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In The Garden...Soil Test

We got a letter informing us our yard service provider is no longer offering those services.  We solicited recommendations and got multiple suggestions.  After a lengthy process of elimination, we finally settled on two.  One for weekly mowing and edging.  Another for maintaining the long-term health of our lawn.


Our new provider told us they always do a soil test.  I googled soil.  No surprises there; plants need good soil! The soil needs to be rich in nutrients, have the right pH balance, and drain properly.  If there is a problem with the soil, there will be a problem with the plant. 

Jesus compared hearts to soil in the parable of the sower.  Good seed cannot grow in bad soil.  God gives us a fresh new heart when we choose to believe Jesus for our salvation and make Jesus LORD (boss) of our lives.  Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to help us take care of our new heart.  The Holy Spirit helps us guard against and recognize anything harmful to healthy heart growth.

The Living Water (Jesus) flushes out any contaminates we expose our hearts to throughout our days.  His promise to forgive us and cleanse us is a promise filled with hope.  When our enemy whispers accusations of failure and despair into our hearts, God’s promise is assurance the relationship is not lost.  Assurance our lives are still connected to the One who gives us life, but never a reason to keep on sinning! 


The results of our test, along with a letter and a third-party soil analysis came earlier this week.  Our soil is healthy.  In fact, the letter stated, "it’s pretty rare that I have a report come back to where we don’t need to add anything.  It’s pretty refreshing to be honest."  

 God is the Tester of hearts, and I desperately want the soil of my heart to be found good.  Therefore, I will pray with David: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts.  Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.  [Psalm 139:23-24 (TLB)] Amen!

But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
Luke 8:15 (NASB)

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9 (NASB)

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