Good morning! Today begins our journey through Matthew chapter 13 – the parables. I enjoy reading through the parables they are so insightful. Enjoy!

Bible Verse – Matthew 13:1-9 NLT 
“¹ Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. ² A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. ³ He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. ⁴ As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. ⁵ Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. ⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. ⁸ Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! ⁹ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Reflection
The word “parable” comes from two Greek words ‘para and ballõ’ which together means to throw alongside.

Here we read Jesus’ earthly ministry was growing and he was teaching more than the disciples. As Jesus began to unfold the parable we read there were four types of seeds:

• seeds that fell on a footpath (v.4)

• seeds that fell on shallow soil with underlying rock  (v.5)

• seeds that fell among thorns (v.7)

• seeds that fell on fertile soil (v.8)

The seeds represent the word of God. When it was shared with others the end result was different each time.

Question to Ponder:
When you read or hear the word of God, which seed best represents where you are today? ______
Which seed do you desire to be? _______

Sisters and brothers, don’t be discouraged by the outcome of scattering seeds (sharing the word of God). No matter where the seed may fall, continue to share the gospel message with others.

Prayer
Father God, your word is true. Lord, thank you for ears to hear. Lord, help us to obedient and listen to your word. Lord, touch our hearts and our minds to understand what you are teaching us through these parables. Lord, may your perfect peace be with us as we surrender our own will and lives to you.  Lord, we want to be like the seeds that fell on fertile soil. Lord, we want to glorify your name. Lord, keep us planted in good soil. Lord, lead us and nurture us as you stretch our faith. Lord, as you whisper to us, Lord don’t let us be fearful of your call. Lord, let us be like Samuel when he said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”(1 Samuel 3:10 NIV). Lord, we need your guidance and direction like never before, teach us your ways and lead us in the way you should have us go. Lord, don’t let us be distracted by the schemes of evil people. Lord, you have power and authority over all of them and everything – so teach us how to remain humble servants and in prayer for our nation, our families, our friends & neighbors, our co-workers and brothers & sisters in the faith. Lord, may we not be a house divided but one’s whose foundation is built on the Lord. Lord, we trust you and we surrender our day to you. Your will be done. In Jesus name, amen!

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UPDATES

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