A couple years ago, I received a message from a reader who had just finished my first book. She wrote to thank me, explaining that my book had helped her to heal her marriage. I was grateful, but also a little confused. My book had not addressed anything remotely related to that!
Not long after, I received a message from another reader, expressing her own gratitude. My book had helped her to grieve a terrible loss, and while I was again honored, I was also perplexed. My book had nothing to do with grief.
What I was experiencing was a phenomenon that every writer, every preacher, every evangelist, and every human being who speaks the Word of God to another has experienced. So long as we proclaim God’s Word, He will use it to communicate what He wants. What matters more than our message is the soil.
This is the principle Jesus illustrates in Mark 4 with the parable of the sower. We don’t know much about the seed, or the talent of the sower. We simply know that he scattered it generously, and the soil determined the rest. For us, this means two things:
First, this parable challenges our notion of talent and its importance for the purposes of God. It’s easy to assume that the most talented writers, teachers, preachers, or social media influencers set the bar for ministry effectiveness. But that is not at all what Jesus is saying here. Instead, Jesus implies how little control we exercise over what a person hears. We can articulate the gospel as clearly and brilliantly as possible, but if the soil is bad, the seed will not take root. Likewise, we can communicate a teeny tiny, mustard seed of truth, but what people hear is different—and sometimes much more powerful!—than what we intended to say. This frees us from the insecurities and self-doubt that often inhibit obedience.
The second takeaway from Mark 4 shifts away from our role as the sower to our role as the soil. Many of us are only willing to receive God’s truth from certain sowers. We cannot learn (or will not learn) from preachers whose styles we do not prefer or whose theology is not quite in sync with our own. While we should certainly be discerning about false teaching, Jesus challenges us to search ourselves and the state of our heart’s soil because the Word of God is always good seed. If it bounces straight off of our ears, then perhaps we need to examine our soil before blaming the sower.
Jesus exemplified both of these principles by teaching in the form of parables, which were deliberately opaque. If ever the soil could blame the sower for scattering the seed badly, parables would be it! But Jesus was driving home the truth that our preaching has less power than our faithfulness. “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen” (Mark 4:9): Be obedient, and trust the Holy Spirit with the rest.
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122 thoughts on "The Seed Parables"
Oh what an amazing read today and what a beautiful Devo. We long to be obedient to speak the truth of God’s word and trust HIM to cause it to bear fruit.
Beautifully written devotional, SHARON! So exciting to see Amos 4:13 in this reading as an appetizer for the next study!
This is beautiful and it helps with my insecurity of preaching God’s Word. I see that if my message is supposed to help people, it will.
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Great read. Lord continue to show me the condition of my heart daily so I can set a good example for my kids.
I was struck by “how little control we exercise over what a person hears” and how this is so true!!! I loved the challenge to examine our “soil” before blaming the sower! Thanks for a great devotional thought.
The “soil” is your heart. I hope that helps.
As a parent of teens my knee mindset and prayer will be that God gives them the desire and heart to learn to seek Him first. Thank you for this message. Such an important detail!
Can someone please explain to me the meaning of the “soil”? I am newer and would like to understand. Thank You!
Yes! This really spoke to me!
Thanks!
Yes!!! Also being grounded enough to know when the sower is wrong
Great Devotional today! Lots to think about
Jesus messiah name above all names blessed redeemer Emmanuel. All my hope is in you!
@sumire. Father God, please speak to Sumire’s heart and help her understand how deeply loved by You that she is. Bring others around her who remind her of this too. As she reads your Word, cause its truth to be clearly understood by her heart so that she can truly rejoice in knowing that you hear her heart’s cry and you answer faithfully with kindness, compassion and your truth.
Praying for you Corrin.
@Misti I struggled with this in college and ended up taking a break. It’s so hard. I cannot imagine dealing with college and a pandemic. Prayers for your family.
My version (The Message) said be wary of the advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes. This compares with verses 24 and 25. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you and more will be added to you. I really liked this version and it makes so much sense. Anyone have any thoughts?
