Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

70 | Faithful Soil: Will All Christians Reap the Benefits of Heavenly Treasures?

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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What are you investing in that will last forever? While the world fixates on material possessions that rust and fade, Jesus offers a profound alternative path – storing up treasures in heaven through acts of faith, love, and obedience that create an eternal legacy.

This episode dives deep into Jesus's timeless parables, particularly the Parable of the Sower, which challenges us to examine our heart's receptivity to God's word. Are you the path where truth gets snatched away before taking root? The rocky ground showing initial excitement but lacking depth? The thorny soil where worldly concerns choke spiritual growth? Or the good soil that produces abundant fruit?

The key to cultivating good soil lies in intentional spiritual practices. We explore how prayer connects us directly to God, Scripture meditation reshapes our thinking, fellowship provides encouragement, and obedience demonstrates our love for God. These practices don't happen automatically – they require deliberate choices in a world filled with distractions and competing priorities.

Through honest self-examination and community support, we can identify and overcome barriers to spiritual growth: confronting sinful habits, setting boundaries with technology, prioritizing spiritual disciplines, embracing accountability, and serving others. Each choice to invest in heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones builds a legacy that transcends our limited time on earth.

Ready to deepen your faith and nurture spiritual growth? Schedule your Aroma of Christ coaching hour today at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching and discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that transforms your quiet time from routine to joyful journey.

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Paula Behrens:

Welcome to today's show, where we will delve into the profound teachings of Jesus and explore the timeless parables that challenge and inspire us to live lives full of purpose and eternal significance. As we contemplate the treasures we are storing up in heaven, let us consider how each act of faith and love contributes to a legacy that transcends this earthly life. Join me now as we uncover the deeper meaning behind two of Jesus' powerful parables and discover how we can ensure that we are indeed among those who will reap the joy produced by these everlasting treasures.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula, and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized, but, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes. I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you ready to infuse your spiritual journey with a peace-filled confidence? I'd like to invite you to prayerfully consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ coaching hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule and learn tried and true strategies to experience your quiet time with God not just as a routine, but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

In Matthew, chapter 6, verse 20, Jesus encourages us to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal. This is a reminder that everything we do in this life, every good thing that brings glory to God in this life, is never wasted. Instead, it is preserved for us in heaven. Consider the immense value of a treasure that cannot rust, be stolen or ruined. This heavenly treasure is not composed of worldly wealth or material possessions, but of the good works we accomplish through faith, acts of love, kindness and compassion, that reflect God's heart. Each time we serve our neighbor, share the Gospel or live in obedience to God's Word, we are adding to this treasure trove. These treasures are not only our gifts to God. They are also blessings that are destined to bring us joy when we are finally in his eternal presence. Imagine standing before the Lord and seeing the impact of your faith-filled life, realizing that every prayer, every sacrifice, every gesture of love mattered and will be cherished for eternity. Let us be encouraged that no act is too small when it is done for the glory of God. All these deeds are of infinite worth in the eyes of our heavenly Father, and he is holding them in a safe place until we are each called to our heavenly eternal home. Will you be among those to enjoy these great treasures? I hope so. With that thought in mind, let's explore another parable of Jesus that will help us to determine whether we will be among those or not.

Paula Behrens:

The parable of the sower, as recounted in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8, is one of Jesus' most well-known parables. In this story, Jesus uses the metaphor of a sower scattering seeds on different types of soil to illustrate how people receive and respond to the message of the Kingdom of God. The sower represents God or those who share the message of the Gospel. The seed symbolizes the Word of God, the message of the Kingdom of God or the Gospel itself. And the soil represents the condition of the human heart or the receptiveness of people to God's Word.

Paula Behrens:

And then there are different types of soil. The path, or the hard ground, symbolizes those who hear the word but do not understand it. Their hearts are hardened like a path, making it easy for Satan to snatch away the message before it can even take root. These are people who are indifferent or resistant to the Gospel.

