Daily Worship

The Good Soil

September 13, 2015 0 0

Mark 4: 20

“But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams.”

Mark 4: 20  This is what the farmer is hoping for, the soil is receptive and not too shallow. Weeds and thorns are few and the labourer’s work is rewarded in the harvest. As in all the best stories this is where it reaches its climax and where instinctively the listener is invited to place themselves.   For people like this there are three parts to the story. Hear, accept and bear fruit. Jesus spoke about having ears to hear, meaning to really pick up what is said suddenly finding it of interest and relevance, giving it full attention. This can be a problem with something we are very familiar with, a gospel story, a church fellowship, certain values and a way of living, particularly if it’s what we’ve grown up with. For some there are times when they hear as if for the first time and take ownership of it, not because of long practice or family background but because the words from the page have become real. The Word has come to life, and is  personal and meaningful. It is accepted, like the yoke that is easy, it fits. A life that is shaped by Jesus will be a life that bears fruit in terms of the “Word”.

PRAYER

Lord, may my life, my words my actions, my thoughts and motives
be inspired and guided by your Spirit and the person of Jesus. 
May something of you be in me, something that will be a strength and help to others. 
In every situation I face today, may I find ways to help, to bring peace, to bring justice.  
Let me set aside my pride, my ego, my needs, not as enemies that need to be destroyed
but as forces that need to be directed for the good others and myself. 
Let me find enjoyment in giving freely of my time, of encouragement, of forgiveness.
I thank you for the fulfilment I find in setting others free to live, to serve and to follow you.