How to Grow Your Heart’S Garden for God

By Jonathan Martin

We all know that life can be hard, and working in the garden and trying to grow a garden is hard work. In our lives, if we want to grow spiritually closer to God, it takes work and effort in each of our hearts. The truth that God gives us is from his Word. It is the seeds that we need to plant in our lives and be willing to accept. The seed has to have water so it can grow. We need the active working of God in our lives so the truth can come alive in our lives. As we grow, we need be close to Gods will in our lives, in the light of His will for our lives, so we can continue to grow for him. As God prepares us to do his work, we must be rooted in the foundational truths that God has for us in his Word. Like a garden, we have to be aware of the dangers that come in and can contaminate our effectiveness for God. All the steps that we need to take so that we might be fruitful for God, to have a final product that is worthy before God when one day we meet him. I hope that you will take the journey and see that you too can have a beautiful garden for God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524638788

Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin is a writer, speaker, and dreamer currently living in Tulsa, OK, where he serves as Teaching Pastor at Sanctuary Church. He holds degrees from Gardner-Webb University, The Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and Duke Divinity School. He is the author of Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You’re More Like Jesus Than You Think? He is a product of the “Christ-haunted landscape” of the American South, sweaty revivals, and hip-hop. Years before a life of church planting, writing, and preaching, his claim to fame was getting his Aquaman, Robin, and Wonder Woman action figures saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age. He loves to talk about the beauty of God, what an extraordinary thing it is to be called God’s beloved, and finding new ways to be human.

Book preview

Introduction

One day I was working in my garden and a thought came to mind, about some of the things that God has taught me over the past couple of years. As I was reading in the Bible, and writing in my journal. I thought of the progression of how I worked in raising my garden. Then I realized that there is also a lesson that I too can learn from just in everyday life. It just started as a small thought of how God is working in my life, and how I can continually grow toward Him. It has been a true blessing to see the lessons that God has been teaching me through this, and I hope that this study will be as helpful to you as it has been for me. It is amazing to see what God can teach us if only we open up our hearts and let God work in our lives. There is a plan and purpose for everything that happens in our lives and I will show you the progression of how Christ ministered on earth. How we need to follow Christ’s example, and what Christ teaches throughout the Gospels.

This is very important for all to know, as Christians that we must have a healthy, strong relationship to be an affective fruitful work for God’s ministry. Looking at a majority of Christians has missed out on the many opportunities, and blessings that God gives, if only they would be willing follow and serve. Matthew 9:37-38(NIV), Then He (Jesus) said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." There are many problems that a lot of our churches have today. One of the problems, is there is so little people willing to serve. There are many people that are ready to hear the Gospel, but so few are willing to go and do the work of the ministry. We live in a society of instant gratification. We grow impatient if we have to wait in line for more than 15 minutes. We want instant results, with little effort. I am writing this book to help us realize that doing the work of the Lord will not be easy, it does takes hard work. Just like a farmer has to take certain steps to have a good garden. We must have the same kind of discipline and dedication to have a beautiful garden for God. I am amazed at see all the wonder of God’s creation, the beauty and grace of the soft petals of a lily. The durability and strength of the mighty oak. The vast array of colors of the spring flowers, and of the leaves in autumn. Truly when we look all around us we see that there is a great God. Since God has made this earth, the beauty of His nature great. How much more can God make our lives beautiful, and make our hearts a garden for His glory.

There are six things that I will be focusing on in how we are to have a beautiful heart’s garden for God. The first important thing that we need to remember is that our heart is the garden, and the seed that is planted in our lives is the truth of God’s Word. The message that he has for us, so we can know Him and His plan for us.

The first lesson will be, "Placing the seed of God’s Word in our lives." As we learn from God’s Word, it is how we take heart to what God is teaching us. And allowing it to work in our lives. Before a seed can grow, it first has to be planted, and it has to be accepted. Without that acceptance of the truth the seed will not grow in our lives. We must be available to allow God to work in our lives. God has already given us an ability to do His work, and we must apply the truths that God has given us and put it to action.

The second lesson is, "Participating in God’s way in our lives." The seed is planted, but before the seed can grow it needs water to help activate or to start growth. Without water no seed will grow. It will stay dormant, and will not have any effect whatsoever, there will be no growth. That is why it is so important that we are involved the ways, and works of God. As the Holy Spirit is active in our hearts through the fellowship of others of the church in honoring in worship, praise, and edifying one another to perfect love. It is very important that we participate in the worship of other believers, in the study of God’s Word, our obedience to God’s standard, and our witness of the message that God gives us.