Paula Behrens:

The rocky ground represents those who initially received the word with joy but have no depth of character. They lack spiritual roots, so when trials or persecutions arise because of the word, they quickly fall away. These are the people who have a superficial or emotional response to the Gospel, but lack true commitment.

Paula Behrens:

The thorny ground symbolizes those who hear the word but allow the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things to choke out the message. Their hearts are preoccupied with worldly concerns, leaving little room for spiritual growth. These are people whose lives are dominated by materialism, worries, and distractions which hinder their response to the Gospel.

Paula Behrens:

The good soil represents those who hear the word, understand it and produce a fruitful response. Their hearts are receptive and open to God's Word, allowing it to take fruit deeply and bear fruit in their lives. These are people who respond to the Gospel with genuine faith, resulting in transformed lives and abundant spiritual fruitfulness. This is who we want to be.

Paula Behrens:

As a believer it's crucial for you to regularly examine the condition of your heart in relation to God's Word. The parable prompts you to ask yourself, am I truly receptive to God's Word, or are there barriers hindering its growth in my life? This introspection requires honesty and humility as you assess whether your heart is open and responsive, hardened and resistant, or somewhere in between towards God's Word. Now, I know this is probably a challenge to you. It is to me, but it's so important to examine our hearts each and every day. Are you allowing God's Word to penetrate deeply into your heart, taking root and producing fruit, or are you hindered by hardness, shallowness or distractions? This self-assessment encourages you to acknowledge areas where you may be lacking in spiritual depth or where worldly concerns may be choking your spiritual growth. The parable reminds us of the importance of cultivating a receptive heart through intentional spiritual disciplines. Okay, so how do we do that? Well, there are four major things you can do daily to cultivate a receptive heart. Here they are.

Paula Behrens:

Prayer. As a direct line of communication to God, prayer allows you to align your heart with his will and seek his guidance in understanding and applying his Word.

Paula Behrens:

And then there's meditation, on scripture especially, which involves immersing yourself in God's Word allowing it to dwell richly in you and shape your thoughts, attitudes and actions.

Paula Behrens:

Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, as well as accountability and support in your spiritual journey. Through meaningful relationships within the body of Christ, you can share insights, experiences and challenges, spurring one another on towards spiritual growth. This is where your Sunday morning worship comes in and is so very important to worship the Lord together.

Paula Behrens:

And, of course, obedience to God's Word is a vital part of cultivating a receptive heart. It involves not only hearing or reading the Word but also actively applying it to your life. Obedience demonstrates your love for God and your desire to align your life with his purposes, resulting in spiritual transformation and fruitfulness. Are you ready to delve into key areas you can focus on to nurture a life that bears abundant spiritual fruit?

Paula Behrens:

Let's begin with understanding and confronting sinful habits. Sin acts as a barrier that separates us from God, inhibiting our spiritual growth. It's like a weed in the garden of our soul, choking off nourishment and light, whether it's pride, greed, lust, anger or any other sinful behavior, confronting and overcoming these habits is crucial for our spiritual well-being. This process starts with honest self-reflection. It requires taking a hard look at ourselves in the light of God's truth and acknowledging where we've strayed from his path. It's about asking God for the courage to see our shortcomings without defensiveness or denial. Confession then follows, a sincere admission to God of where we have fallen short, coupled with repentance, which involves turning away from sin and choosing a new direction aligned with God's will.

Paula Behrens:

Yet this isn't a battle we fight alone. We rely deeply on God's grace for transformation. It is his power that enables us to overcome, to resist the hold of temptation and to walk in newness of life. By actively seeking to root out sin from our lives, we create space for the Holy Spirit to operate, shaping us into vessels of righteousness.

