Desk of Dennis Piller
1/13/2022
The Seeds of your Life and Careless Hearers
This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. … Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. Matt. 13:24
What does a seed mean spiritually?
To sow seeds Spiritually, is to do the Will of God; and to do the Will of God, you have to obey his word and to obey his word, you have to be in the Spirit. The word of God in the Bible teaches in; GALATIANS 6:7-8; Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whoever a Man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Mark 4:24-25 makes more sense to me in the New Living Translation: Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given — and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given”. But to those who don’t…To those whose seeds feel in shallow soil…what of them? What of the so many who sit in churches in the habit of their parents but with no real relationship with Jesus himself?
As I dug deeper into Mark 4 1-20 Matthew Henry has always been one of my “go-to’s” and he had the following to say.
“In the great field of the church, the word of God is dispensed to all. Of the many, that hear the word of the gospel, but few receive it, so as to bring forth fruit. Many are much affected with the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit. The word does not leave abiding impressions upon the minds of men, because their hearts are not duly disposed to receive it. The devil is very busy about careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the seed that lies above ground. Many continue in a barren, false profession, and go down to hell. Impressions that are not deep, will not last. Many do not mind heart-work, without which religion is nothing. Others are hindered from profiting by the word of God, by the abundance of the world. And those who have but little of the world may yet be ruined by indulging the body. God expects and requires fruit from those who enjoy the gospel, a temper of mind and Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. Let us look to the Lord, that by his new-creating grace our hearts may become good ground, and that the good seed of the word may produce in our lives those good words and works which are through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God the Father”.
Wow, did you get that? In digging a little further. (no pun intended) I found that seeds are amazing. Although they might appear to be tiny lifeless objects, seeds are powerful living things just waiting for the right conditions to do their thing! Each seed contains exactly what it needs and is designed specifically for the job it must do. All seeds have the same mission. To germinate and grow into a plant that will produce more seeds.
Does that sound like the eternal seed of God? Does that sound like God has a plan for each of his children?. Jer 29:11
It is important for farmers, and gardeners, to understand the science of seed germination so they can maximize yields while efficiently using resources.
Why does planting depth matter?
(Definition) Although it may be tempting to plant seeds shallow so they emerge sooner, it is important to follow the recommended planting depth. Planting too shallow can result in insufficient soil moisture for germination or a weak root system. Planting seeds too deeply causes them to use all of their stored energy before reaching the soil surface. Like temperature and moisture, ideal planting depth varies by plant species. As a general rule of thumb, larger seeds can be planted deeper because they contain more stored energy to reach the soil surface than smaller seeds.
What I want you to see is that seeds are strongholds for a good crop or for weeds. For God’s glory or for ours.
As a servant or an owner with rights and entitlements.
Seeds just waiting for the right conditions to do their thing. Flesh, self gratifications, feel good, seeds planted in the soil of temptation will harvest a crop of more of the same.
Let’s discuss the Parable of the Tares or Weeds in Matthew 13:24–43. The parable relates how servants eager to pull up weeds were warned that in so doing they would root out the wheat as well and were told to let both grow together until the harvest. That harvest will not be until the final judgment seat. They will co-mingle with the wheat/saints. Many of them even look like flowers and pretty things but they are not! They are deceived and thus deceive themselves.
In reading a book by Francis Frangipane on Battlegrounds for the Soul.
The first battleground addresses the enemy’s targeting of our minds with seeds and thoughts to make us doubt, dis-believe, needlessly worries, and otherwise place our knowledge on other than the truth of the Word of God in Christ. These seeds and the crops they’ve grown make perfect sense to me, and I see the places where my mind is not attuned to the words of Jesus. I need to repent and make changes so my Fruit will be full of His glory.
He said, "Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our hearts." "There are satanic strongholds over countries and communities and there are strongholds which influence the churches and individuals. Wherever a stronghold exists, it is a demonically induced pattern of thinking. Specifically, it is a house made of thoughts which have become a dwelling place for satanic and activity." "Is your love growing or becoming softer, brighter, more daring, and more visible? Or is it becoming more discriminating, calculating, less vulnerable, and less available? This is a very important issue, for your Christianity is only as real as your love. A measurable decrease in your ability to love is evidence that a stronghold of cold love is developing within you." "There is a war, a very ancient war, between the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Jezebel. In this age-old battle, Elijah represents the interests of heaven: the call to repentance and the return to God. Jezebel, on the other hand, represents that unique principality whose purpose is to hinder and defeat the work of repentance."
I leave you with this. Are you a careless hearer? Is your seed planted in the deep soil of his presence? Does the fruit of your life reflect the love, commitment, and accountability to Christ himself?
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”
It is time to arrest those seeds and their strongholds in our lives that have indeed exulted themselves and become an idol to us. When they come down, you will be amazed at the fruit that will burst forth in your family and work.
You will find that elusive breakthrough you have been searching for.
Lauren Daigle Dry bones come alive
