Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35
Matthew 13:20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
This parable has been on my mind since the youth group retreat. It was briefly mentioned by the speaker at one point but knowing the impact that retreat has on the kids I want to help the kids to understand this parable praying that it will help them to be aware of the importance of taking care of their soil. This is the first time that while reading this I am thinking that once we accept Christ we can decide to cultivate the soil of our hearts so that we can produce a crop. Good soil is nourished and tended and aerated and whatever else it is you do to make soil good. We too can tend to the soil of our hearts. By reading the word of God, praying which means talking and listening, and spending time with other believers. What is the condition of your soil. Do you need to nourish and nurture it with the truth of Christ?
Lord may their soil be good soil that them may produce a crop "...a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown....”
22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
This verse hit me differently today, as I continue to struggle with the worries of this life. Waiting for answers and healing on some physical. issues continues to weigh on my heart and my mental health. I pray the Lord, the ultimate sower of seeds picks me up and plants me in the good soil of His grace. That I can find refuge in his word, I pray for nurturing, weeding and aeration of the soil I find myself in to be like the seed in the verse below.