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Sumire I will pray for you right now.
Lord,
You know Sumire and her needs. Please show her your love and provision. May she trust you. Amen.
I want to pray who loves me.
When I was in college, we were required to attend chapel each day, throughout the week. At some point, the “freshness” of those messages seemed to wear off and it was hard to always pay attention. I felt God tell me that there is always something to be gleaned from every message presented (just like was said here: the Word is always good seed!) and I began to ask Him to reveal to me even one little “nugget” of truth for me to take away from each message. It worked! And I always got something out of each message. :)
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Love the verses from Amos- such a good reminder. I want to live in obedience to Him and His word.
Thank you for your explanation on this parable. I always focused on it as certain people are or are not ready to accept the message. I like that it reiterates that the Word of God will shine through so do not be afraid to say things. I have been asked a few times to lead a Bible Study for various groups but I always say no as I am nervous to take responsibility with regards to interpreting things in the Bible for others. I never wish to steer someone in an incorrect direction. Your response has me seeing that maybe it’s okay to try to lead and trust God’s message.
Absolutely loved this meditation…never thought of the Sower parable this way…very convicting.
@Sharon, thanks for the seeds ;)
Super convicted to examine my soil when my mind has counted out someone/something from being able to speak Truth into my life
Good morning friends. I love this lesson plan on the book of Mark! I am reaching out to ask for prayer. My heart feels angry quickly and I simply do not like feeling this way and some of my reactions to my family.
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Great commentary so far : ) I wanted to kind of throw back to Joshua and the Israelites. V 40 “ why are you so afraid?Do you still have no faith?”
The Israelites saw so many miracles along the way and were still scared despite being told over and over by God that He was there (God told Joshua to not fear directly too)… the disciples are human and so were the Israelites and so are we…. thankfully God is there to reassure us and remind us of His love for us each and every day!!!!! I will have to take a few to a lot of rocks out of my own soil to really grasp the good crop of God!!!!!!!
I am loving this chapter!
Today’s passage and devotion was a nice reminder that even through my struggles, it’s not about me, and I need to focus on what God is trying to show and teach me that I am more than my struggle. There’s a deeper message to be discovered instead of feeling as though I’m being punished with yet another heartbreaking lesson.
So thankful for today’s reading
I can’t wait to share this with my 14 year old daughter. She has been questioned by a nonbeliever at her school. She has been struggling with worry that she will say the wrong thing. I have told her that the Holy Spirit will do the work and here is the parable to explain it.
I pray for insight, awareness, wisdom, and understanding. To grow in faith not out of my own strength, but of the holy spirits. Thankful everything comes down to God’s grace, but our faithfulness and obedience is still rewarded.
So thankful for the reminder to rest in God’s safety on the boat when everything seems to be crashing down.. yet having the faith and power to command the crashing to stop in Jesus’ name
These scriptures and this devotional are a great reminder that, when it comes to sowing, it’s not about us. We just need to follow God’s leading. How freeing a thought!
I love this. I love that it takes the pressure off of the sower as I have often felt super inadequate in sharing the gospel. And Jesus Lord, help me to be good soil.
Just wow. I haven’t read the devotion part of today’s readings yet, but I just had to share. As I was getting through Mark Chapter 4 today, I had to break to write in my faith journal just how my heart has felt lately with everything going on in the world and how I just don’t feel adequate to do or say anything because I don’t know why this is all happening or how I’m supposed to help. And I asked God why things just keep happening without any peace and where He was at… then I read Mark 4:40, followed by the rest of the readings (Proverbs 2:1-6 and Amos 4:13). And just wow. Because here He is answering my questions after I wrote them down. Praying hard for anyone suffering any kind of injustice today and everyday.
I love how the Holy Spirit can use us, even though we are imperfect humans. He uses us to share God’s truth with those around us. I pray I would be obedient to God’s call on my life. I also pray that I would seek out God’s wisdom, so that more wisdom will be given to me.
