts more than once. When growing food or flowers, it’s necessary to prepare the ground seasonally. We can’t simply plant a seed and walk away, hoping to grow good food the next year without any effort. We must regularly practice the spiritual discipline of welcoming Jesus into our hearts. We need to tend to the soil of our hearts, so that it does not become overrun by weeds and thorns. We need to water our faith often with the word of God, replanting some unmet desires through prayer.
Take time to examine your soil. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you break up your unplowed ground. “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:17, NLT).
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60 thoughts on "Welcoming the Word"
Holiness is a harvest
We must be ready,always to receive the word of God,our soil in our hearts should always be ready and planted.
This message was right on time!!
Amen such a great reminder
I can relate 100% with my kids, but don’t loose faith, I was once them too. I kind of walk away from church, in my late teens, and when I was 23 I came back to church and He welcomed me with open arms. I’m 50 now and never walked away again. I just keep praying for them, I know the seeds are planted.
I’m behind as usual but this scripture reading really applies. Two of my kids are following God and two are not. It goes along with the parable. I am learning though that I cannot force my boys to “hear”. If their is no readiness they will not understand. This is not about me it is between them and God. I’ve planted the seeds so many times but I feel like they just threw them back at me. I’ve got to let go and let God.
The devotional really resounded with me.
Yes, Amanda, yes. You are absolutely right.
Today is my first day to study some of the scriptures with this group.0 I found out real quick that I need to turn my soil daily so I can fully prepare my heart more for what Jesus has in store for me and to get a clear understanding of what he want me to do.
It told me in my heart that I probably need to fertilize my soil and it should help me to keep my heart stronger and help to prepare me more for Jesus.
I have enjoyed my study this morning beyond measure-
Thank you so much
Bailey’s devo here does a nice job reminding us to tend to the soil of our hearts. It strikes me that tending this soil involves all the spiritual practices that we know are good for us: prayer, worship, spending time in the word, fellowship with believers, service, etc. May God help us all to maintain fertile soil in our hearts.
The parable of the sower has become my favorite parable. I am amazed by the plethora of angles of application. I love how you pointed out that we must tend to our hearts more than once. Just like a garden, we must constantly be preparing our hearts for Jesus.
As an avid gardener, I find hope and promises kept in every harvest. Preparing the soil for every season is so very moving as it is considered the heart of gardening. Without good soil, there is no harvest. I welcome the Holy Spirit to help me prepare my heart this season. As many life changes are coming around the bend. But God is good and he will reap his harvest from me. Amen.
Praise rhe Lord
SRT speaks to me every day. So blessed to have found it. Asking for prayer for my son and son-in-laws for peace toward one another. Thank you.
@KERI LIND this jumped out at me, too. I take it as a reminder to replant unmet desires through prayer and petition to God rather than turning to worldly solutions.
❤️
Thank you for the details and perfect picture of this concept from a gardeners eyes.
Plant me in good soil so I can grow and mature in you Father God!
Just said a prayer for you Traci that God would walk with you, help your roots grow strong and give you peace
Lord i tha k you
So good
May God help us to receive and welcome Jesus into our hearts and keep those hearts from becoming hardened against Him x
I’ve heard this so many times and still strikes a cord!! God is awesome!!
I’m agreeing with your prayer JENNIFER ANAPOL. I need this too.
“…replanting some unmet desires through prayer”.
What does this mean to you?
Traci, praying for you and Tanner.
Amen!
