Scripture: Matthew 13:8
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Thought for the Day: Soil appropriate for the specific seeds is always something that needs to be taken into account when planting. If a person desires to see the seeds take root, grow and produce fruit, then understanding the soil is essential. I remember planting some shrubs years ago. We spent a fair amount of money, and at first everything looked good. But six weeks later, the shrubs were turning brown, and within another six weeks they were dead. We couldn’t believe it. We had followed every detail of the instructions. When we returned to the garden center and spoke to the head gardener, he seemed a bit perplexed. He asked a lot of questions, but nothing seemed to provide answers. And then he threw out one more question, “Do you by chance have black walnut trees?” We nodded as we had 15 of them that lined our property. That was the answer, for you see, black walnuts throw the pH off in the soil significantly. Suddenly our option for shrubs was dramatically reduced as we needed to find something that could thrive in soil with increased alkalinity.
God looks at the specific soil of every human soul, looking for the perfect match between seed and soil, gift and person. Yet even when God casts the perfect seeds upon the soil of our souls, it does not necessarily mean they will take root. Many factors, including the weeds we have allowed to grow within us, can hinder they growth. God wishes to work with us in creating a perfect garden where the seeds take root, grow and produce the fruit that will nourish others around us.
Prayer: Let us be partners in the work of gardening, O Lord of all creation. Help me to ask the right questions and cultivate the soil of my soul through study, prayer and worship. Amen.
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The Second Sunday of Advent
Sermon: What if God had been disappointed
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