What's the condition of your heart?

"But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."

Luke 8:15

For years my heart fell into the category of the shallow soil upon the rock...then the rock was removed yet the thorns of life choked out the seed...finally after years of plowing up the soil and thorns being uprooted my heart was finally prepared for the seed to take root...Don't give up on that person...continue to plant seeds, you never know what is going on in someones heart. ~ Brooke

"At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God's Word (Luke 8:5-18).  If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you hear the words of the message, you will remain unchanged.  If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God's Word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate you heart to make a difference in your actions.  A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasures prevents God's Word from taking hold and produing righteousness.  The heart that is like good soil recieves a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time.  This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will by a Christlike life.

Any time you hear a word from God, whether through bible reading, prayer, or worship, the way you respond will depend on how you have cultivated you heart (Hos. 10:12).  How do you develop a heart that is like good soil?  Repent of any bitterness, anger or unforgivenss.  Meditate on God's Word until it enters deep into your heart and not just you mind.  Let Him bring His Word into reality in your life (Gal. 6:9).  See that you don't devote all of your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with God.  The condition of your heart will vary, depending on how you cultivate it.  If it was receptive  to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is receptive today.  Daily prepare you heart for the word God has for you!"

~Exoeriencing God Day by Day, By: Henry T. Blackaby Y Richard Blackaby