The third lesson is, "God’s presence and promises witnessed in our lives. The seed is planted, the water helps activate the seed, and the sunlight will help the seedling continue to grow. As the plant grows it reaches toward the light, so it can receive the nutrients, the warmth of the sun as it continues to grow stronger and stronger. In our lives the presence of God in our lives can bring us comfort, conviction, and our cooperation in doing what he has us to do. Knowing who God is and knowing that He always keeps His promises it can help us keep on keeping on. There is no better place to be than in the presence of God’s will in our lives. If we allow the darkness of this world to overcome us, we will not be strong. We must be a light that the world can see, just as Jesus is the light. It should be evident in our prayer life, our attitude and thankfulness to God, and witness for him.

The forth lesson, Preparation of God’s wisdom in our lives. This is the ground work the source of ability to be an effective, active, abundant, fruitful work for Christ. Without the proper conditions in the soil, the plant will cease to grow and will be weak, and useless. Without proper nutrition, the meat and substance of God’s word. We will be like that weak small plant that will have no growth. In order to be strong, we must be rooted in the good things that God has given us I His word. Jesus is the source of life, and in Him, He can make our lives great. I will teach on how we need to memorize God’s Word, and meditate on what He is teaching us, maximize the lessons that He teaches us in His Word.

The fifth lesson, "Protection by God against the wrong in our lives." Raising a garden is never easy. It takes work and effort to keep a clean and healthy garden. You have to fight diseases, bugs, pest, storms, weather, and weeds. It is a daily process of trying to protect against these things, if you don’t they will come to destroy, devour, and decimate any chance of having a good garden. The same is in our lives. We must keep ourselves in check so we can protect ourselves from the evil that comes in our minds. The perversions that can creep into our speech and our decisions that we make in our lives. We must take preventative measures to help us to stay away from sin, and to remove anything that can prevent us in being fruitful for God.

The sixth lesson, The Product of God’s work in our lives. At the end of growing season there is a harvest. It will depend on the steps that you take through the process of growing in how abundant your crop may be. With little or no effort you will produce little or no crop. But with hard work and dedication in taking the right steps, you will have a good harvest. Each of us will have to give an account of all the work that we have done in our lives. We must realize the mistakes in our own lives and correct them so we can be more fruitful for Christ. God’s grace is sufficient for all of us. God has given us the tools to use so that our gardens will be beautiful and good for Him. Through our enduring our work in Him, we can have an effective harvest in our own lives. When we meet Him in heaven one day we want Him to say, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Each of us can be a product for Christ if you just allow Him to work in you.

May you be blessed throughout these lessons, and may the teaching of God’s word work in your hearts. Will you let your garden grow for God? Will you take the time and put your effort to learn what God has for you? If so this is for you. There is a great disparity in many Christians lives, because they do not know how to be a servant for Christ. Let the Lord work in your heart as you go through this study, and let your hearts grow into a garden fit and worthy of God’s grace.

Let My Garden Grow.

As the planter did plant, so did you give me the truth of your word, 0h God! My heart was open and the blessings of your kingdom did I hold tight.

The seed sprung up in my soul, how great joy did I receive. As the gentle drops of rain that fall on my head, so much more are your blessings. As the spring waters of your grace fill my heart, O God, So does your joy flood my soul.

The goodness that all you have given me breaks me out of the depths of darkness and into the light. New life has begun, I shout out raise my arms to your wonderful presence to the light of the glorious Son you have given us.

The light of all that I see, the blessing that you have given me, How much more do I reach to your loving grace. As the light shines I do see my fault. How much more do you help turn my darkness to light? As the sun warms my face, so does your love and mercy comforts my soul. Every morning I arise to see your power and grace and accept it with great thankfulness

My roots grow stronger as it takes hold in the earth and hart of your word. I am strengthen by the life that you give, and substance you provide. The richness of your word will make me grow continually for you, O God. As the great oak stands, so I will stand for you.

Oh, how the protection of all your promises, I know God that you are with me. Storms may come, prey may attack, how much more many may come to devour, and seek to destroy

But how much more is your protection, when I fall you pick me up. When my enemies attack. Your loving arms protect me. Though others may do me harm, you will always be my help.

At last how the seasons have changed, Oh how I have seen that little seed grow. To something beautiful that I can bestow. To lay at your feet the fruit of your spirit, and say Lord, this I give you. The richness of all you give, being in the presence of your will, Oh God. May I be fruitful and righteous for all your good works?

PLACING THE SEED OF GOD’S WORD IN OUR LIVES

Lesson 1

Chapter 1

The acceptance of the truth of God’s word.

