What kind of Soil are You? The Good Soil?!

Finally, the Good Soil. Christ said " the seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred times as sown." He explained, that these individuals  heard and understood the word. Leading them to yield crops (Mathew 13: 8;23).

Fellow believers, this is were we should all be longing to be. We need good understanding that goes beyond shallow roots, and will withstand thorns. We need the understanding that comes from the Holy Spirit.

This ties back to the second write up on this series, about seeking understanding. This is Key, understanding will subdue our human thinking and say Lord make my decisions for me, help me make the right decision (Proverbs 3:5-7).

The Soil is called good because it produced good fruits. Good fruits are results of abiding in Christ, abiding in Christ is the resolution one has made to live for Him and allow Him live through us. Christ said he is the Vine that good fruits are borne from (John 15:1-17).

My prayer is that we will allow the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, to encapsulate us and use us for His glory. This way, we will bear both physical and spiritual fruits that will be satisfying and long lasting, here on earth and for eternity (Luke 18:18-30).

Till next time, remain blessed and stay strong in the faith we have been called to. Amen.

Maranatha.

What kind of Soil are You? Thorns?!

For those who have been following this series, I move on to the next kind of Soil, Thorns. These are the kind of soil who receive the word but are choked by thorns (worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful).

One thing that quickly jumps out here is that, the previous soil, Path, were persecuted on account of the word, but here we see that these set of individuals are more concerned about worries of this life, which choke the Word. I will like to mention that the worries of Life and deceitfulness of riches act as distractions(blinders) to the Word these individuals received and understood.

I will take it a step further and say that if we were to look at this as a gradual procedure from the first soil, then this individuals might have even overcome some persecutions on account of the Word. The enemy being frustrated devices a new strategy and decides to touch their health, family, riches then worry starts to creep in and their trust in God is shaken, the truth of the word is choked, they struggle to hold on to the Word, it sounds absurd. Or in another case the Devil lures them into riches, greatness, material wealth and they get so involved in attaining these things that they lose focus on Christ, their views are distorted.

These things happen subtly, and as you can see from my writing, it is difficult to pin point where or when it might arise. For each individual our case might be different, but on thing we know is that there will be distractions from focusing on God, and that is our clue. Regardless on how this might creep in, once we notice distractions in our worship and fellowship we can be certain  there is something trying to take the number one spot in our lives, Christ.

So how do we ensure that we are not distracted my the worries and deceitfulness of wealth. Mathew 6:33; Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all other things will be added to you. Here we can see that wealth itself is not bad but our main focus should always be on God. Once this is so, we should be confident that we will overcome. Christ should be our Focus.

For greater understanding on how to overcome thorns read the book of Job.

Till next time were I discuss the final soil, remain blessed.

Maranatha.

What kind of Soil are You? The Rocky Ground?!

"The Rocky Ground" according to the parable of the sower is the soil that hears the word and receives it with joy, but has no root and endures for a while, but when tribulations and persecutions arise on account of the word, they immediately fall.

Here we see two things, first they received the word; in contrast to the path, we can say that they had some understanding of the word to be able to receive it. However, with the understanding they got from the word they had no root to endure to the end, they endured only for a while.

"They endured for a while" the understanding that they had is what the "path" individuals lacked, but was not enough. Yes it was a good start, they were able to last for a while, but when persecution arose they fell; the end is what qualifies the beginning.

It is also important to note that persecution did not arise on the account or worldly things, persecution arose on the account of the WORD, in other words they were persecuted not because they were politicians, CEO's, doctors, teachers, no, they were persecuted because they believed in JESUS, they believed in the life given word, then they fell.

My fellow believers in addition to our understanding, we should be rooted in our firm foundation Jesus Christ. He Himself said if they deny you they have denied me; He said they will persecute you, but do not be afraid, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33). As Christians we will be tested, there is no other solution than to be prepared.

How do we prepare, read the word and be ready at all times to answer your persecutors (1 Peter 3:15), and when you feel you don't have an answer, do not be afraid the Holy Spirit is in you, the Lord Jesus said, you will be arrested and charged before kings, but this is an opportunity to spread the gospel, the Holy Spirit at that time will tell you what to say (Luke 12:11-12).

Pray without ceasing, this is a powerful tool, Prayer ensures that we are constantly in God's Presence. Praise and rejoice always, this will lift our spirits up, even when circumstances surrounding us say otherwise.

