SUMMER TIME BIBLE REFLECTION
CCQF
: Shining the Light of Christ’s Love through Spiritual Growth
Please read this selection from
scripture (Luke 8:4-8, 11-15) Note: We
are not reading this material to learn “head knowledge” , but to learn “heart Knowledge.” How does this passage speak to me about my
life?
4-8 As they went from
town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. Jesus addressed
them, using this story: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on
the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the
gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed
fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in
rich earth and produced a bumper crop.
“This story is about people. The seed is the
Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner
do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and
be saved.
13 “The seeds in the
gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very
deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone.
14 “And the seed that
fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is
crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about
tomorrow, making money, and having fun.
15 “But the seed in the
good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter
what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.
Reflect
upon your Life in Light of this reading.
1.
As you read the description of the 4 soils in this passage, what
was your first impression?
(Check on ore more)
___This sounds life advice for a
gardening handbook.
___Oh, no, this is going to be another
boring Bible study.
____What is Jesus trying to say?
_____I wonder which soil represents
my life?
2.
Looking back over your life, to a time when your spiritual life was
not fruitful, what was the main reason? (Choose 1 or 2):
____I had many problems.
____I did not know of Jesus’ love
for me.
____My priorities were messed up.
____ I did not have a supportive
Christian church family.
____ I was living my life MY WAY
_____Other:_______________________________________________
3.
Comparing yourself to a garden , what was the main factor in your
life which produced the best crop in your life 9or the best times of your
life?)
____I sought God’s will
____I had my priorities in order
____I had fewer distractions in
life
____I had Christian friendships
(like a Small group, etc), which supported me.
____My family was very
supportive.
____I had a stronger prayer life
and/or read the bible more.
____ Other:
_________________________________________
(over)
-2-
4.What do
you have now which gives “depth to your
soil” and nurtures your personal growth (Choose
as many as apply).
___Christian
family/parents/ spouse
___Other
Christians in your life, such as friends who’s faith you admire
___You
participate in Small group Bible studies at church or in the community.
___Personal
times of prayer and/or bible reading
___Christian
music
___Attend
church on a regular basis
___Books
you have read
___Counseling
with the pastor
___Church
activities
___Other:__________________________________________________________
5.
What are the “thorns” and “rocks” in your life which run you down
by choking out your spiritual growth?
_____PRESSURE from family and/or
friends and/or peers
_____Too much time watching TV or
on the internet
_____Worries about money
_____Lack of commitment or
discipline
_____Laziness or apathy
_____ Sports/hobbies, etc.
_____Suffering that makes it hard
to believe in God?
_____ Sexual temptations
______Over scheduled/ too much to
do
_____Parties/drugs/ alcohol
_____Worries about the future
6.
How would you describe the “ root system” of your spiritual life
right now?
____Pretty shallow ____Growing ____Strong & deep ____really dry
7.
Identify one or two thing(s) that you can choose to (from the items listed
in question #4) to enrich your spiritual life and live the fuller, more
balanced life that Jesus wants you to live?
__________________________________________________________________________
Note: Should you wish
to speak with Fr. John about this prayer exercise, please let him know. He is your full time rector. Make use of him. Call 203-888-4936
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