Preparing the Soil

For the past 7 years Southern Ca (and most of the entire state) has been in a very bad drought. I have seen many brownish, golden hills since moving here 13 years ago, until just recently that is.
We had some glorious rains bless our dry thirsty soils here resulting in some outstanding super blooms, lush green grassy hills, vibrant and rich mountains and fragrant new blooms everywhere you go.
One thing I have learned from witnessing this recent change in the agriculture is about planting, growing and crops. I have learned that planting new seeds sometimes take time, patience after uprooting the old dead plants, flowers and shrubs that didn't make it from the heavy rains.
The ground and the soil was hardened and non-absorbent to see plants grow.
The seeds are the same seeds before you try to plant them. Some soil is not ready, the long dry drought has made it impossible to fertilize it, even if there is now new amazing glorious foliage it is still not prepared for planting.

Just like the word of God and people. Sometimes there is so much bitterness and anger and unforgiving heart in someones life and heart that even the most prepared Pastor or teacher and person that comes along to share it with them, they are hardened just like the hardened ground to plant new seeds.
We need to pray for hardened hearts, and minds to be softened for the word to infiltrate them where they are. No one can force someone to change, we have to pray for the Holy Spirit to change and prepare them to hear the word and to accept his love and forgiveness.

Psalm 139:23
"Search me oh God and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be 

any hurtful way in me and lead me into the everlasting way"

A Tree and Its Fruit Luke 6:43-45 

 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,  for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, or out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.