So by Brothers and Sisters, with understanding let us also be rooted in the solid foundation JESUS so we will not be shaken. Amen 

Till next time, remain blessed. Maranatha

What kind of Soil are You? The Path?!

"The Path" is the kind Soil, that according to the parable, describe when the word is planted there is no understanding and the enemy quickly comes and snatches what was sown in our hearts (Mathew 13:1-4;18-19).

In my previous post I spoke on the types of soil in the Parable of the Sower. Here I will be focusing on the first soil, so we can know when we might be in this position and how best to overcome it. 

From a believers perspective this could be us, as new converts or those of that have been in the church for a long while and feel as though they know the scriptures all so well. There could be a message coming from the pulpit, but we fail to grasp it, sometimes it is feels unreal, how can this be?  we ask, this is a hard saying! we moan, this must be a joke! no this cant be true in this day and age!  while these questions can be raised and be legitimate, lets be aware of the enemy who has come to snatch away the truth from us.

By no means am I saying you should not question what you digest, the Berean Christians did so, what I am saying is to follow their examples, are there questions arising from a sermon that is unclear to you? Seek clarification and understanding. This is what the people in the category called "the path" lacked.

How do you seek understanding. We seek understanding trough the Holy Spirit, John 14:26; James 1:5, before you go for a sermon pray for understanding, pray that the lord God will bring a fresh understanding to you, this is paramount. The Holy Spirit is our advocate.

Second, discourse this with fellow believers, they will bring to your knowledge that missing piece that will clarify you confusion. 

Third, look for examples in the bible, the bible is full of case studies of  men and women who have gone through all that was written in it and triumphed. These examples will shine a light on your doubts and lack of understanding.

Finally, wait on the Lord, keep on fellowship with the brethren, the right answer will definitely come at God's own timing, just because you did not get a full understanding of a message does not mean you should stay away from Worshiping the Lord. At the right time the "aha" moment will come.

Till next time my friends. Maranatha.

What Kind of Soil are You?

For a long time I always viewed the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:4-15) with a different view. I always believed that the seed that fell on the road / path and rocky path referred to unbelievers and the seed that fell on thorns and good soil referred to believers. Although I believe there is nothing wrong with this version of understanding. The seed is the Word of God that is sown to all lives whether believing or not believing, the main issue here is the soil that it fell on? And here lies my question; What kind of Soil are You?

As I mentioned earlier my previous understanding of the text makes me believe that the soil the seeds fell on where evenly divided by whether one is an unbeliever or a believer, but as have been reading these texts recently, I have been directed to a different understanding.

I have been looking at it from a believer's point of view. Christians are regularly blessed with the word of God, but yet we still find those who go through the same phases outlined in the parable of the sower, those who receive the word without understanding, those who receive the Word with Joy but yet no root to sustain them, those who seemingly overcome the former two, have understanding and joy of the word to some extent but yet when tested by the trials of life give in, and finally those who hear the word and understand it and bear fruit.

To be sincere it takes a lot of spiritual consciousness and humility to identify where one truly lies, at different stages of our Christian growth we all can identify where we were or are, but it takes the direction and power of the Holy Spirit to make us the Good Soil that the Lord expects us to be. But we must consciously seek this, we must seek and pray understanding and wisdom to overcome and not be the soil that lacks understanding, we must pray for guidance and study the Word of God to overcome and not be the soil that has no root,  We must practice the word of God and seek first the Kingdom of God in all we think and do, to overcome and not be the soil that the worries of life and deceitful riches choke our fruitfulness. Then we will be able to be that Good soils that bears good fruit, some thirty, some sixty, some a hundredfold.

I do pray brothers and sisters that the Lord will lead us through the Holy spirit to be all we can be in Christ. Amen.

Maranatha.

I will focus on each type of soil in subsequent posts. Stay Tuned.

Run to the WORD

What keeps you believing? What keeps you pressing on? What gives you assurance? What removes all doubt? when you know all you believe about the Lord is true even when is is not portrayed in the physical. How do you ensure that you don't fall into age OLD trap of the enemy, Deception. That is Satan's only weapon, he has no other plan or strategy. He only Deceives......................take a moment and ponder every sin you have committed, look carefully it all came from a lie, a twisting, a deception, through ignorance or through changing the truth to suit or so called urgent requirements.