Thank you Bailey for this devotion. You always speak to me in all the devotions you wrote. God bless your heart Bailey. I love gardening and I find gardening so therapeutic, back breaking (yes), rewarding and surprising. I started some annual seeds a few months ago (snap dragons, petunias, coleus), and oh boy, it’s been an incredibly slow process. Patience is a virtue that gardening has taught me (besides parenting!). The heart is like the soil, and the soil is within the control of the gardener. The gardener cannot control rain, amount of sunshine, hail, or an unexpected frost. So go ahead and do all you can to control your soil. Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of your heart flows the issues of your life (Proverbs 4:23). I find the most important thing for plants to grow strong, besides good soil, is LIGHT. As they say, light is plant food. Full sun is always the ultimate condition for prolific plants. Part shade or full shade won’t yield much blooms or crops. Daily exposure to full sun condition, daily exposure to God’s Word and God himself, will help us yield a harvest of 100x, 60x or 30x. Notice the variables in harvest here? It’s the full sun, part sun, part shade. So come out to the light and position yourself to be under full sun. Don’t stand in part shade or full shade. Soak up all that goodness of God’s light, and produce a large harvest for God’s glory. Happy gardening to all my dear SRT gardeners out there, and may your garden be ever so beautiful and rewarding this year. God bless you.
Praying that God will show me areas in my life that need to be pruned. I know that can be a scary prayer.
I love the analogy of receiving the word with joy, and being firmly rooted in Jesus’ truths. I recently was with my brother-in-law, his wife, and my husband at a spring in Deleon, Florida. We saw this massive live oak tree, and we all stood in awe of its grandeur! It was so big, and its roots came up out of the ground and went back down. There was no hurricane-forced wind that was going to touch this tree! It was firm and secure! Then I saw in Ocala National Park miles of thin trees all bent in the same direction, some even broken in half – a wind storm must’ve come through there. It really made me think about how one tree was so rooted and strong – and the others weak and all bent in the same direction. The verses that came to mind were Psalm 1 (we shall be like trees planted by streams of water) and Ephesians 4:14, “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” May we be rooted so deeply in God’s word and truths that we don’t get blown down by troubles, temptations, and the current societal influences of our day, but we stand strong in the power of His might, our eternal and unchanging Savior!
Lord help me to tend to my heart and soul. Keep me reaping the benefits of Your Word. Remind me to seek out Your guidance and Your love when I need it. Amen
Be blessed sisters.
Praying that God will show me how to cultivate good Soil. That He will grow his word in my heart!
Praying for Baby Owen and Taylor on her first day with patients. Thanks to all you sweet ladies for your posts. I love gardening and the analogy to softened soil speaks to me. The past few months events feel as though they have ripped through the soul of my life and I have felt so broken. It is good to think of God’s allowing of the hurt so soften my heart so that new life can blossom. Holding on to His promises and so very thankful for SRT and you ladies for helping point me to the lover of my soul and the giver of life. God bless each of you today!
Crysta I understand completely. My son went to a christian school and most of the women ignored me. I was divorced. I loved fashion and was a hairstylist. That seemed threatening. I agree some churches are not that welcoming. You feel like the new kid walking into class for the first time. Yet I learned we are all human and fall short. I was expecting too much. I was introduced to the bible study BSF. I went to BSF for 7 years. I loved it. I needed a christian friend that would encourage me, but once again we are all human. I wanted Jesus so badly. But then I had a man physically abuse me. God didn’t allow me to be hurt as badly as I could have been. But I felt He turned His back on me. I walked away. Looking back I realize I was a very immature christian. I walked away for about 20 years. I’m so very thankful for SRT. It has helped me to look to God first thing in my day. Please pray for me. Pray that I have strength to endure my sons fatal illness. Pray that I keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Pray that my roots grow strong. Pray that I have soft pliable soil….
I love today’s devotion to tend to the soul of my heart ❤️. Praying for baby Ollie, Owen and Z and others dealing with anxiety, experiencing hurt and division in their family and church families and new jobs and school decisions, Reading and praying every day. Thank you for those who prayed for my autistic nephew’s baby boy James who has a lot of issues but is thriving with a loving foster mom who was a nurse. Praying birth mother will sign away for his adoption but she is fighting for him and not able to provide in all aspects to give him a nurturing home. Please pray for my daughter and I as we head to a university today and that our trip will be a smooth and positive experience. Blessings to all.