Misti, thank you for reaching out to us! I am praying for you and your daughter.
May you be encouraged to keep reaching out to her, even if you don’t see fruit, right away. I was literally thinking about this last night. How people who do the Lord’s work might not always see the fruit of their labor or prayers, in your case. Stay encouraged that God is answering prayers, even when He doesn’t see it.
I’ll share with you- I was in a really dark place over the summer and I randomly decided to join a church’s webinar with some Christian speaker I had never met or heard of. She isn’t famous or anhthing- just a faithful followed of Christ.
Her testimonies that day stirred my heart to pray and trust in the Lord like I hadn’t been able to for months. This woman has no idea how she impacted my life. And honestly, I don’t have her name or info anymore. I’m sure if I wanted to, I could get it. But instead, I give God the glory because it was His Holy Spirit moving through her… Though I pray she continues to be blessed in this way!
Your faith is moving God’s hand. Don’t give up or lose faith, despite the circumstances appearance. I pray your daughter would see the Lord move in her life. I pray it would encourage her and help her process the things that are hurting her. Maybe she be healed and know she is deeply loved. May He bring her comfort, wisdom, and guidance. May you believe and trust in Him hearing, seeing, and knowing. May you continue to sow seeds despite knowing the outcome. He will water. In Jesus’s name.
The word is sown, and IMMEDIATELY in several instances, removal under any forms come at once for the WORD’S SAKE (it’s not personal). The stealing is happening, so that the harvest of 30x, 60x, 100x cannot take place.
Lord, please reveal the condition of the soil of my heart, remove any thorns that choke out the flourishing of Your Word (cares of this busy world, lust for better things, and the deceitfulness of riches), search my heart Lord and remove any weed and thorns You see, let the cultivating of your Word -the incorruptible seed- yield its maximum 100x harvest- for your Glory. Thank you Lord for Sharon Miller’s wonderful reminder today, it’s not the eloquence of choice words we share, but it’s the Holy Spirit in the listeners that determines the message received.
Lifting all the prayer requests I see onto God’s hands. Praying with you dear sisters for strength, hope and courage to go on. Though the boat could be shaking in violent life storms, but remember that Jesus is always on board, He might be sleeping while we panic. He is still the same yesterday, today and forever. He delivered His disciples from the storm, He too will deliver us now.
To Him be all the praise, honor and glory! Bless you all.
@misti, I admire your courage and strength to admit what’s going on. I’m lifting your beautiful daughter up to our Father in heaven. Anxiety is so real and so tricky. As a Christian it’s hard to grasp and even admit that. There’s so many barriers and roadblocks on mental health. I also struggle with mental health. I hear this loud and clear. I’m not sure but it could be sadly the stigma that comes with being Christian and dare having mental health battles. It’s rough. The lack of support or the worry of what others think echoes in the background as worry. I’m not sure if that’s what your daughter is facing or not. Continue to support her as her mom. Continue to love on her as her mom. Jesus has this. Continue to lean on our Savior. The greatest comfort is in the fire we don’t get burned, we’re refined as Daniel 3 reminds us. When we trust God with our pain, then it’s always used for God’s glory.
Reading Mark in this SRT community is expanding my soul in an evolving way. I’m noticing scripture verses I didn’t notice before.
I think that I’m personally walking out of the worry’s of the world seed. At least I pray I am. I only want to be fruitful soil. I know I get boggled down by life’s hiccups, and it takes a recovering toil on me. If I was just fixed on Jesus, then I think I’d be able to handle trials better. Jesus walked in his trails with positive attitude. Jesus’ positivity is beautiful, and the place I aspire to dwell. I want to do that too. In my other Bible study, I was reminded this morning of this truth. I’m also learning how to not live in my head anymore. God’s covering is mind blowing.
“Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.”