One of the first steps in having a garden is planting the seed. When the ground is ready to plant, you plant the seed so later you can have a crop. That is where it starts, and if the heart is ready to receive the truth of God’s Word in their lives, that seed can prosper in their lives and become something great. Jesus told a parable about the sower of the seed, and He explained the meaning of what He was trying to teach. To understand what He is saying we can look at our own lives and how the truth of His Word has affected our own lives. In the story there are four distinct characteristics that people possess in receiving the seed, or the truth of God’s Word. The seed is the Word of God, the sower is the messenger, and the ground is our own hearts. It is important to know how we accept the truth, will affect how the truth of God’s Word will play a role in our own lives.

The parable of the sower: Matthew 13:3-23

Looking that the parable of the sower, Jesus gives us four distinct characteristics that people have when they receive the truth or the seed of God’s Word. The first characteristic is in vs. 4, 19 (NIV)

4. As he was scattering the seed, some fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up…………19. When anyone hear the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and away what is sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

The truth of God’s Word does not penetrate their hearts.

This is the first type of person that Jesus talks about in the parable. They might hear the truth, but the truth has no relevance in their own lives. They deny the truth, their hearts are hardened against the truth. Their hearts are not ready to receive the truth openly. There are many people that will take the truth with only face value, but none of the truth is important to them. It does not have meaning in their lives.

People eyes are closed to the truth.

There may be people that just come to church so that they can have an appearance of being someone good, but when they are taught the Word of God. It has no effect on their lives. They are closed to the possibility of any of the truth. They may be there in body, but their hearts are far away from receiving the truth. In ministry trying to share the message of the Good news. Many will reject the notion that it could possibly be for them, or they simple don’t understand what is in God’s Word. Their hearts are hardened, unwilling to break and allow any truth from God to enter in their lives. When hearts refuse to receive the seed, it will fade away, or taken away by the ways of the world. This is a problem that many of us face when we are trying to share the message. We don’t know people’s hearts. We don’t know how they will react to the truth of God’s Word. We must be willing to share it, so they can hear it, and maybe one day their hearts will be open enough to receive the truth.

People’s ears are covered from the truth.

Not only do they reject what they see, but also what they hear. It reminds me when I am trying to tell my little kids to do something, like pick up their toys or get ready for bath. I have to continue telling them what they need to do, but they are so distracted by what they are doing that my message to them becomes useless. As someone once said, that it goes in one ear and out the other. The message does not connect, it does not change what they are doing. Over and over the message is given, but it takes a while before they do it. That is what a lot of people do when they hear God’s message. They will not submit to God’s will or ways. They will not obey. The words of God’s message, they completely ignore, because it has no significance in their lives. They close their minds, their hearts, and ears to the Word of God. They hear the message, but they will not comply too any of the message that is given. They refuse to obey, because they are not willing to change any part of their lives. They like their lives where it is at. They are unwilling to change any part of their lives. They want to have all of God’s goodness but none of the responsibilities of obedience to God. This attitude of constant rejection to the truth the love of God is not in their lives. I believe without change in your lives, or having a willingness to change, than I would seriously question that person’s faith if that person was truly saved.

Let me tell a little story of my three year old son, James. One day he was playing with his toys in the living room. He made a huge mess throughout the living room. There was puzzle pieces, cards and blocks spread all across the living room floor. So I told him that he could not watch TV till all the blocks were picked up. Well this did not make my son very happy, so he began to point at the TV and say, Turn TV on. I said you can have the TV on when you pick up all your blocks. This went on for a while. For nearly two hours he cried and refused to pick up the blocks. He tried to get his sister Joanna to pick up the blocks, but I said that he made the mess so he needed to pick up the mess. He absolutely refused to pick up those few blocks for nearly 2 hours. It was hard to come down on him, and I knew that I could not give into his whining and crying. So I could teach him that it is important to clean up his own messes. It took a while, he was not happy when he did it, but he did pick up the blocks, just like I asked him too. He did not obey me because, he did not want to do it, and just like all of us we have a sin nature, a selfish nature to do what we want to do. If he just picked up the blocks when I first asked him too, he would have had the privilege to watch what he wanted. With great privilege comes great responsibility.

People’s minds can’t understand the truth.

They simple don’t understand the message. They see the Bible through the eyes of the world. They are blinded by the world, so they don’t see what God is trying to teach them. They do not understand, because they do not have the Holy Spirit helping them to discern the words of the Bible. The concept of sin, judgement and God’s Grace, is not familiar to them. They try to complicate the message by taking in the counsel of the worldly point of views. Now more than ever the presence of evil is abundant all around us. There is a constant message of negativity against the message of God’s Word. When an unsaved person looks at the Bible, they only see what the world says it is all about. They are close minded to the truth. Because they don’t understand it they just forget about it.

People of wickedness devour and distort the truth.

