Four Soils of the Heart

It’s crucial how we listen as we study Scripture.

As an illustration, look at the parable of the four soils in Mark 4. Jesus finishes the parable by calling His disciples to listen attentively (4:9). When His disciples were alone with Jesus, He took the initiative to explain the parable (His way of training them after the “basics”). This parable is so crucial that Jesus explained: if His disciples have difficulty understanding this, how could they understand any teaching (4:14)? The seed is the Word of God sown into people, with four different conditions of their heart in this particular season. God’s Word, His Love-letter to us, is sown:

First, along a trampled path. Over the years, the enemy of our soul has incited people to trample on hearts. Jesus says that Satan comes and snatches away the Word as soon as they hear, before it germinates.

Second, on shallow soil where the rock beneath the thin layer of soil has not been broken up to allow the roots to sink deeply. They initially receive the Word with joy, but quickly turn away when hard times come.

Third, on distracted soil. The soil is fertile and so bears fruit. Fruit is quickly choked though by three very common practices in our society. The worries of this life; the deceitfulness of wealth; the desires for other things. Fertile soil will grow more than just good seed.

Fourth, on good soil. They have prepared their hearts to hear, accept, and respond, thus producing a flourishing crop of fruitful increase.

What is the state of your heart as you approach God’s Word? Which one soil best represents your heart today? ________________________

1. Trampled Soil: Satan immediately comes alongside and you listen to Satan’s whispered lies. “You will never understand this.” “Others maybe; not you” “You are not enough.” “You don’t measure up.”
2. Shallow Soil: Have you allowed the tough times of your past or present life to make you bitter or better? We all experience the hot water of trials…none are exempt. Place an egg, potato and coffee beans in the same hot water. One hardens, one softens and one releases flavor. What is the state of your heart? Has it been cultivated and prepared for a rich harvest by good responses to tough times?
3. Distracted Soil: Is your life full of worries about tomorrow, chasing after wealth and a desire to have more stuff than you now have? These very common societal goals will crowd out the Word of God in our hearts so truth does not have room to flourish in us.
4. Fruitful Soil: This is what Jesus is after, a life that produces a 30-, 60- and even 100-fold increase in what He sows. God’s grace provides what is necessary for us to be able to respond quickly.

This is Reflection #42 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

God’s Amazing Grace

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines grace as “The free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive.” God’s many faces of grace is like the dew. It covers and drenches His people as we rest quietly, bringing vitality to all. God first pours out His grace (his action-love) to us in salvation. Then into every aspect of our journey to enable us to do life. Grace is God’s unearned and undeserved favor, contrasting with our performance. A performance-to-please mentality can never fully satisfy our inner ache for God.

God designed humanity to be most alive when we live in full allegiance to Him. It’s God’s amazing grace that fuels this process, like high-octane gasoline fuels a high performance auto. God’s grace transforms us, sustaining us in the ups and downs of our journey, in times of ease and also during fiery trials and gnarly temptations.

Our entire life is a gift of His grace. At salvation, God plants us into His amazing grace, His rich soil for flourishing growth (Romans 5:2). Ephesians 1:3-13 is unparalleled in its description of provision from the Father, Son and Spirit, initiating to freely give all we need for our life and godliness. Three times Paul drives this home with: “To the praise of His glorious grace.” We can also fall short of God’s grace by not fully embracing it, experiencing roots of bitterness instead of His lavish grace (Heb. 12:15). And God designed our lives with certain portals that are wide open to receive God’s outpoured grace. So I encourage us all to cooperate by developing habits that fully align with our design (I call them “transforming responses”). Here are a few “means of grace.”

 

• Study God’s Word, learning to saturate our lives with Scripture.
• Meditate on Truth, taking time to reflect so it penetrates deeply.
• Practice Relationship-Based Prayer, joining God as we adore Him and ask for His desires and our needs in life.
• Fasting, saying “no” to something in our lives in order to focus intensely for a time on what God has laid on our hearts.
• Solitude and Silence, blocking out the hurry and scurry of life to rest quietly in God’s awesome presence, scattering “One-Minute Sabbaths” throughout our days and weeks.
• Serving Others, since God is a Giver at heart. He uses our measure of generosity as His measure to pour back into our lives (Luke 6:38). Serving itself is its own reward.

