I’m not a gardener. In fact, I don’t even enjoy it. 

But somehow—by the grace of God and the occasional watering (did you know ice cubes will melt and water a plant?!) Dusty and I have managed to keep one plant alive for almost 20 years. We got it when JJ was born, and it’s still hanging on! 

That said, I recently fell for a TikTok influencer’s marketing and bought some incredibly realistic fake flowers to spruce up the lone flowerpot on my porch. We’ll see if it gives off “green thumb” vibes or just confirms what we already know – anyone that really knows me, will know those flowers are as fake  as Hannalee’s eyelashes! 🙂 

So when I read the parable of the sower in Luke 8, I relate more to the soil than the Sower.  The seed fell on the path but was trampled; it fell on the rock, and it withered; in the thorns, and it was choked out; in the good soil and it grew and yielded 100 fold! 

Jesus isn’t giving a lesson in agriculture here.  He’s inviting us to check the condition of our hearts. Hard, shallow, distracted, or deeply rooted—our response to God’s Word depends on what’s happening beneath the surface. 

Whether you’re thriving in the faith or feel spiritually dried out, this passage reminds us: growth starts in the heart. Let’s ask God to prepare our soil today—so His Word takes root and produces a harvest that lasts. 

S– the seed is the Word of God (v. 11-12)

O – on the rock but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts and they may not believe and be saved (v. 13).

I– in the thorns where they hear the words, receive it with joy! But these have no root and in a time of testing, they fall away (v. 14)

L– left in the good soil, they hear the word, hold fast in a honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience (v. 15)

Reflection Question:
Which type of soil most reflects your heart today—and what’s one way you can prepare it to receive God’s Word more fully?

Prayer Bite:
Lord, make my heart good soil—ready to hear, hold, and live out Your Word. Pull out the thorns, break up the hard spots, and help me grow deep roots in You. Amen.