Time and time again I see this more often, in social media, in national media, and the people in our society. The blatant disregard for the messages of God’s Word. Their concept of the Bible is wrong and they try to turn people against it by making a mockery of it. That it is too old fashioned, out dated, a lie or that it teaches messages of hate. They snatch away any opportunity that a person might have in receiving the truth. Just like when I plant my corn in the garden, and the birds dug up the seed and eat all the seed that is planted. If I threw the seed on top of the ground it would be just taken away. There was one time when I planted the corn I had to plant it five times, because the crows kept taking all my seed from the ground. The birds of the air are like those who oppose God and the message that He is trying to teach us. So again and again the message is given, then the message is taken away by the ideas and ignorance of the world. They are taken away by the ways of the world, so they will no longer have a desire to even hear the message. There is a battle today against the message of the Bible. They devil is working in the hearts of men to destroy the chance of someone accepting the message of Go. The world will try to destroy the truth. They will try to cause man to depart from the truth. They openly defy and deny the truth. They will try to deceive all to follow their ways. They will try to disillusion from the truth. Their heart already hardened by the world, taken away by the ways of the world. To a point that they will no longer receive the message no more. Time and time again they hear the message, but still refuse it. This is a person who has no value for the things of God. Their heart is not open to what God is trying to teach them. More and more people are fallen by the wayside of the ways of the world, rejecting the truth, the message that God has given them. It is important that we don’t give up on sharing the message to all, but we must realize that no matter what we do their will be some that will not accept the message of Jesus Christ. If you are like that person that does not hear the message of God, I hope that God can work in your heart so you can understand what God is trying to tell you. And that you will be open to the blessing of His Grace that He gives to us all. The message if for all of us, we must be willing to accept it in order for the seed to grow in our own lives.

The truth of God’s word is not persistent in their hearts they are defensive to the truth.

This is the second characteristics that some people have that Jesus described in vs. 5-6, and 20-21(NIV)

5.Some fell on rocky places, were it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. –- 20. The one who received the seed that fell on the rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21. But since he has no root, he last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Jesus is speaking about those who hear the truth, but those who do not the truth. Jesus explained to His disciples that the reason He told stories in parables is to help some who did not understand, that they might be better at accepting the truth that Jesus was presenting to the people. In Matthew 13:13-15(NIV) Jesus says

"13. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15. For this peoples heart has become calloused: they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes otherwise they might see with their eyes hear with their ears understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

There are many people that are closed to what God has for us in His word. Many are not ready to accept the word of God completely in their lives, until God works in their hearts and heals them. This unwillingness does create a problem, and how many people receive Gods Word. Many are not willing to take the sacrifice in doing the work that God has command us to do. Any time it may get hard or something that they might not agree with they just give up. In so many churches today and in our society that if there is anything in the Bible that might be offense or cause someone to feel uncomfortable they just don’t speak about it. Many will not address any issues that may cause any stirring up I the hearts of men, and much what is taught is very shallow in which they teach. There is a misconception of much of the teaching that is presented. Some will speak only the truth of God’s word, but none of love and grace. Some will speak of love, but little of the truth and God’s judgement. His Word is very important that we speak of all the truth that God gives us. But speak the truth in love. So many only want to teach about God’s love and forgiveness and all the blessing that He gives us, but none of the responsibilities. To love God means we need to obey Him. And obeying God is not going to be easy. If we truly want to please God, we should want to do our best in doing the work of the Lord, not just accepting what we want to hear, and what we want to do. To love God means change and this should not be our attitude to God’s Word. There are several attitudes that I see that a lot of people have when it comes to God’s Word. I’ll explain the certain traits that some people have.

They are selective in what truth they receive.

Throughout history there has been debates about if the whole Bible is true. Some will believe that the world was created by God in seven literal days as recorded in the book of Genesis. While others may say that the Bible is wrong and I believe that the world evolved over long periods of time. Many might believe the teachings of the New Testament, but ignore all the teachings of the Old Testament, just because they don’t understand it. Some might not agree what the Bible says, because it conflicts what society dictates that they want you believe. The standard that a lot of people live does not comply with what all the Bible teaches. Some will only take parts of the Bible that they like, and disregard the other parts they do not like. Some do not accept the Bible as a whole, and they do not make it an authority in their lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV), All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

I always enjoy cooking, and if you ever cooked a recipe it is important that you follow all the instructions and that you have all the ingredients. One of my favorite cookies is chocolate chip cookies. I enjoy a fresh baked cookie fresh out of the oven with all the warmth and the melty goodness of the rich delight, a savor that is just heavenly. A cookie is only as good as the recipe that is followed. If you leave steps out, or eliminate ingredients, the cookie will not turn out the way it should be. It is important that you follow all the steps you need to take to have a great cookie. If you don’t put the right amount of flour, or sugar, or leave out eggs. The cookies will be flat and useless. When comes to accepting the Word of God that we hear, it is important that we don’t neglect to follow the instructions that He gives us in His Word We don’t need to eliminate things that we don’t like just because it don’t sound right to us. We must take the Bible as a whole so we can savor all the good things that God has given us. We can’t add things or subtract what is in His word. What He gives us is already complete. We just need to follow His instructions.