Mark 4:27 NLT
The above scripture make me think about how God moves in our lives where things don’t make sense, or add up. That’s the supernatural wonder and beauty of our Abba. There’s so many things that happened in my life that only God’s hands did. I wouldn’t even know how to start putting God’s miracles into words over my life. God is precious. What God blesses us with individually is precious. God’s gifts that he trusts us with are precious.
“Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.”
Proverbs 2:4 NLT
God’s wisdom to me is a priceless gift like hidden treasure. I love the Amos tie in, where it’s revealed that Jesus is coming to turn a lamp onto our darkness, and bring out everything that was in hiding. Everything that is coming out of hiding is for our healing and deliverance. God is awesome. If I’m still enough, I remember this beautiful truth.
“For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is his name!”
Amos 4:13 NLT
I’m learning how to not assume, and to worry less. I’m also learning how to embrace taking one moment at a time.
Hope y’all day is going well SRT.
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 ❤️
Praying for you Tina that you are healed from your pain.
Wow! This day was so amazingly awesome! I got into the dictionary,  commentaries, and different translations….. loved it!!! and what was written by Sharon Hodde Miller, amazing!!! thank you so much
Tina it’s 10 a.m. PDT here in CA as I read your post. I’m praying you’ve heard from the doctor long before now and that your pain is gone. I pray they know the cause & have a fix/cure for you. And, my friend, you sow to God’s glory every day & give Him the glory. I’m grateful He put you in my life. Wrapping you in prayer & hugs.
I should always be aware of my heart’s soil. Lord, help me to challenge my faithfulness and let the Holy Spirit do the work of the Word in my life.
I have never commented on a reading before but Today’s reading really spoke to me as I continue to sow the seeds of God’s word into my children’s hearts. Our oldest daughter is away at college in her freshman year and she has been struggling with her mental health. I try to encourage her with scripture and worship songs. I tell her that we are praying for her and so is our small group. I started doing an anxiety devotional with her but she hasn’t been participating. She wants to quit school and come back home but we have been trying to encourage her to stick it out until May and then come home. We are struggling with how far to go before we just let her quit. I’m trying to always encourage with God’s word or worship songs about how God is always there or how he fights our battles if we come to him but I’m afraid that I’m not doing enough. Thank you SRT sisters for always being here everyday. I find comfort and encouragement in reading your comments and I have grown closer to God in this year because of all I have learned through SRT.
I’m praying for you and your daughter, Misti. My freshman year was a nightmare of anxiety, and I’ve struggled with that mental health issue for many years.
Praying Tina
Amen
Wow! So powerful. To know we can plan a seed that can lead those to hear the word and listen to the words God ones to provide another.
This reading and devotional are really speaking to me today. What is the state of my soil, my heart, my faithfulness? Is it rocky, shallow, easily swayed? Am I tending to it like I should be through consistent prayer and study? Am I showing others that I love the Lord and wish to live my life for Him? I believe I can improve in all those areas. I dont always have to have the perfect words for a prayer or a conversation with others. Just being there, being present with an open heart is the key. Just go for it and let Jesus take the wheel!
The soil is more important than the message. What a word.
Thank you!! So many losses during covid, but God is good and we have to keep pressing on! Appreciate all the prayers
Joanna, how wonderful God is giving you the honor to testify for Him. May her heart become more soft and ready to receive. Continue to speak to the lost!!!
Tina, May you feel God’s comfort and blessing, as you wait. May You know He works all things together for your good- for His purpose. Blessings.
Good morning, SRT community. I have heard the story a dozen times about Jesus sleeping in the boat, during a storm. I am reminded today that I need greater faith, like the disciples. As Jesus confronts the fear in the disciples and asks, “How is it that you have no faith?” in that situation, I feel confronted as well. I often get so stressed out at work, I forget that God sees. Like the disciples, I assume He “doesn’t care” because it appears He doesn’t- i.e. Jesus sleeping while they’re panicking.
God, may I have faith despite the appearance of things or people, that You care, You see, and You are at work.
