Planting Seeds
Seeds are important,but it is vital when planting to ensure that not only the seed is good but the soil is good as well. Check back here as we will discuss a variety of thoughts and topics, essentially, planting seeds in our lives that we can help nurture into good fruit.
Mark 4:14-20 The sower sows the word. (15) And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. (16) And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. (17) And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. (18) And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, (19) but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (20) But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
Preparing Our Hearts for the Outpouring on Shavuot
by Dr. David E. Jones PhD on May 17, 2023Preparing Our Hearts for the Outpouring on Shavuot
Shavuot holds great importance for those who seek to live in the Word of Yahweh by His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Drawing parallels from Israel's journey out of Egypt and the pouring out of the Spirit in Acts chapter 2, we can understand the significance of preparing our hearts to receive Yahweh's instructions. Walking in the Spirit enables us to walk in Yahweh's ways, experiencing His power and sharing His heart with others.
In the Exodus narrative, Israel was redeemed from slavery in Egypt. Following their deliverance, they underwent a symbolic act of purification by passing through the waters of the Red Sea. This experience served as a mikveh or baptism, signifying a new beginning and a separation from their former lives. Similarly, as believers, we have been redeemed through Yeshua, and baptism represents our identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, marking our new life in Him.
After crossing the Red Sea, Israel approached Mount Sinai, where Yahweh instructed them in His ways. This was a pivotal moment as they gathered at the foot of the mountain, ready to receive His commandments and teachings. In the same way, during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2, people were equipped for their journey through life. The Spirit empowers us to understand and walk in Yahweh's instructions, ensuring that we live according to His will and bring His light to the world.
Walking in the Spirit is not merely about performing signs, wonders, and miracles, although they can be a manifestation of His power. Yeshua emphasized that true discipleship involves keeping His commandments out of love for Him. When we walk in the Spirit, we align our lives with Yahweh's ways and share His heart with others. This includes demonstrating compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. Walking in the Spirit is an ongoing journey of transformation, guided by the Ruach HaKodesh, and allowing Yahweh to break any chains of oppression we encounter.
Preparing our hearts to receive the Word of Yahweh by His Ruach HaKodesh on Shavuot is of utmost importance. Through redemption, baptism, and an open heart to Yahweh's instructions, we are equipped to walk in His Spirit. As we keep His commandments and share His heart with others, we experience His power, witness signs, and wonders, and participate in His transformative work. Let us eagerly anticipate Shavuot as a time of spiritual renewal and empowerment to fulfill Yahweh's purpose in our lives.
