Heart’s Soil
It’s so easy to read the Bible for others
Listen to a sermon thinking of others
How this truth would be helpful for so and so
If only so and so reads or hears this
So thoughtful
Thinking of others
Wanting to share with others
Wanting to bless others
This can apply to that person’s situation
This is just want the other person needs to hear
Meanwhile
Our own heart’s soil can be hardened
Thinking we are all good
These truths don’t really apply to us
We’ve got it
We’re in good standing with God
We’ve got no real struggles
Life is easy-peasy
It’s what others need
We don’t have these struggles…
The problem of the elder son who
Stayed faithful serving his father
Never even asking for a party
He kept his head down and hands to the plow
Dutiful
Diligent
Unable to enjoy the journey
Or pause to receive his father’s approval
Unable to
Stop
Rest
Delight
Contemplate
Always working
Always serving
Missing out on the Father’s pleasure
Working and not stopping
Giving and not receiving
Missing out on the
Tender
Gentle
Heart of the Father
Some downsides of those who do right and have not faltered much are
The temptation to be
Self-sufficient
Self-confident
Self-assured
Of our own righteousness
That our hearts can become hardened
No longer able to
Hear the sweet whispers of the Holy Spirit of
His desire to pour His love into our hearts
Or allow Him to celebrate us
Soften our hearts O God
Melt our hearts
Cause our hearts to be like streams of water in Your hands
Where Your Sweet Holy Spirit can freely reign
and redirect our hearts
Back to Your bosom
Back to Your gentle and firm embrace
Back to Your passionate love
Back to Your whispers of love
To gaze intently on Your loving face
To receive from You
Your pleasure
Your approval
Your enjoyment of us
Bring us back O Lord
To sweet fellowship with You
Back to the circle of love between
God the Father
Jesus the Son and
The Holy Spirit
Back into Your circle of love and fellowship
Joining You in
Your Triune community
Of
Love
