Where did you find hope this week? Or how was your hope challenged this week?

 

Read Mark 4:1-20.  What stands out to you about the passage?  What questions do you have about this passage? Why are stories powerful ways of communicating truth? What does Jesus mean in verses 10-12? 

 

Where have you seen someone with a path-like heart?  When was a time that you had a rock-like heart?  What thorn-like desires are your friends or neighbours susceptible to?

 

How do you assess your own heart?

  • Q: I What false belief or subtle lie has hardened me to God’s truth, even while I still consider myself spiritual or sincere?
  • Q: Do I only follow Jesus when it’s easy or affirming, but quietly withdraw when life gets hard, uncomfortable, or costly?
  • Q: What desire, anxiety, or pursuit is competing most with Jesus’ voice in my life right now, and slowly choking out spiritual growth?

 

Jesus says that the ARABLE soil hears the word, welcomes its truth and results in fruit. How have you seen that process in your own life?  What do you need to change in order to cultivate a healthy heart?

 

Where has God planted you to bring goodness, the fruitfulness of the TRUTH being lived out?  How can you pray for the hearts of those in your life that the seed would be planted in them to bring about new life?