All episodes available at rwh.podbean.com and www.runwithhorses.net
How Do I Grow Spiritual Roots?
Luke 8:4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was21 trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Luke 8:13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
1)Your foundation is important. Roots need good soil not concrete.
-soil provides anchor, physical support for plant – light pots in wind
-soil provides water retention, water dries up before roots can absorb it on concrete
-soil holds nutrients, vital components for healthy growth
Our Spiritual Life also requires a solid foundation. Where do you get your information about what is important in Life? How do you evaluate your words and actions? If you use the world’s standard, you are trying to build a spiritual life on constantly shifting sand. Culture changes, opinions shift overnight. There is nothing solid to anchor to.
God’s Word provides truth to shape our worldview and guidance to direct our choices. God IS Truth. Being firmly committed to Him means never having to worry about the foundation failing to support your spiritual growth.
2) Farmers work the soil. Preparation for the growth of plants.
– till, remove rocks and weeds
– some weeds have deep roots, all must be removed so they don’t come back quickly
-farmers plan the year out according to the natural growth of the plants, best time and location for crops.
Cleaning up a patch of ground to become a field takes hard work. Learning to use the Bible also takes effort. Time is required, but the benefits are eternal.
Pulling out the deep roots of sin in your life is a never ending fight in this life. But it is work worth doing! Just as there is something satisfying about pulling out a weed, there is joy in seeing sin relinquish it’s hold on you in one area of life.
3) Farmers plant the seed and then Trust God to make them grow. But, there is still work to do!
– weeding
– fertilizer
– trellis when needed, support for future growth
Getting started on your spiritual journey is just the beginning. Salvation is the start of a beautiful journey. Don’t ever forget that the spiritual life is a process. Just as you must prep the soil and plant the seeds again year after year, spiritual growth is an ongoing work throughout your lifetime.
4) Remember, you don’t Cause growth, but your choices support healthy growth or hinder healthy growth.
God is at work! Know what He is purposing in you and get with the program!
5) Eventually, in the time God has determined for each crop, you harvest.
There will be a harvest of righteousness. God has promised to complete His work. There is no need for discouragement or fear in the spiritual life. God will accomplish the work He started. He uses all of our life to move us toward the goal and we can be confident the once He has finished His work in us, we will be like Him!