They struggle to obey the truth.

When things become difficult, or life gets hard many will fall under the pressures of society and the problems in their own lives. When storms or hardships come their hearts are turned against the truth of God. So many cannot face opposition from the friends, or foes that may disagree with what is taught about God. Many will give in to or shy away any confrontation, and are unwilling to speak about anything that might cause conflict with their peers. The unwillingness to take a step of faith in obedience, because they might think that it may be too hard or their trust in God is not strong enough to help them through it. Words will not resonate in their lives, because they might not believe in the truth that God is teaching. Many know what to do, but are unwilling to change and put that effort to change. They may feel too comfortable in the lifestyle they are living, that they don’t want to change. The comfort of their own lives, not willing to take that next step that may change their lives forever. The mystery of the unknown will scare them from taking any action, because of their lack of faith that they have in God. So many are satisfied the way their lives are going that if they say yes to God, God would have some difficult task that they are unwilling to do, because it might be hard. Many will consider and follow his own goals seeking only what they can acquire for themselves. This is a matter of faith and our trust in God. Without strong faith, we will never accomplish what God have us to do. When someone follow the standards that man sets, it will lead them from what God has for them. If we truly love God we will obey Him. If our hearts are not in the right place, if we don’t have a Godly love that we should have, we will not want to obey Him. A wise man once said, We don’t have an obedience problem, we have a love problem. In John 14:15(NIV)) ¹⁵ If you love me, keep my commands. This is a problem in so many churches and Christians that they speak of love but not of judgement. They speak of promises, but not of responsibility. They speak of praise and worship, but none of accountability to each other. We are to love but we also have a responsibility to obey God as well.

They are overly sensitive to the truth.

There is people that are over sensitive to the truth of God’s Word. They might think that everything is against them. So many are very defensive and don’t let anyone in their lives. Walls are put up so no one is let in their lives. Some will shut out God from letting Him work in their lives. The unwillingness to share with others to keep their lives private, and not allowing anyone to be a help in their lives. Some will put on a happy face, to show an appearance of their lives are great. But in reality their lives are hurting full of pain, anger, worry and all the negative aspects of their lives. The attitude of the world is against them, and the constant negativity the plagues their minds, makes it impossible for them to accept any of the truth graciously. Criticism is not accepted, because their unwillingness to change or to seek help. A difference in opinions on certain subjects of the Bible, raises conflicts that many are unwilling to change on. Because a person does not agree the same as they do, they will take it personal and will refuse to consider what the other person’s convictions may be. Untrusting of others, they will base on doing things on how they feel about them. Much of their lives and the decisions that they make is based on their own emotions. Many isolate themselves from the fellowship of others, they might be afraid that others might see who they really are. Someone once told me that you don’t need anyone to be spiritual or Godly. That your own spiritual life is your business and no one else. We do have a relationship with God, but we need each other to support each other, and help each other toward Godliness. Many will say Judge not. But in order to grow our hearts has to be open to all what God teaches us, and the help that He gives us in the church. We are not to do it alone, but together in unity in the body of believers. We don’t walk the path alone, but in the unity of Christ. The walls of our hearts must come down so that God can work in our hearts. If we don’t nothing will grow, and our faith will be dead. We need each other and His word to help us through all our problems

They are settled in their ways, the truth is not active in their lives.

When Jesus was teaching the parable of the sower, the rocky soil is like the hearts of so many. So many things in their lives prevent them to accept the truth completely in their lives. Some will have a problem just trusting in God and what He says in his word. Many don’t understand and not willing to make the effort to understand. Some will not take that step of faith in obedience, because their love in God is not strong. One other thing that I see in some people’s lives is settling in their ways, not willing to progress toward the will of God. Some will put on a face of godliness, but their hearts are not in it. The knowledge of what they might have of scripture they will speak of it but their actions speak otherwise. The truth is known to them, but it does not take root in their lives. The satisfaction of their own lives, and their unwillingness to change to do God’s work, makes the truth in their lives dead. Many like the idea of having this image of a good, and Godly person, but does not want to make any of the commitment to serve. Barriers are put up so that all people can see is their lives of moral correctness. They may not see the problem in their own lives, but they do see the problems of others. Certain people will point out others in their problems so others won’t recognize their own problems. Jesus spoke of this type of action in Matthew 7:3-5(NIV)