Crysta I have felt the same way you have. My son went to a christian school. Most of the moms ignored me. I was divorced. I was a hairstylist and loved fashion, that seemed to be threatening. It hardened my heart more than anything. I agree churches can be caught up in their own groups and not welcoming to the new person. I so needed a loving friend that could encourage me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I wanted it so badly. I went to BSF for 7 years and still felt alone. And then I had a man physically abuse me and I turned away. I had prayed that night that God would remove him from me. After the assault I saw that as God turning away. But a few years later I realized God was showing me what this man was capable of yet I wasn’t hurt as badly as I could have been. He got me through. And yet, I still turned away. I realize I was a very immature christian with hard soil. 20 years later I sit with SRT every morning. I read all the comments. And I’m praying for deep roots. Please sisters I ask for prayer. Prayers to help me cope with my sons fatal illness. Prayers to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Prayers for the soft pliable soil….
Going to be leaving for work this morning. Walking. I pretty much walk every day to work and walk home. It’s only about a mile and a half. I enjoy the crisp of the early morning air. Praying that God will break up the unplowed ground in my heart. Boy… Do I need it! I will also be praying for little Owen this morning. Praying that the doctors hands will be God’s hands on this little guy.
I saw a documentary on the mind once that said the reason why you cannot find objects that are right under our nose sometimes it because they so not look like the way we think they should when we are searching. If you are searching for a flashlight and it is laying down but you think it should be standing up you will miss it. I know that there were many Jews that rejected Jesus because they expected him to come in and be a King. Because he did not fit their agenda, did not understand what he was doing, or messed up their plans/traditions/positions of power, they missed the Messiah! It reminds me that we need to throw off what we think things should look like, really listen to God as we prayerfully read His word, examine and allow our hearts to stay soft and attentive to what it is He is doing and what He wants so that when he plants those seed in us they can grow.
If necessary- then you plant seed. You protect the seed from birds and pests, you water the seed and eventually you will begin to bear fruit. Our hearts ARE the same way and we must constantly WORK if we want to be fruitful. That work may be rest or watering our hearts with the Word, or perhaps keeping those pesky pests away from our heart.
The garden is a group effort. My father the oldest of generations teaches us what to do. We are working side by side. The kids are playing in the dirt- hands on pure joy. We as believers need this too. We need those elders to share and show us the way and we need the outlook of a child to show us the joy. This is all so perfect in Gods timing!!! Have a great day ladies! Sorry about the split post.
After working in the garden yesterday this really hit home! A successful garden is hard work- work that starts in fall of the previous season (you put the garden to rest), then oh rest in winter (still preparing your seeds and planning the garden ahead), once spring arrives you till the soil, add nutrients
“God’s people were planting seeds without having prepared the soil of their souls, and so the seeds of faith had no ground to mature.”
This sentence moved me to write this post. Before I started reading today’s breakdown I already had it set in my mindset a specific thought: I don’t think people want Jesus. I don’t care anymore. I think I tried, and I think it’s time to move on.
I’m not checking in my emotions, or perspective with my Savior. Apart of me doesn’t want to. I didn’t have the greatest ‘church building’ experience from either churches I was apart of. I welcome this churches are closed business. I don’t welcome people dying, or becoming ill from this pandemic. However, I’m truly grateful I’m not apart of a church. God knows my heart. So much has to change in order for that to ever be a consideration. I’ll gladly be used to be apart of the necessary change, in God’s perfect timing. I’m about His divine timing, not my convenience above all else.
I listen to sermons from time to time, but I’m not tied down to an organization. If and when the Lord leads me to another organization then I’ll choose obedience over my feelings. My impression of the church organization is very political, divisive, cliquey, focused on who has more money, and cult like. The world will never be unified until religious organizations become unified. Watered downed explanations like ‘no church is perfect,’ or, ‘you have church hurt,’ doesn’t help create room for unified solutions. Jesus created us to be one body, and we’re not. Jesus didn’t move on… the way I think I should. Jesus died on a cross for me. He died for us all, especially those we find most difficult, or have hurt us.