I love this thought!! We are to be faithful to speak His Word, but the Holy Spirit will apply it to each individual as needed!!
Sharon Hodde Miller, your devotional deeply struck me today. Though I’ve heard the sower parable a thousand times, the Spirit brought a new layer of meaning through your writing: I am not in control of what people hear and recieve or how they respond. While being sensitive to feedback and listening to those who love and know you is key to growth and walking in humility, I have always struggled with people pleasing and defining my value and accomplishment based on others’ affirmation of me. Therefore, when I speak truth that is not received well, I experience severe cognitive dissonance and internal turmoil. Why? Because I am looking to others, instead of to the One, to affirm and approve of me.
Lord, please forgive me for seeking ultimate approval outside of You. I trust you to continue to direct my gaze and primary source of affirmation from Your image bearers, and back to You. You are my Source and the Meeter of my Core Needs, like affirmation, love, security, and approval!
Tina, I’m praying for you and that you have relief and have heard from the doctor.
Joanna, I am praying that you speak the words the Lord gives you. He will do the rest.
TINA, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your health care team as you seek relief, answers, and healing. I, too, seek out your comment each day. You are a skilled sower, no doubt about that (and you are definitely good soil!!! Hang in there and keep us posted when possible. The LOVE you send out to all of us each day is coming back to you today!
JOANNA, prayers for wisdom and courage as you share your faith with your friend. It sounds like she sees that in you and her heart is leaning that way.
JILL, I share your thoughts about earthly gardening and was thinking how timely this lesson is with our seedlingd sitting in the flats nearby!
Praying for you, Tina! ❤️
DANIELLE SMITH first thank you for serving our teens! Second, may I encourage you as a mom of 9th and 11th grade young men, I often feel like every word falls on deaf ears. However, they are listening, and God will use your teaching, maybe today, maybe years from now when their memory recalls your words. My oldest recently broke up with his girlfriend, which was an answer to our prayers, after a night at youth group where he was convicted that things weren’t heading in a good direction.
DANIELLE CLARK…praying for you and for your friend to know Jesus!
TINA…praying for healing of body for you, and for peace as you wait for the doctor’s call.
praying for you Tina, for God’s healing and peace to be with you. take care
I’ve had a difficult time getting in to His word lately. I’m not sure why. Praying now that I would have good soil for seed to grow.
So much to pray for this morning! Know dear Sisters I have written out your request and prayed and will keep praying for His healing, grace and mercies. He is big enough for all that you and your loved one’s are facing. Praying His peace around the storms, His words in the sharing, His love poured out in all the miracles He is bringing. He is good and He is with you all, lean into His arms. I am running late so cannot name you all specifically, but thankful for you. Stand strong and know our Lord is with you blessing and more than able. Hugs and love!
“Many are only willing to receive from certain sowers. We cannot (will not) learn from preachers who’s style is different from ours….. the Word of God is ALWAYS good seed”.
Wow. This convicted me this morning. Here I was reading along thinking, ‘oh I’m so glad I have good soil’ and then. BAM. Let’s spend some time repenting of my attitude, pride and bad soil towards previous churches, preachers, denominations, organizations, authors, etc. that I have deemed “less than” in my mind. They aren’t false teachers, just not my style so I choose to not listen fully when they speak.
Lord, forgive me. Thank you for renewing my mind and my heart this morning. ❤️
Today’s study really speaks to me. Thank you Sharon. Tina,praying for you as you have continuously prayed for others.
I love this! Thank you.
This was so good! Thank you Sharon for reminding us that it is NEVER about us, but about God and His word. We are all on level ground at the cross, no matter what our gifts or talents – God will use them how He wants, when He wants. If we keep this in mind, it leaves no room for pride – only humbleness – knowing that God is in control, and not me. How true it is that God’s word is ALWAYS good, and if we are not learning or growing, we need to examine our own hearts because if there is no growth spiritually – I am to blame and no one else. My prayer for today – “Lord, help me to have ears to hear, help me to listen.”