³ "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

We must not be the like those who condemning others for their actions, but do not see their own problems they need to correct in their lives. If you tell someone to do something, you should be willing to do it yourself. As they say, you better practice what you preach. A person needs not to be hypocritical in their lives, they need to accept the truth and obey it. Not nearly by mouth service only, but in our actions words and deeds. This kind of attitude is also wrong. We should never settle in our own lives, but to strive for Godliness every day. It is a problem in so many churches and Christians today that the walls that they build in their own lives, trying to keep people from knowing who they are really are. Not having a heart of love, and follow God’s principles. The person that we are most responsible for is our own lives. My dad once told me the only one you can control is you. There must be an opening of the heart in accepting the truth, willing to allow God to work in our lives for His good work. If we don’t it will be like the plant growing in the rocky soil, and the truth will fade in our lives. And our faith in God will die. Don’t let it happen to you. Let God help you remove all the burdens of your heart that can prevent the truth to create a new life in you.

The truth of God’s Word does not preside in their hearts, they are distracted from the truth.

Matthew 13:7 and 22(NIV)

⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Life gets real busy with all the hustle and bustle it seem that we have little time to do what we need to do. Every morning when I get up trying to get everyone ready for the day before I go to work. Trying to get the kids dressed and ready for school. Making sure that they have all they need for school, lunch, homework, backpack and they get on bus on time. Time and time again it seems like a mad rush just to get everything done, in just a short period of time. And that is just how many of our lives preoccupy our time throughout the week. We can get caught up in our daily routines, our activities, entertainments or even our daily responsibilities we often neglect to see any time for God. It is easy to be caught up in what the world has to offer. Our future is here on earth, but in heaven. It is easy to be taken away by the ways of the world if our eyes are not focused on God. I see four ways that many people can neglect the call of God.

There is a profession of their belief in the truth, but the truth is not active in their lives.

Excuses are some of the main reasons that a lot of people do not follow through in doing God’s work. Some may not feel confident in their own abilities to do anything. Some may be fearful because they have never done it before. So they would put the responsibilities on someone else, the pastor, a friend or someone else. Because they may not have the desire to do it. The priorities in their life may not be to the standards in which they should live by. In James 1:22(NIV) ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." It is not enough to just have lip service, but to do them as well. The truth of God’s word have authority in our lives. It should govern our lives in our actions and deeds. So many people make God the center of how they live their lives. They may be happy being served to, but are unwilling to do the same for others. This attitude of, what can you do for me God, seeking only what God can do for you, and God blessing you in everything you do as part of your life is not the best. This is an attitude of selfishness, drawing all the attention to that person in what they can get. There should be an attitude when we go to worship him and our everyday lives and say, what can I do for you Lord? Many people will leave churches because they don’t get what they think they should get out of it. Because they are only thinking of their own needs, but they are concern of the needs of others. They may want certain things to be part of a church, but are unwilling to participate in getting it done. When you are active in doing God’s work, how much more the blessing you will receive. When I am active in helping out others and sharing the blessings that God has given me, the blessings that I receive doing the work of the Lord is overwhelming. The best place to be is in the midst of the presence of God’s will. There is no need to have an attitude of self, but to seek to be part of the ministry. If we know to do something that God is telling us to do, and we don’t do it. It is sin. As Christians we are called to serve. There is no excuses why we can’t serve God.

Prioritizing their own bounty, to the things they may acquire.

Another thing that can take us away from doing God work is loose focus on the goals that we set in our lives. When things come more important than doing his will. Then it becomes a problem. We all have to work to provide a living for our families. But there is a difference between a need and a want. Many value the things of the world, that it will hold no value in light of eternity. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19, 20(NIV)

"19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

I have seen quite a few people camping outside waiting for hours for a new phone, or the newest gadget. It is just a matter of time before that same gadget is out of date or out of style, so they have to get the newest and the trendiest gadget they could buy. So many people invest so much time in the temporary things of this world that will have no significance in light of their eternity. Things that has already lost its value soon as you buy it, but forget to invest in the eternal things that God has given us that has value for all eternity. I have a whole attic full of stuff that at one time was new and something desirable. But as time passes by those things begin to fade, break and loose value. The world will say you have to have this or do this to be happy in life. But in fact riches and wealth does not complete us. No matter how much you have it will never completely satisfy. If we constantly seek after the things in this world, all of it will pass away to the point that the only thing that we do is work to achieve what we want and what we can get. God is the creator of all things. The ways of the world or worldly success will lead us away from the path that God would have for us. Our first responsibility is to God, not just to ourselves. So many people think that I have to work so I can have my future secure, and that me and my family will be set for the future. I have to earn enough money so that I can be comfortable and not worry about any problems for my future. The problem with thinking that way that it is your plan and not God’s plan. When we try to things our way, don’t put our trust in God to provide our needs, when he tells us to do His will. It is a matter of faith in God. God is the provider of all things, we must take a step of faith and just do what He says to do. Even if it means sacrificing some of the things that we desire in our own lives. God should be the center of all that we decide to do. Not just what we think our future should be. God has given us a responsibility to obey Him and to be good stewards of our money and time. We must have faith in God, not in ourselves only. God’s plan is perfect so let God work in your life and see where He can lead you.