Of course, even as we focus on God’s amazing grace, it’s equally important to be full of both grace and truth (John 1:14). Joy and freedom are the keynotes so develop good habits as a response to the grace-laced life of Jesus, rooting ever more deeply into the soil of amazing grace.

This is Reflection #42 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

Knowing God’s Will

Do you want to know God’s will?

 

If so we must first answer this question. “Why do I want to know God’s will?” To decide if I want to do it? Or to actually do it quickly?

 

We will struggle to know God’s will as long as we believe we cast the final vote. God is in charge not us. Everything our loving Father does leads us by the hand to know our Family-of-Three more easily and return His love more readily. This loving relationship is the good goal and end of our life. All of our choices are means, steps toward enjoying and partnering with God. With our end-goal now clearly in sight, we are able to tackle the art of decision-making.

Filter One: God’s Character: God will never call us to do anything contrary to who He really is. No wonder why we need to sharpen our answer to the 1^st essential question: “What is God like?” If the choice or opportunity violates God’s true revealed character, do not pursue.

Filter Two: God’s Love-letter, the Bible: God does not hide His will from us but for us. So in His Word He reveals a number of specifics from Scripture that tell us His will (some, not all). We don’t have to guess. Major on pursuing these. We know for certainty these are God’s will.

1.      Salvation and Sonship (1 Timothy 2:4, Ephesians 1:5);

2.      Saying thanks, praying and rejoicing always (1 Thess. 5:16-18);

3.      Sacrifice toward sanctification (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thess. 4:3);

4.      Submission (1 Peter 2:13-15);

5.      Suffering (1 Peter 4:19); yes, God invites us into a fuller life;

6.      Supplication for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2-3 + 8);

7.      Serving others (Ephesians 6:6);

8.      Spirit filled living (Ephesians 5:17-18).

Filter Three: More General: In deciding between two good choices:

1. Research the issue since God has given us minds to use.
2. Ask counsel from appropriate people. I don’t ask, “What should I do?” Rather, “From your view, what have I overlooked anything?”

Trust your “reasoning heart.” Psalm 37:4 states: when we delight ourselves in God, He gives us the desires of our heart. Why?

 

Now our heart-desires align with His. Don’t be tripped up by an OT view of our hearts as untrustworthy (Jeremiah 17:9). In Christ, God has redeemed and restored His image-bearers. The NT now calls God’s people holy and complete. We have the mind of Christ and everything pertaining to life and godliness…and also are still in-process. Are you consistently delighting yourself in the Lord? Then trust your “reasoning heart.”

Bottom-line: our Father loves us intensely and has our best on His heart. I trust His ability to speak more than my ability to hear.

This is Reflection #41 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

Radical Change from OT to NT

Since “we become what we behold,” it’s important for us to develop a healthy view of the relationship between the OT and the NT. God progressively revealed His heart and ways over time in the OT, then leaped forward with the revelation of His Son in the NT.

Until Jesus’ birth as the incarnate Son, aspects of God’s character and humanity’s purpose remained hidden in mystery. So the NT builds upon the OT like adulthood builds upon our childhood. Read the OT, inserting yourself into the story in your imagination to learn how to live…in part (1 Corinthians 10:6+11 for a lens into the OT). And also know that in these days God has spoken even clearer through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3) so don’t rest satisfied in an OT faith.

Paul demonstrates this radical change from the OT to the NT with three powerful “how much more” arguments in 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. Paul’s argument recognizes Moses as one of the great OT figures of faith. Then he argues from the most astounding event in his eventful life, when God spoke face to face with Moses and gave him the tablets of the Ten Commandments. When Moses came down from the mountain, his face glowed with the reflected glory of God (Exodus 34:29).

