Being Intentional

Scripture: “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus paints a vivid picture of how people respond to God’s Word. Some hear it but never let it sink in. Others get excited at first but quickly fall away when hardship or temptation comes. Still others allow the worries and pleasures of life to choke out the truth before it can take root.

But then there is the good soil. The heart that welcomes the Word, nurtures it, and produces lasting fruit.

Faith-based recovery is much like this. Many hear the message of freedom through Christ. Some respond emotionally but don’t press through the withdrawal, pain, or spiritual battles. Others begin well but become distracted or discouraged by the cares of life: bills, broken relationships, temptation, old friends, or the fear of change.

True recovery that is lasting leads to Christ-centered freedom. This freedom only happens when your heart and flesh remains in good soil.

Good soil doesn’t just happen. It must be cultivated intentionally, day after day, moment by moment. It means:

• Guarding your heart against bitterness, temptation, and discouragement.
• Watering your spirit with Scripture, prayer, and worship.
• Removing the “weeds” defined as lies, distractions, and compromises that threaten to choke your growth.
• Persevering through the dry seasons, trusting God to bring the harvest.

Jesus never promised that the road would be easy. But He did promise that the one who holds onto His Word and endures will bear much fruit… not only for themselves but also for others.

Christian faith based Biblical Recovery isn’t simply about not using substances anymore. It’s about becoming deeply rooted in Christ, bearing the fruit of love, patience, peace, faithfulness, and self-control. It’s about being transformed into someone who shows the power of God’s kingdom in their everyday life.

Reflection: Faith is not proven by a one-time prayer to “receive” Jesus… that isn’t even in the Bible. Faith is proven by believing that Jesus our Messiah came to this earth as a baby… taught us the Gospel… hung on the cross to shed his BLOOD so that we can be forgiven of your sins… then arose from the dead 3 days later and then ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us when we end our time here on earth. Our lives must be lived intentionally by following Jesus every moment of every day and living according to His commandments. This is a life that endures, grows, and bears fruit. John 14:15 clearly says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

The Word of God is the seed. Your heart is the soil. The question is: What kind of soil are you choosing to be today?

Coaching Questions:

1. When you first heard God’s call to begin your recovery, how did you respond? Was it shallow excitement, fear, or a deep surrender?
2. What “rocks” (obstacles) or “thorns” (distractions) are currently threatening your spiritual growth?
3. What habits are you building daily to cultivate good soil in your heart (flesh)?
4. How do you react when trials come… do you press deeper into God, or do you pull away?
5. In what areas of your life are you starting to see fruit?
6. Where do you still need to trust God for more growth?
7. If you pictured your heart today as soil, what condition would it be in… hardened, rocky, thorny, or good?
8. What is one step you can take today to make your heart better soil for God’s Word?

Prayer: Abba Father, please make my heart to be in good, fertile soil. Pull up the weeds of fear, doubt, and distraction. Break up the hard places in me. Root Your Word deeply in my soul, so that I will not only be free but will also bear fruit for Your kingdom. Teach me to endure, to trust, and to grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a blessed rest of your day as you focus on being intentional with Jesus to create your freedom!