The Word of God is always good seed. Thank you Sharon for this reminder. It is not up to us. Of course we pray and ask God to penetrate His Word to the person or persons that we are witnessing to but ultimately it’s up to the person how they receive it and what they do with the Word.
And those of you who pray for me early this morning. I fell back asleep thank you.
Praying for you Tina and Joanna.
Praying, Tina. May you feel His presence and peace as you wait.
The word of God is the best seed
Praying, Joanna! What a tender heart he has given you for your friend- I’m praying her heart is softened and ready to hear from Him! He who has ears to hear, let him listen! Lord, reach this precious soul with your grace and for your glory.
Praying for you Tina. I have been a follower of SRT for a long time and I always look forward to your comments. Over the years I have found myself thinking of you at random times, standing in line at the grocery store, while washing the dishes, etc. At times,I found myself concerned when you didn’t post comments and would ask the Lord to hold you tight. And, to be honest, I would think to myself “why does this woman, whom I’ll never meet this side of heaven,pop in to my thoughts so frequently?” It’s because you have impacted my life all the way across the pond! I am sure I am not alone in this! You have touched so many, and drawn us a little closer to our loving Lord and Savior.
Sending my love and prayers from So.California.
May God allow me to “plant” mustard seeds in my students. May they reveal themselves in His good timing. Moreover, may God help me to be good soul; may I accept His word however it comes to me, not just by my preference.
Praying for you, Tina and Joanna.
What a great lesson today! I needed both takeaways! I’ll be processing this one all day! Have a blessed Wednesday, sisters.
Wow Jesus is so good! Jesus taught with vivid examples that goes with anything so there can’t be any confusion. Parable that can tells 100 stories. Jesus is perfect with words and hopefully God helps me not focus on what or how to say it well but my heart have the right intent. Everything that I speak be for His good love and faithfulness to me
You’re such a good person Mari. Sincerely.
My heart feels as heavy for these prayer requests I am praying for all of you.
I spent Monday working the soil of my garden beds, cultivating and preparing it to receive this year’s seeds. Praying today that the Father would cultivate the soil of my own heart, as well as those around me who are resistant to His Word, to receive the seeds of His truth regardless of who sows them.
So often, as a teacher, I find people are not hearing what is being said. The truth is, the soil (hearing) may not be as rich or cultivated properly. It’s good to know that we are just required to give witness to what God has done and let Him control what is heard.
It is 6:57 AM central time and I have prayed for your friend. God make your closeness felt to all.
I’m praying for you, Tina. ❤️
Several years ago, when SRT had an advent study that encouraged us to blog weekly about what we were learning, I participated – and after a few posts, I realized that I was more concerned about fashioning a wise, poignant blog post than I was focused on the Word. It was eye-opening for me to realize that, in addition to making sure my heart was in the right place, I was taking on a great responsibility by attempting to interpret the Word of God. (I grew up a Jehovah’s Witness, and I’m extremely sensitive to false teachings and interpretations that are counter to true Biblical themes.)
His word, not mine. His will, not mine. Lord, please help me reflect You daily.
The Word is the seed and it is scattered all over. Some in good soil and some in bad. When you look at the garden that it produces it’s beautiful! Thank for Father for good soil!
“Be obedient, and trust the Holy Spirit with the rest.” That’s our call everyday!
Lots of prayers going up for those who have requested…
TINA- we are all praying and hoping wise intervention has found its way to you by now.
I tend to get caught up in other people’s soil. Measuring, investigating, prescribing horticultural advice to “help” them clear out the thorns and rocks and create better circumstances for themselves to more effectively receive the seeds provided them. I need to stop doing that. It gets me in trouble and it also prevents me from tending to my own soil. I’m learning more and more I need to be praying for them to recognize their soil. To be the best example I can be. To be open and honest about how often I have to clear out the rocks and small thorns that I’ve allowed to creep into my own space. Letting my example be the visible fruit I’m producing until I know God is clearly gifting me to speak. It can be so hard because my motivation and intention is genuinely love and encouragement to help someone see how BEAUTIFUL their garden could be! That God’s whole intention for them is to bloom and produce amazing fruit… but often it’s just not received that way and I feel like i end up causing more harm that good.