• If the Law that brought death came with glory, then the NT ministry of the Spirit will be even more glorious (3:7-8).
• If the OT ministry that condemns is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness (3:9-10).
• If what was fading away was glorious, how much greater is the glory that lasts forever (3:11).

Yes, in time gather a good working knowledge of the OT because the OT launches the NT. But make our priority to soak in the NT. Get key books under your belt as a priority, which the “DiscipleMaking Companions” aim to do. “Christ in us” depicts our source of all effective life and ministry. It’s the resurrected life of Jesus within that flows out of our hearts to touch others. Make the life of Jesus your lifelong passion. Note a few of the promises below, and start gathering your own words from the Lord.

• Are you insecure? Your God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
• Inadequate? You can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13).
• Guilty or Shameful? There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1).
• Worried? God has offered to trade His peace for our anxiety
  (Phil. 4:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7; John 14:27).
• In doubt? God provides wisdom for the asking (Jas 1:5).
• Overwhelmed? God never gives us too much (1 Cor. 10:13).

This is Reflection #40 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

 

“In Adam” or “In Christ”

I invite you to marinate in Romans 5:15-19 with me. As time permits, also soak in chapters 5-8, one of the most important passages in Scripture. These words have awakened my heart to a profound awareness of my union with Christ, received as an initial gift of God at salvation. Not as a theological construct, but as a power-point on my Christian journey. This releases in me a more peaceful, secure rest and a less hurried rhythm to life. Paul reflects back on the key chapters of Genesis 1-3, the creation and Fall of humanity. In a real sense, the rest of the Bible is a commentary on these three chapters, particularly Romans 5.

Adam as God’s representative chose to disobey God (Genesis 3) with crushing consequences to all humanity and to all the universe. At that time, the entire human race was in Adam and Eve. Since they were constitutionally changed (Genesis 5:3), all their offspring down through today have been born into this same fallen humanity. Adam’s race is now fallen, separated from God, radically different than God intended. This “solidarity” of humanity is the only basis by which we can now be rescued and restored in our solidarity as one “in Christ.” Paul writes that through faith in Christ we gained access “into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2). This is true of the entire new race “in Christ.” He then follows up with a five-fold contrast of what we lost in Adam through his disobedience and what God reversed “in Christ” through His obedience. The choice: existing in Adam or living in Christ because of our 2^nd birth.

• In Adam all died through his trespass, but in Christ God’s overflowing, “much-more” grace abounded, bringing life, 5:15.
• In Adam judgment brought just condemnation, but in Christ the free gift brings justification, paying sin’s penalty in full, 5:16.
• In Adam death reigned over all, but in Christ God’s people reign in life, 5:17.
• In Adam condemnation came for all, but in Christ justification and life are available for all, 5:18.

In Adam many were made sinners, but in Christ many are made righteous, 5:19.

To which race of people do you belong? The old humanity in Adam brings the penalty of death and the new humanity in Christ gifts us with the unmerited favor of every spiritual blessing. Every person is in Adam by birth, but not all are in Christ by new birth. It takes an act of faith to be rescued from the dominion of darkness and death and transferred into the Kingdom of His dear Son. Once we are in, then we learn to walk “in the Spirit” and not after our “flesh” or self-life (Romans 8).

This is Reflection #39 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

Meet Jesus in the Gospel of Mark

Mark was the first of the Gospel writers to write down the oral story of Jesus’ life. Mark 1 is the BIG-Story that makes sense of life as we fully abandon ourselves to Jesus. Trace these themes through Mark and see how attractive Jesus is. Gazing on Jesus in the Gospels puts flesh on God. As we respond to Him, He won’t leave us unchanged.

1. Jesus restores God’s original Eden-plan for humanity (1:9-13). With Jesus’ baptism, Mark deliberately points us back to the 1^st creation in Genesis 1 & 2 and God’s intent for humanity. The same Three Persons were active in speaking the 1^st creation into existence, God the Father, God’s Spirit who fluttered or hovered over the water, and Jesus, the Word (see John 1:1-2 + 14). Jesus demonstrated His full abandonment to His Father, just like baptism does for us today. Like Jesus, we also live under an “open heaven” with immediate access to the Father’s love and acceptance and the Spirit’s power. Notice. At once the Spirit sent Jesus into an alone place to test these fresh expressions of life, like with us.