Participating in the business of life, but leave out God’s activities.

One of the things as a parent seems like there is just not enough time to do what needs to be done. There is just not enough hours in the day to get all the work done that needs done. Paul speaks about how we need to be careful in how we use our time. In Ephesians 5:15-17(NIV)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

It is so easy to be caught up in the business of life and forget to have anytime for God. But the time we spend studying God’s Word, having a quiet time so that God can speak to you is vital in our relationship to God. If a man and women was dating and they only saw each other once a week for a couple of hours. There was no communication through the week. They don’t talk to each other. They don’t spend time with each other. Most will say that the relationship would not work because those two would not know really anything about each other. To make any relationship to work you have to spend time with them. So many often neglect their time that we have with so many things. Many will get preoccupied by movies, sports, entertainment, activities, vacations, chores, projects, goals, and so much more that take priority in so many people’s lives that they don’t set anytime for God. Many will say that I just don’t have time to spend with God. It is too hard. My life is too important to waste my time. Many will say, It is my life and I am free to choose to live my life the way I want it too, and what I want to do. When activities, work and entertainment becomes the center of how a person lives their lives. They do not leave any opportunity to let God work in their lives. Our time on earth is precious, and we do not know how much time we have. Why is spending time with God so important? Because it is not always our time to choose what we want to do. God gives us life so that we can live. If we really want to know God we need that time with Him so we can know Him. Our time is precious, but our time with God is necessary, so that God’s work can abound in our lives. No matter how busy our life may be, there is always time for God. In our prayer life, in our bible study, in our worship in church, and in our serve for the Lord. Don’t neglect the time that God has given you.

Perishable things that they do, that has not productivity in the work of the Lord.

There are many ideas what success is. Some may say that it is achieving great financial wealth, or some may say that it may be great popularity or fame. So often people will get caught up in the image of what they want to be, and how they are approved by others. These will hide their colors of who and what they stand for just to blend in with the rest of society. Just like those plants growing in the garden, overcome by the weeds. Some will go along in their lives as if they are one in the same. Hiding any light of God they may have in their life, afraid of any confrontation that they may get if they speak about God. Money can be a strong attraction, but it holds little value. A person may be able to get many things, everything that they may want, but it will be like the chaff in the wind. Life can be hard sometimes, and we all would like a little financial security, so we would not have to worry about if we have enough money to pay all the bills. I myself have struggled with that issue in my life, just to put my trust in God that He will provide my needs. If we don’t put our trust in God that means that we try to put our trust in ourselves and that does not always work. Many will work their life away just to achieve all the things they ever want. A nice big house, fancy car, a nice big boat, or to be able to go on cruises all the way around the world Whatever their goals may be in trying to reach them, so often they will neglect their families, their friends, and their faith in God. They will achieve great finical wealth or accomplishments, but not the most important thing that they could invest in people’s lives. Sharing God’s word, and doing God’ work. In doing this they don’t leave much room for God. Jesus spoke and said in Luke 9:25(NIV)

²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

A person gain all the wealth in the world, but it will have no value when that person goes before God. When I plant my garden one of the biggest problems I have is weeds. Day by day as the weeds grow it will overcome the good plants in the garden and will choke out any life it has, and will cease to grow unless I remove those weeds from the garden. If I wait too late to pull those weeds, they will grow too big and will pull up the good plants in the garden as well as the weed. So it is so important that we look over our lives and see how much we allow in our lives that can take away from our effectiveness for doing the work of God. If we wait to late, our fruit will die and our lives will show nothing for it. Now is the time to come to God. Not tomorrow or the next day or sometime in the future. Our lives are short, we must use our time, our abilities, and our possessions for God. In Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) says

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

It is so easy to be caught up in all the world has to offer, but how often do we neglect what the Word of God has to offer. Instead of chasing after dreams of great success by the world standards. We should want to have great success for God according to His standards. One day we will all have to answer to God, and He will ask us, what did you do for me? I would not want to be the one who has nothing to offer to God, because I had done nothing but wasted my life in the material things of this earth, instead of investing in people’s lives for eternity. It is very important to re-evaluate our lives and see where our priorities may be. Our time, our money, out abilities, and our actions should all be part in the work of the Lord. No matter where we are in life, always make room for God and see where He can lead you. Remember that God’s way is always best. Don’t let the treasures of this world take you away from what God has you to do. Let God be your guide.