“How do we avoid planting seeds of faith on rocky, shallow ground? How do we practice breaking up the hard places of our hearts to welcome God’s word into our hearts?”
I think by being open to how God thaws the ice popsicles of our hearts, and letting go of the iceberg so it can melt. It’s easier said than done. I know I’ve created so much barbwires, and walls that I’ve lost track. God hasn’t. He knows me better than I know myself. I have no interest to continue doing this plan, nor do I have any interest in posting this comment. There’s something here for me, and maybe for others. Despite it all, I’m clawing to look towards the Lord and not the path of my past. I’m choosing to unlearn, and be open to whatever it is God wants me to see, and be apart of.
“We need to water our faith often with the word of God, replanting some unmet desires through prayer.”
The idea of God replanting unmet desires terrifies me. That means there’s unfinished business his way not mine. There’s no control in that. There’s no blueprint. It’s just me walking with Jesus with one foot in front of the other. All I can do is breath in and breathe out. The unknown is God’s domain. Realizing this notion becomes such a reality check when I actively fight to be present. Being present is maturing me, and healing me.
Thank you Bailey. This is my favorite devotional so far. It spoke to me in a way that pulled so much out, and I’m here being open in a way I didn’t control. I had no intention to ever comment again. God has other plans as he usually does. Thank you SRT for all that you do.
Praying for Owen and his family!
Good morning ladies! I love my SRT community even though I rarely post. It grounds my morning and allows me to meet with the Holy Spirit before I start my day. What a gift!
I know there are a lot of prayer warriors in this group of women. Can you pray for friends of our church, who’s infant son is undergoing brain surgery today as a Hail Mary to fix his infantile seizures? This surgery could promote his development, stop his seizures, and allow his vision to correct. His name is Owen, which means young warrior. The surgery is this morning in LA, and his family lives in Denver. Please pray for a successful surgery, divine healing from our Lord, and for the Holy Spirit’s presence to be with his family during this stressful time. Thank you so much ladies, have a wonderful Thursday ❤️
Taylor praying for you as you see your first patients! You got this!
I have a good sized yard of mostly perennials and I love to see them rise up from the soil after a long winter. Most make it- some succumb to the elements. Even though their roots are deep they still need TLC to look their best. I don’t love gardening but I love the look of a colourful garden so I will persevere through the weeding and pruning. Lord may I be open to the same weeding and pruning from your loving hand
This week I welcomed a newborn foster baby into my home. And I am so thankful that I get to plant seeds of God‘s word and love into his little heart. Would you all pray for Baby Z that he would grow in the strength and wisdom of the Lord and be a mighty man of God! Normally I would just read my morning devotions silently, but now that he’s here I’m reading it out loud, so now he is part of the SRT community!
This sure did speak to me this morning. Over the last year, I was diligent in daily Bible reading, but lately I’ve stopped due to personal things going on in my life. I was reminded by my husband that I ought to make my Bible time sacred, before anything else because it is ‘balm to my soul and heart.’ This reading today sure did affirm what my husband said and a reminder to continually wash myself in God’s word.
I was reminded of the missionaries for some of the least reached people groups. In particular, I recall a sharing about Japan being a difficult place to evangelize, not because of persecution, but because there are so few roots that form. They may be initially curious about Christianity, but few become committal. It’s very interesting that when they immigrate or study in America or the West, they are a lot more receptive than being in their own country.
Lord, I pray for these people groups who barely know you and the missionaries that serve them. Please help prepare their hearts, have the Holy Spirit be among them so they may receive your life and salvation. I pray that you will grant the missionaries vision and wisdom to minister to them. Lord, it really is a spiritual battle that we barely have power over, but Lord you are mighty and our stronghold. We pray that you will take down the spiritual strongholds in these countries and in individuals’ hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ANGIE, your words reflect what I feel when I garden! I just love the spiritual connection to our wonderful Creator! Your words flow so easily – a blessed gift you have! Thanks for blessing us!