Examine our soil
So convicting this morning–am I good soil, how often do I let all the distractions keep me from allowing the Word to grow? Thankful for each of you here and praying for each of you.
“What matters more than our message is our soil”- that is SO true and I don’t know that I’ve ever thought of that parable in that way. It’s very convicting. I pray that I will be more aware of my “soil”, that I will guard my heart, attitude, what I focus my mind on so that I will be able to listen to the Word of God and be fruitful.I want to “be obedient and trust the Holy Spirit with the rest”.
What matters more than the message is the soil.
The Word of God is always a good seed.
“The Word of God is always good seed”. How comforting that the responsibility for the quality of the soil falls in the hands of the Holy Spirit. He is trustworthy. Amen.
Does Mark have ADD? He relates the parables in rapid fire succession. They are familiar parables and so I have to deliberately pause to appreciate them and glean the Lord’s point. I’ve been trying to pay attention to the questions Jesus asks and then focus on my answers (after all, He’s speaking to me as well as His disciples). There are several questions He asks in today’s reading but these two stood out: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?“ Fear and faith are not compatible. I cannot say I have one and then say I have the other. It’s good to hear the Word but do I believe it, really? Does my actions and speech reflect my beliefs? Do I need to break up the soil of my heart so that the Word puts down deeper roots? Is there sin that needs confessed? Is there an area of my life that I need to fully surrender to His will? Jesus’ questions raise questions. My answers reveal much about my relationship with Him.
I’m in the same boat, Danielle. Would love to connect.
It’s only 3:30 AM here in California and I woke up can’t go back to sleep. I haven’t even read the Scriptures or the Devo yet. I came here to see who I can pray for. I’m praying for all of you and especially for Tina as you wait for the doctors call and for Joanna as the Lord uses your experience to be there for your friend. Now if I can only sleep for just another hour and a half that would be great.
Please pray for our friend Brad. He’s having surgery this morning at 7am (cst). They found a 3 inch tumor pressing against his brain. They’ll have to remove part of his skull and then reattach it after they remove the tumor. Pray for his wife and kids as well as his medical team while they operate and wait.
It’s 6:50 CST and just read your post. I just said a prayer for Brad Prayers
Loving this study. :-)
What great truth this morning… the word of God is always good seed. I think I need to re-examine my own soil so seeds will take root.
Always, praying for an open heart and the ears to Listen ❤️
There are definitely certain sowers I am more resistant to listening to. I automatically tune them out with an eye roll and a “you’re so out of touch” attitude. BUT I’m convicted by today’s reading. Clearly I have rocks taking up space in the soil that I need to examine – prejudices, grudges… Hmm. Much fir me to examine today.
I love the thought of the other little boats (v. 35-39) out there on the sea also. Jesus did not just save the disciples and Himself from the stormy sea, but also the little boats.
Thank you for this powerful word!
I love the parable of the sower. I have always focused on the soils. I’ve prayed for good soil and recognized times in my life where the hard path, rocks, thorns, or birds I’ve allowed steal the blessing of the seed planted in God’s good soil. But today the Holy Spirit used this parable differently. A line from He Reads Truth stood out: “The faithfulness of the sower displays the commitment to continuing to spread seeds, even amongst the varying terrains.” The seed is God’s. The growth is from God. The goodness is God’s. My job is simple, really…faithfully sow His good seed. I will sow it on the path, in the rocks, amongst the thorns, and in the soft, warm, squishy soil beneath my feet. We all sow seeds daily. Are we sowing the good seeds of God? Are we sowing it everywhere we go or, do we save the good seed for what we deem as good soil? Hmm. Instead, what if we sowed the good seed generously, on all terrains, and trust God with the growth?
