I am speaking on the parable of the sower, soil and seeds tomorrow night. In the parable there are four kinds of soil. The first three do not lead to the seed being harvested in the future for different reasons. The last soil is fertile and produces varying degree's of bumper crops.
My tendency in the past was to believe I can change my own soil condition. I no longer believe that. I can seek God and discipline myself to live out good spiritual habits like going to church, being in authentic community with others, obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit in my life, and so forth. But I cannot make my heart change. It is futile. Sin is too powerful and my spirit is too weak. Only God can change the soil conditions of my heart.
This may sound fatalistic, but whenever I cry "uncle" and trust God, change happens! He shows up when I am at the end of myself and I rest in his presence. This is a great paradox to me. Just as I cannot earn my salvation, so I cannot earn my restoration. Effort is involved, but my efforts do not merit my transformation. They simply position me for the grace God wants to give me to grow, when he chooses.
Humbled by God once again!
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Ron, I don't know if you get these comments on your postings, but I just wanted to say that I was really blessed tonight. I was tired from working all day and my heart wasn't there, but I was so glad I came. I didn't know where you were going with the message but about half way through it started to click. You said some things about grace that I really needed to be reminded of. Thank you.
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