I went to a weekend retreat in Waihi Beach, New Zealand and heard Darin Bufkin, a staff member of Tandem Ministries, speak about the Parable of the Sower. He chose this scripture passage to encourage believers in Christ to really listen to what the Word is saying, because so many things rest upon it. Here is his helpful outline to becoming a better listener (or in other words, to becoming good soil for seeds to flourish) ::
1. Pray that God would give you the good and honest hear
2. Meditate on the Word of God, read with a view to stir up a hunger for God.
3. Trust in the truth that you already have.
4. Spend time with God when you are rested.
5. Plan to meet God honestly.
6. Come in a spirit of meek teachability.
7. Think earnestly about what you read, pray and discuss with others.
8. Desire the truth of God's Word more than you desire riches or food.
You will indeed hear but never understand,
ReplyDeleteyou will indeed see but never percieve,
for this peoples heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears, and understand with there heart and turn,
and i will heal them.