A look at Psalms 19:7-14 (NIV) encourages us in the beauty of the Lords Word........"The law of the Lord is perfect,refreshing the soul.The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,making wise the simple.The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.By them your servant is warned, in keeping them there is great reward.But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.Then I will be blameless,innocent of great transgression.May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Brothers and Sisters, whenever you find yourself doubting anything action, uncomfortable about any plan, unsure of what is right or wrong about a situation, God still speaks to us and gives us direction.Prayer is one way, but today I want you to Run to the Word and receive your answer.......it is Written and you will receive your revelation. What burning questions are you having problems reconciling with what you know is true, Go to the Word of God. Pray for understanding and wisdom and dig into the Word of God. He will separate you from wrong decisions and will light your path.

Let us be students of the Word. Let us saturate ourselves with the word of God. When the Word of God is within we will not fall into temptation or lies, we will not because of self pity or empathy condone evil or immorality,  we will stand fast and walk the way of the Living God.

Remain Blessed.

Maranatha.

Christ-Like Attitude (5): Justice

Justice; yes the Lord is a just God. He is righteous and expects equity, fairness and love from Christians to all men.We can see how the Lord loves justice that he explicitly commands that we are just ourselves, He prefers justice to the burnt offerings and sacrifices that we may offer (Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:11-17; Zechariah 7: 9-10).

He has also asked us to appoint just leaders to rule over us to judge His people fairly (Deut 16:18-20). We will need to pray for our leaders as well as go beyond the physical likeness when we go out to choose these leaders. 

As Christians we should try to work in Justice, as much as lies with us, we should treat each other the way we want to be treated and according to the principles of the word of God. We need to love our neighbors, our friends, acquaintances and even our enemies to be able to overcome any form of evil that comes our way.

Justice as with other Christ-Like attitudes can be achieved by submitting to the Lord, humbling ourselves and letting the Holy Spirit guide us. I pray that as we continue to work with God that His grace and Spirit will lead us to conform to His will for our Lives.

Remain Blessed. Maranatha.

Christ-Like Attitude (4): Love

For God so Loved us and He gave us Christ who exemplified the kind of Love we should show towards all mankind.

The central truth of the Christian lifestyle is that of Love (John 3:16). Love for God, Love for Neighbors, and Love for ourselves (Matt 22: 37-39). 

If we Love God we will seek to please Him and do all that promotes His Glory on Earth and that which makes Him Happy. Christ Loved God that in All He did, He ensured that it was to His Fathers Glory and that the Almighty was pleased with Him (John 14:15-26).

If we love our Neighbor we promote peace and show the Love of God working through us. Christ shows us how to love our Neighbors by the numerous acts of kindness and compassion He showed towards individuals and His ultimate sacrifice for Mankind on the cross. He was willing to go the extra mile to make a Sacrifice whiles we were yet Sinners (Romans 5:6-7).

If we Love ourselves we are confident in our Identity in Christ and are willing to suffer shame for Him knowing that He lives in us and we are not trying to please men. For Christ to accomplish all he did,for Him to love God and love His neighbor (Sinners Like Us) He knew who He was, He knew His identity  he knew His purpose, He knew His calling. He did not waver but stood by His belief and principles (Philippians 2: 5-11). To be able to accomplish our destinies we need to Identify our purpose, stand by its conviction and be confident in who God has made us to be. Then we can Love God with all our Heart and Soul and also show love and compassion to our Neighbor.

My Prayer is that as Christians we will continue to grow in the fullness of love and avoid the trap of pride and give ourselves to be led and used by God Almighty. 

Maranatha. Remain Blessed.

Christ-Like Attitude (4): Integrity

Integrity is a character quality of someone who has sound moral judgment. They don't compromise truth. They deal honestly with others. Integrity can only be achieved by listening to the Holy Spirit. Integrity is something that you prove you have during difficult situations. It is being able to make the right decision even though it may cost you something. If know in your heart that you made the right decision, you don't have to worry about getting caught or exposed. Walking with integrity is one of the best ways to prove that you are become more mature in your walk with Jesus. - Culled from YouVersion

“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (1 Peter 3:13-17)

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)

It is easier to try and compromise, but the truth sets us free. Most times integrity has to deal with our own attitudes when no one is looking. We have to stand strong on what we believe at all times. I once heard a Christian brother challenge himself to pay street parking even when he knew clearly that the officials were on strike and him parking there could be for hours or even days without a parking ticket, yet he paid - Now that’s integrity.