2. Jesus brings the inbreaking Kingdom of God (1:14-15, 1:21-34). Mark describes Jesus Christ, the Son of God, inbreaking into history. His arrival creates a sense of crisis as He ruptures the status quo. “Gospel” or “Good News” means history-making, life-shaping news, not daily news, and calls for decisive action (note the use of “immediately” in Mark). Jesus embodies God’s Kingdom right to rule. So His arrival launches God’s restoration plan for all that was lost in Genesis 3. Jesus walked through life all-in with His Father and the Spirit (Acts 10:36-38). He drew people to Him as He patiently shared His Father’s words and demonstrated their authenticity with works of compassion and power. Jesus’ Kingship calls each of us to live all-in to His loving sovereignty, and the Father sends us just as He sent His Son (John 17:18; 20:21).

3. Jesus establishes His new Family of God (1:16-20). Jesus ushers us into His new creation Family, available for all who give ourselves fully to Jesus. This restores relationship with the Father. Then He trains up His band of brothers as His new Family (3:33-35) to follow Him in the “Family business” of winning and multiplying disciples, or followers (1:16-20; see also chapter 2 for the same themes). Jesus “focuses on the few to reach the many,” with the world always on His heart.

4. Jesus draws strength from time with His Father (1:35-37). Like Jesus, our true Source of love and power is intimacy fostered through leisurely time alone with the Father with “one foot raised” for action. Jesus retreated to prayer with His Father to prepare for more action, drawn into a rhythm of life determined by being in the Father’s presence.

This is Reflection #38 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com

Natural Adult Learning

Research points to at least four key factors releasing inner motivation in adult learners. The catalytic interconnection of all four accelerates learning and inspires Christians to become lifelong life-learners.

1. Relevance: Demonstrating value by relating learning to life: This desire to find meaning is fundamental to all humanity. In particular, adult learners dislike busywork. Propel learning out of the formal setting into our real-life experience, connecting truth with daily life. Jesus’ whole world was a learning laboratory. We cannot respond to life and remain unchanged. Adults possess a strong need to shape the course of our lives in relevant ways. Bringing these experiences back to debrief in group releases life and learning in us and in others. Such an environment where meaning-making promiscuously roams about births surprising changes.

2. Joy & Fun: Nurturing positive attitudes towards learning: Our attitude predisposes us in a certain direction, positively or negatively. Particularly since many western Christians have negative past experiences with learning, positive, realistic expectations are essential at the beginning. Encourage in one another a favorable outlook towards learning. This often comes as a playful sense of joy and expectancy is re-introduced. Provide a basis for hope. This perspective engages their will to take ownership, a key to learning, releasing pleasure…and fun!

3. Belonging: Connecting with each other accelerates growth: God designed us as social beings. On the horizontal plane, perhaps nothing is quite as powerful as community. Creating a safe environment of mutual cooperation in which we all feel respected and valued develops a relaxed, stimulating place to learn. As mutually-accepting, encircling partners, we care as much about the learning of our peers as we do about our own. This fluid, playful, inclusive collaboration with one another develops a different relationship with discovery, frees us to tell our 1^st-person stories, enhances retention, opens up rich possibilities for relevant action, and maximizes growth as we become influence-able influencers.

4. Competence: Experiencing growing competence in skills, values, and/or character powerfully motivates learning: As image-bearers, God created us to rule (Genesis 1:26-28). We explore and perceive, evaluate and change our surroundings like a thermostat, not a thermometer that only measures the surrounding environment. Growing competence taps into our God-given yearning to promote positive effects and to experience significance. Success to learn something useful cultivates expectancy for continued success. So early-on in the process, encourage incremental, easy-to-learn, “quick-hits” success. Success begets success.

This is Reflection #37 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com