Paula Behrens:

Our next focus is on overcoming distractions, a significant challenge in today's fast-paced world for sure. Distractions abound, pulling our attention away from God and his Word. Whether it's the endless buzz of technology, worldly pursuits or the cares of life, these distractions can significantly hinder our spiritual growth. To overcome distractions, we must be intentional in our efforts. This might mean setting boundaries with technology, possibly having specific times when you unplug from devices or engage in quiet reflection and prayer. Prioritizing time for prayer and Bible study is crucial. I recommend starting or ending your day with these enriching practices, using calming essential oils to anchor your daily routine with a spiritual focus. Incorporating Young Living aromas has been incredibly beneficial for me in cultivating a deeper sense of peace and purpose throughout my days.

Paula Behrens:

Another effective strategy is developing a mindset centered on mindfulness and presence. This means choosing to be fully focused on where God has placed you, attentive to his presence in each and every moment. As you master the discipline of quieting the noise of the world, your heart will become more receptive to Jesus' leading and guidance.

Paula Behrens:

Now let's discuss the importance of prioritizing spiritual disciplines. Our spiritual growth flourishes in the soil of consistent practices like prayer, meditation on scripture, worship, fasting, fellowship with other believers and serving others. These are essential practices, nourishing our souls and deepening our relationship with God. In the busyness of life, however, these disciplines often get sidetracked. Prioritizing them requires intentional commitment and sacrifice. It involves carving out dedicated time in your schedule for communion with God, even when it feels inconvenient or challenging. Think of it as making an investment in your spiritual health, a choice to put your spiritual needs on par with, or even above, other life pursuits. As you engage consistently in spiritual disciplines, you open yourself to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. It's in this inner space of regular communion with God that the Spirit molds you into Christ likeness, shaping your character, fortifying your faith and equipping you to bear much fruit that glorifies God.

Paula Behrens:

Additionally, embracing community and accountability is a powerful mechanism for overcoming barriers to spiritual growth. You know we were never meant to walk this spiritual journey alone. Being part of a community of like-minded believers offers support, encouragement and accountability, helping us to stay on the right path, the path of spiritual growth. Accountability involves inviting others to walk with us, to speak into our lives with truth and love, helping us to confront areas where we might be slipping into old sinful patterns. It provides a supportive framework where confession, encouragement and counsel can take place, a true embodiment of iron sharpening iron. Regular fellowship with other believers, whether through church services, small groups or informal gatherings, enriches our faith journey. It reminds us of our shared purpose and strengthens our resolve by providing mutual support and understanding, making the path of spiritual growth less daunting and more fulfilling.

Paula Behrens:

Lastly, let's talk about embracing a life of service. Serving others is not just a commendable act. It's a vital component of spiritual growth. When we look beyond our own needs and seek to meet the needs of others, we become conduits of God's love and grace. Service can be a humbling experience that strips us of our self-centeredness and reminds us of the greater purpose we serve. It teaches us compassion, patience and love, reflecting the very nature of Christ himself.

Paula Behrens:

Through the acts of service, whether small or large, we engage with the heart of God, fostering a spiritual growth that will ripple outward to affect the community around us. By integrating these elements into our lives, we create an environment where spiritual growth can flourish, much like a well-tended garden. This journey requires commitment, patience and the understanding that growth involves sometimes uncomfortable change and struggles. However, it leads to a life overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, fruit that not only bless our lives but touch the lives of those around us.

Paula Behrens:

In conclusion, recognizing and addressing barriers to our spiritual growth is an ongoing process. It's a journey. Just as a farmer must continually tend his fields, removing weeds and fertilizing soil, we too must consistently evaluate our lives, addressing anything that threatens to impede our spiritual maturity and fruitfulness. As we confront sinful habits, overcome distractions, prioritize spiritual disciplines, embrace community and accountability, and engage in service, we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate within us a life that bears much fruit, all to the glory of God. Remember, the path to spiritual growth is deeply personal and unique. So listen to the gentle promptings of the Spirit and trust that, with time and devotion, you will indeed bear much fruit.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, prayerfully, consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ coaching hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule and learn tried and true strategies to experience your quiet time with God, not just as a routine but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at PaulaBehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens, B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into him and walking in his wisdom. See you next time.