We have to challenge ourselves daily to develop integrity, in that way we would not be afraid that we had done or said something wrong and those who oppose us will be put to shame. I do pray that we continue to develop our christian qualities and our actions will speak louder than words in this World.

Maranatha. Shalom

Christ-Like Attitude (3): Patience

As I write on Patience, I am actually striving to be patient regarding an issue in my life at the moment and I hope the Lord will bestow His Grace as we as His Children master the Art of Patience. The undeniable Truth is that the Lord is Sovereign and He Knows what's best for His Children, so are we always impatient with Him. I sincerely believe that His Timing is Perfect.

Psalm 145:15 “The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.” This Scripture Reminds us that the Lord allots our needs at the perfect time. When we are matured enough to handle the blessings for the good of the Kingdom. We need to develop the muscles that will help us wait in faith for God's time. I joke sometimes and say, Okay God I accept that your timing is different from mine, please this time around let my timing come before yours. As always it comes after.

Second we need to be patient with one another as the Lord was and is patient with us. As the apostle Paul testified  about God’s Great Patience, 1 Timothy 1:15-16 “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they too can believe in him and receive eternal life.”

Let’s not be quick to give up on others when they seem to be going on opposite paths that we will like them to tread, the Lord was patient with us when we walked the same path, we should prayerfully be patient with them as we look forward to God’s glory shining in their hearts.

“Love is Patient” 1 Corinthians 13:4, Patience with others exemplifies our love for them, even within the body of Christ, we are all still growing and looking to perfect our character as Christ’s, we might hurt each other, but we should always love. God made us different, yet expects to be one in Christ, if we patiently work in love we will Glorify His Name. 1 Thessalonians 5:14c says Be patient with everyone.

Galatians 5: 22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness; gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

The gift of Patience comes from the Holy Spirit. If any one craves this they should pray through Holy Spirit  to empower them with Patience. I pray that as we grow as Christians, we will develop a patient spirit in our daily work with Christ.

Remain Blessed as Always. Maranatha.

Christ-Like Attitude (2): Peace

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

In this second installment of the series Christ-Like attitude I will like to embrace the attitude of peace. As the above scripture mentions “My peace I give to you,” this means Peace belongs to Christ, it is part of His nature he and He willing bestowed this gift to us and assures us that we should not be troubled.

Another scripture “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”(Romans 5: 1), Assures us that we have Peace with God because we have believed in Christ . Christ Personifies Peace, hence we have this peace through Him.

Further, With the Peace of Christ, there is assurance for the future. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7), Reminds us that through the Peace of God  through Christ Jesus, We are not to be anxious about anything but remember that in us is a kind of peace that makes no sense to the world around us but yet still exists because we carry and feel it.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”(Matthew 5:9), A simple analogy I can make here is clear, Christ is the Firstborn of all redeemed and he is our Prince of Peace, and the scripture mentions that if we live in peace we are called children of God. Then we ought to continuously pursue peace regardless of how difficult it is to achieve, for if we persevere we will achieve our goal of Peace.

Finally, Romans 14:17-19 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

When we follow peace we edify one another, what better way to ensure that fellow believers grow in the ways of the Lord. I do pray that though the Holy Spirit the Peace of God will continue to be with us Always. Amen.

Christ-Like Attitude (1): Humility

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2: 5-11)."

Humility is a key Character for all Christians. Yes, Humility is very difficult to master but possible, and yet one of the best weapons we have in our Arsenal. As Highlighted in italics in the Scripture reading, this was Christ Greatest moment of victory. The results show this, He was Elevated and bestowed the Highest Honor.

For Christians to be Elevated to any altitude they wish to attain be it Financial, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical, we need to practice Humility to the fullest and on purpose. We need to be determined not to yield to our flesh but to the word of God.

Obedience is a perquisite for humility, Christ Humbled Himself in Obedience to God, regardless of the anguish and pain He knew he will be subjected to. Fellow laborers my encouragement to you is to try make Humility a first nature, yes moments of Pride will arise, but through the Spirit of God and by His Grace let us overcome any tactics of the Enemy.

Remember through Christ we are more than Conquerors, we are Victors. Remain blessed and please feel free to share your bouts with pride and how you plan to or have overcome this with Humility.

Shalom. Maranatha.