For the seeds of Direction to grow…the soil needs to be fertile!

When God leads in Direction, our Heart must be open to it in order for our Will to respond. This world can easily make us callous or deaf to the voice of God. His Word keeps the soil prepared for understanding. In the parable of the soil Jesus shares 4 different soils that the seed (Word) is planted in.

Review:

1. The Word keeps you in His will – remember – Sin takes us out of His will.

2. The Word focuses your view of Who God is and what are His priorities

3. The Word makes the soil fertile for God to work in.

Matthew 13:18–23 “Hear then the parable of the sower. “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

We must remember this “seed” represents the Word of God, so

unlike real seed, this seed has fertilizer built in. The more seed the soil absorbs, the more fertile it becomes! This is essential in following Direction from the Lord. We must allow the Word to soften, prepare and encourage our heart to desire what God desires.

The So What: If you desire direction, are you seeking His counsel from the Word? Is your time in the Word consistent or hit and miss? Are you surprised that when you read the Bible your body becomes sleepy or distractions happen? Why would this be…Hint – Gal 5:17, Rom 8:6-8

Will God Give Me Direction?

I have been doing a lot of teaching on Direction lately. One of the most common questions I am asked is what do I consider the most important issues when seeking direction. I want to share 5 principles that I hope will encourage you.

First, remember Direction is very individual and subjective, compared to God’s will which is universal to all and is found in Romans 12:1-2. We are to give our whole selves to God.

When you are in the will of God, God will then lead you in specific direction. One key that is essential is His Word. Those are the principles I would like to share:

1. The Word keeps you in His will – remember – Sin takes us out of His will.  

Psalm 119:9–11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. ¹¹ Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Engrafting the Word into your life will lead to obedience…why would God give you individual direction if you won’t obey what He desires all to do?

2. The Word focuses your view of Who God is and what are His priorities

Isaiah 40:27–31 Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”? ²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. ²⁹ He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. ³⁰ Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, ³¹ Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

The better you know God, the more you will be in agreement with Him about what is important!

The So What? Where are you when it comes to Romans 12:1-2? What are you doing to really learn Who God is?

We will look at the other 3 principles next!