TAYLOR, you will be in my prayers today as you take your first solo appointments. You have studied hard and trained for this moment! Congratulations! Prayers for discernment in breaking ground with these patients and that the Spirit shines forth even in the difficult moments. Looking forward to your report!
BAILEY, I am an avid gardener and one of the reasons I love it so is because of the spiritual parallels that we are reminded of so often. I love the perspective I gain as I do those menial tasks!
I just transplanted a lot of Hostas yesterday so your mention of replanting/transplanting “unmet desires through prayer” really stood out to me today! I have pondered what I should do with certain unmet desires and that seems so clear to me now. Thank you!
There is a song by Chris Renzema “springtime” that has a beautiful line “come tend the soil of my soul and like a garden I will grow”
Love your vivid analogy, Angie! “God’s Word is the same in many ways. I can be forced to do it, noticing the backbreaking parts, seeing the obligation.
I can do it because it is expected, only getting the initial fruit, missing the long-term harvest.
Or, I can kneel, in prepared soil, with a thankful heart, enjoying the moments and life-giving growth.”
Such a great reminder to examine our hearts regularly and to ask our Father to till up the hard soil in our hearts. Jesus I welcome You into my heart today and every day! Soften the soil of my heart that your Word may soak down deep and produce growth within me. Thank you that Your Word is ALIVE and ACTIVE!!!
Also prayer request: I treat my first two patients today all by myself (internally freaking out!!) Prayers I can establish good relationships with them, that they can see God’s light shine through me (and my mask and face shield lol) and that scheduling patients for next week would go smoothly!
Oh how loudly these words speak. The soil is significant to the sower! Learning about tending the soil —- pretty cool. It’s not only about the seeds.
Thank you Amen
As a teen, mom made us clear the ground and break up the soil with a hoe, so she could plant a garden. We were then required to do the weeding, and harvesting as needed. We did not do it by choice, and it was not fun.
As a young married woman, we had a yard to plant a small garden. My husband’s family had been farmers, so he took pride in preparing the soil and planting the seed. The weeding and harvest fell to me. The first year I pulled the ever-bearing green bean plants out of the ground to harvest the beans. Those of you, who know about plants, are either smiling or cringing at my mistake. (My thought was, this isn’t so hard, why do people complain? Pull the plant, get the beans, and clean the row-all at once, what could be easier?)
But last year, during the Covid shut-down, I enjoyed the work of the garden for the first time in my life. I took time to feel the warm, moist, prepared soil through my fingers. I knelt to plant each seed, truly amazed at how God put so much life into such a tiny thing. I praised God for the beauty as the sprouts pushed out of the ground, leafed out, and finally bore fruit…or vegetables. I planted that garden, thankful for the opportunity to kneel, and be a part of the harvest.
God’s Word is the same in many ways. I can be forced to do it, noticing the backbreaking parts, seeing the obligation.
I can do it because it is expected, only getting the initial fruit, missing the long-term harvest.
Or, I can kneel, in prepared soil, with a thankful heart, enjoying the moments and life-giving growth.
Thank you, Lord, for the living seed of your Word. Thank you for the seedling that pushes through the softened soil towards the “Son.” And, thank you for the harvest, that also is only a result of your work. Thank you for the way You use the everyday to draw us closer to You, and for the work of the Holy Spirit to apply your Word to our hearts and minds.
Yes, Lord! Break up the hard soil of my heart and ready it for the seed of Your Word! Let fruit grow in my life!
It’s been a crockpot of verses this week. Love all the soaking and simmering of how these passages work together!
Lord break up any hardened spaces in my heart and those I love. May we be fertile ground ready to receive you and your love. May our roots grow down deep in your love that we might flourish in your presence. Prune us as we grow that we might bear great fruit for you. In Jesus Name, amen.
Amen Elizabeth aman, we all need that!
Dear Heavenly Father, please plow through my hard soil. Whatever areas in my life known or unknown, may you soften the ground to allow your love to grow strong roots in every area of my life. In Jesus name, AMEN!
Amen