The truth of God’s Word prospers in their hearts, they desire and are devoted to the truth.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of four different soils upon which the seed did fall. The first fell by the wayside, the seed was rejected, and the hearts of these were closed to receiving the truth. The second seed fell on rocky ground, there was some acceptance, but it did not persistent in their hearts. The third fell on soil that had much weeds and thorns which surrounded and choking out all the good plants. These are the ones that the Word of God is not a priority, or does not have authority in their lives. Each of these are taken away by the things of the world. The finally one is the seed that fell on good soil. Oh, how the seed grew to be a great crop worthy of its harvest. Jesus spoke in this parable about having our hearts ready to receive the wisdom of the message of truth of His kingdom that he gives us. Those who willingly accept the truth, and do the work that is necessary to make the truth grow in their lives. Will see a great abundance of God’s growth and fruit in their lives. If we just put our trust in God’s way, God will be able to accomplish great things through us. You never know what God can do in you unless you allow Him to work in your life. God has a very special place for you, and a specific task that we all should do. Each of us is special, and if we are willing He can do great wonders in our lives. So when Jesus spoke in the parable. He spoke of different people that can do different things. Each of us has a responsibility to use the talents that God has given us, and how we use our talents, will determine what kind of fruit that we will yield for God. Jesus said in Matthew 13:8-9, 23(NIV)

8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear. ……….²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Some of the seed that was planted on the good soil, grew extraordinarily to hundred times what was planted. Some not as much but still in great abundance thirty or sixty times what was sown. All of us is not to be called to be pastors or teachers, but all of us are called to be part of the work of His ministry. We must be willing to put our own plans aside, and see where God can use us based on our own abilities. Whatever your ability may be, God has given it to you. Each of us is important in doing the work of the ministry. It is not going to be easy, it takes dedication and hard work. Praying and seeking God’s guidance in your life to see where you can serve Him. It is a continual process of studying, learning, keeping ourselves in check, to make sure that we are on track to be productive for God. Throughout this book I will go step by step in showing you how can have an effective fruitful work for God. I will briefly go over the few steps that it takes to help you grow your garden for God, and as you continue to read through the ministry of Christ’s example how we should go about our lives in having a heart for God. There needs to be a whole giving of our hearts to God in order for Him to be complete in our lives. It will not be an easy task, but if you are will to put your trust in God. He we take you to a place where you never would thought be possible. With God all things are possible. In order to make the impossible, possible God must first work in our hearts, and that is when we first accept the truth that God teaches us.

The truth of God’s Word is planted in those who are willing.

When you first plant a garden, you have to cultivate the ground in order to plant the seed. If the ground is hard, the seed has no room to grow. If the ground is to shallow, the seed will have no roots to grow strong. If the seed is sown on soil infested with weeds, it will be smothered and will wilt away. Every spring when I start my garden I have to till the ground so that I am able to sow the seed. Well our hearts are like the ground in which the truth of God’s word is planted. Unless we allow God to break our hearts, and we humbly accept what God is trying to teach us. Then none of the truth can grow in our lives. We must be willing to accept the truth of the Gospel, and all the standards that God would have us to live by in His Word. We can’t be prideful, or boastful unwillingly to change. But come to God with our humble hearts, and say God I am yours. David wrote in Psalms 86:11(NIV)

11. Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

David was called a man after God’s own heart. David knew that in order for God to work in his life, he had to give his heart completely to God. David reverently respected God’s Word, and had complete trust in what God said. The more he knew God, the more he was able to be used by God. There is no second guessing in what God says. We just have to trust it, and do it. God has already given us an ability to do His work. We just need to take what He has given us, and put what we have learned in action. Let God work in your hearts, allow Him break away all those barriers that we put up, and let us humble ourselves before God so that He can build us back up to something beautiful. We no longer have to live our lives where we once came, in the despair and darkness of our sin. Jesus Christ who saved us, has already given us the victory. We are made new in Him. When we embrace the cross of Christ in our lives, the truth that He gives us. The old tombs of sin will be cleansed by the power of His grace and mercy. Without God we are nothing, but in Him we will become something great. Don’t neglect the truth of God’s Word, because in it is great power. Embrace the truth, and let it abide in your hearts so that it might become great.

The truth of God’s Word is participating in worship

When growing a garden, one of