Thorns and weeds choke healthy plants so that they die early. The seeds may be from perfectly healthy plants. Their genetics are stellar. If planted in the right soil, watered and nourished, they would become strong green plants yielding a crop for those who cultivate it. But the weeds kill the plant while it is still young.
The same is true about the Word of God. We can hear the truth, may even consider the truth and say we believe it. But if the worries of the world are allowed to control our thoughts and if the desire for wealth and success manipulate our lives, then the Word which we have been taught will be choked out of our lives and our spirits will die.
It is natural to be tempted by this world, to feel overwhelmed by experiences in life. But when this happens, we must run to our Father and purposely decide to put our trust in him.
Only then will our spirits remain alive.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Missing Roots
Some plants can be set in a glass of water and roots will form. The plant can then be placed in soil and grow into a mature tree, bush or flower. But if you break off a branch of a bush, place it directly into the ground it will wither in a matter of days, all of its leaves turn a crispy brown.
Jesus said that is how some people are who get excited about the word of God, yet do not have any roots in themselves (Mathew 13:20-21). As long as things are going well, the individual is happy and rejoicing, saying all the right words and singing all the right songs. But when persecution comes or things get difficult, the joy comes to a sudden end. The individual moves on to the next exciting fad and disappears.
Jesus’ point is that we must allow the Word of God to take root in our lives. This happens when we put into practice what we have learned, when we continue to trust God when things get rough.
Jesus said that is how some people are who get excited about the word of God, yet do not have any roots in themselves (Mathew 13:20-21). As long as things are going well, the individual is happy and rejoicing, saying all the right words and singing all the right songs. But when persecution comes or things get difficult, the joy comes to a sudden end. The individual moves on to the next exciting fad and disappears.
Jesus’ point is that we must allow the Word of God to take root in our lives. This happens when we put into practice what we have learned, when we continue to trust God when things get rough.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Understanding What We Hear
It is extremely important that we understand what we are hearing when someone tells us God’s word. Jesus said if we do not understand the word given to us, the enemy of our soul will snatch it away from us (Mathew 13:18). We cannot afford to accept what we are taught without investigating its full meaning. If we rely solely on others we will not be subjecting ourselves to God, but to people’s opinions based on their experiences.
When someone gives you direction and you feel strongly what they are telling you is wrong, don’t ignore those red flags. Take the time to research scripture on the subject. Read other people’s insights. Jesus promised he would give us wisdom and teach us the truth and guide us individually.
Be cautious about following someone else’s advice over what you believe to the correct decision.
When someone gives you direction and you feel strongly what they are telling you is wrong, don’t ignore those red flags. Take the time to research scripture on the subject. Read other people’s insights. Jesus promised he would give us wisdom and teach us the truth and guide us individually.
Be cautious about following someone else’s advice over what you believe to the correct decision.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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