PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 8:11-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart.” (Luke 8:15)
We live in a time when the Jesus message is easily accessed.
We can read it or hear it in a variety of ways, and many do!
Jesus raises the question of what we do with what we receive.
As we read the bible or hear a message, do we take in what we hear?
Are our hearts good and noble, that is, healthy and sincere?
There is always a message to hear and apply, though it takes effort.
When we persevere in putting it into practice, there will be results.
Satan knows this and strives to keep us from doing that.
Of the four seeds mentioned, only one (1/4) actually retains it.
Does this indicate how many people actually take Jesus seriously?
Half of the seed hear and receive it but ‘stuff’ gets in the way.
Am I like seed 2 or 3, accepting the message, not not growing with it?
What does how I hear or read Jesus’s message say about my heart?
What crop will come from my reading these words from Jesus today?
PRAYER
Lord, the seed of your message wants to grow deeper and stronger in me. Is the soil of my heart open and ready to go deeper, to grow strong in you?
As an Agronomist by training, I totally love Jesus’ parable – and I get it. I’m about producing fruit – trying to get the ‘word’ out – but I have to honestly say, sometimes anxiety about things in the World to get to me – they are distracting. I can lose sleep over it. But my desire is full commitment in whatever I do to represent my Saviour – to bring the kingdom of God near. HS help me be the kind of witness that helps people to see Jesus! Help me to grow – firmly rooted in your will!
Hearing the Word also means doing the Word. The Word needs application and growth in my life. I may not remember all I have heard over the years but I have applied that Word in my living for Jesus, although imperfectly. Today is another day to serve my Master, walking and working in His power. Others need to see Christ in me by my words and deeds. I am His follower apply His Word to my life and digging deeper in that word by my devotions and men’s study group. His Word is my guide in my living for Jesus producing good fruit.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.