Nate Stevens shares with us,
"I planted a beautiful Japanese
maple tree in my backyard.

Its deep red foliage cast a lovely contrast over the surrounding greenery bordering my deck.

I was so pleased with myself! Then it died – not immediately, but slowly.

Over time, I watched as the leaves curled and fell soundlessly to the ground.

I suspect the hard South Carolina clay wasn’t prepared enough to provide the necessary sustenance.

Scripture portrays "fallow" ground as barren and hard. If a good harvest is expected, simply sprinkling seeds on top of fallow ground won’t yield much as they don’t get enough nutrients and moisture to grow.

For this reason a farmer must plow (break up and soften) the ground to prepare it for the seed. This way, the seed is properly planted for growth and an abundant harvest.

The spiritual application equates “fallow” ground with a hard, cold, and unyielding heart.

Sprinkling a few Scripture verses on it has very little spiritual impact. The “seed” has nothing from which to grow – it usually withers and is no longer remembered.

The heart must first be softened in order to adequately receive the seed for it to take root, have a definite impact, and yield the desired spiritual result.

How are hardened hearts softened?

Using the farming example, it takes a plow made of a harder substance than the barren, rocky soil to break it up.

With people, God uses difficult times to soften hearts.

Losing a job, unexpected health issues, the death of a loved one, a tragic accident – such storms of life serve as 'heart softeners.'

Though meant to prepare our hearts for God’s Word, sometimes our stubbornness results in hearts that grow harder.

The outcome is either greater difficulties or God granting the freewill choice to remain hard, cold, and fruitless.

Recall Jesus’ parable about the sower and the seed.

The seed fell on various types of soil. The rocky, barren, thorny soil didn’t produce the desired harvest.

However, the good, softened soil produced in abundance.

Soften your heart to Scripture, the Holy Spirit’s moving, and God’s direction in your life. Let God make you right for sowing."

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD." Hosea 10:12 NKJV

Cultivated soil yields in abundance

Softened Hearts - Nate Stevens May 23, 2013

As a missionary kid who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a thirty-year banking career in a variety of leadership roles.

Recently, God made it clear Nate should use his writing talents for God’s kingdom.

He has written online devotionals for his home church (Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC) for the past two years.

His first book, Matched 4 Marriage – Meant 4 Life
www.natestevens.net was recently published and released.

God is opening doors for speaking engagements at conferences, seminars, and churches for singles, young adults, young marrieds, and youth.

Nate received his MBA from Liberty University. He currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is an active dad with his two awesome kids, Melissa and Mitchell. Read Nate’s devotions.

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Let’s pray:

Father, I ask that I will submit to Your working in my heart, to soften me to obey
Your leading.

I don't want to have to go through difficult times to learn that, if it is at all possible.

May I be a good example of grace working in me, to make my heart soft and pliable, to be quick to obey Your Word.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 119:73 "They hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."

Today’s quote: Marvin Williams – “Jesus transforms us spiritually and reproduces His life in us – as we abide in Him.”