In previous sermons, Pastor Rachael challenged us to lay down our expectations and to truly want to hear and obey God's voice. This week, the Parable of the Sower showed us that the Sower (God) doesn't change, and the seed (the Word) doesn't change, but the condition of our hearts is what determines whether the Word takes root and bears fruit. Our hearts may be wayside paths, rocky places, thorny patches, or productive soil. The test of good soil is if what is planted bears fruit. We can condition our hearts to receive the Word through spiritual disciplines like prayer, generosity, fellowship, fasting, silence, simplicity, and celebration. We can bury the Word in our hearts through Bible reading, Bible memorization, and Bible study.