Joanna – you are sowing seeds! May God be praised and may another sister come into the kingdom.
Tina – I’m sorry for your pain. May God be near and give you peace and healing as you wait for the call.
Blessed Beth – Wow, your daughter is amazing. I have a friend who will have a kidney removed today at 4 because she has kidney cancer. She (Lynn) has always been a beautifully positive and kind woman, and she is a follower of Jesus Christ. She has lived her life sowing seeds of goodness. I pray that God has more days for her to sow His seeds. Knowing what she is going through makes your daughter’s sacrifice stand out even more. May she be blessed.
Lord, help me today, and every day to keep my heart and mind full of your seeds of abundant life and truth. May I scoop them out in handfuls and pour them generously on every step of soil I encounter today. The harvest is yours. Thank you for trusting me with seeds to sow. I know that the life is only found in You.
Praying for you sweet lady.
O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; when waves rise, You still them. Psalm 89:8-9.
This message spoke to my heart. Praying for you all – Joanna, Ally, Tina, Danielle..
Praying for you Tina! ❤️
I needed this reminder today! I teach Bible to 11th and 12th graders at a Christian school and sadly most of my students are apathetic towards the word of God. I put so much pressure on myself to make them hear what I’m saying that I forget it’s not up to me at all. I try to do it on my own strength and don’t allow the Holy Spirit to teach through me when He’s the only one who can truly penetrate their hearts. I’m going to keep planting seeds today and pray that it falls in fertile ground!
What a wonderful opportunity, Joanna! Praying along with you.
PRAYING FOR YOU TINA AND JOANNA !!
TINA – praying, Sister, for healing, relief of pain, a speedy return call from the doctor, wisdom of health professionals and tender, excellent care of you! As far as Have you sown His Word, are you producing fruit, are you scattering well? From what I have seen, a resounding Yes! Just in the SRT studies, your testimonies, openness, vulnerability and prayers have touched hearts around the world and always point the focus to our Lord and Savior. I and I know many, many others will be praying for you, please update as you are able.
JOANNA – praying for you and especially your friend and her family. I too lost my dad a few months ago
Will be praying as you share the Word with your friend and comfort her during the difficult and painful days/weeks ahead. Praying that her heart would be open and the roots of God’s Word grow strong. Sad about the circumstances but rejoicing that you have the opportunity to share.
Praying for you Tina, waiting for results it so difficult and Joanne I am praying for you and your friend. God will give you the words and the wisdom. Please pray for my daughter Ally she received word that she will be able to be a kidney donor for her cousin, they are not a match so she will donate so someone who is a match for her cousin will be a donor and Ally’s kidney will save another. God is so good.
Praying for you, Tina.❤
As I sit here waiting, with chest pains, for a call back from the doctor, I am asking myself the question.. Have I sown seeds? Is my ‘soil’fertile enough to be able to produce fruit that will bring fruitfulness and ‘seeds’ to those that hear my words and see my actions.
Has it been enough? Did I scatter well?
Dear Lord God, I pray so, for your Glory..
But God..
Sisters might I solicite prayers as I wait, but also for the pain to shift and healing come..
Thank you sisters..
Happy Wednesday wrapped in love, prayers for you, and hugs..Be Blessed..❤
I am praying Tina. God be with you always
Praying Joanna Clark.. praying..❤
I needed this! My friend’s dad is dying, and I just went through this a few months ago. Because of that, she’s asking me about all kinds of things, and I’m able to just share about the peace I had, the hope I have in the Lord, which carried my family through it. She’s one of those people who you just don’t ever think would want to know the Lord, yet God is giving me opportunities to share my heart and experiences with her. This scripture and devo reminded me it’s all about what, how, and when God is moving and shaking somebody! It’s not dependent on me. Please join me in praying for my friend, that she would have ears to hear and I would be obedient and reliant on Him! Pray that I would not give way to my own disbelief or stereotyping of someone and take full advantage of her tender heart.