Luke 8:11-15 - Remedy for Rocky and Thorny Hearts.
Luke 8:11-15: Remedy for Rocky and Thorny Hearts.
Luke 8:11-15 (NIV) "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed
is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear,
and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts,
so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are
the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they
have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing
they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those
who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's
worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on
good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the
word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:11-15 (CWR) "The meaning of the parable of the sower is
this: The seed being sown is the word of God. 12 The road represents
the hearts of those people who listen, but the devil comes and takes
from their hearts what they heard. 13 The rocky places in the field
are the hearts of those people who listen and love what they hear
and instantly take hold of it. But then they don't take what they
heard deep into their hearts, and when they're tempted or troubles
come, they give up. 14 The thorny places represent the hearts of those
people who gladly listen and put down their roots, but soon their love
for the truth is choked out by the cares of this life, its
opportunities and pleasures. So what was sown dies out. 15 The good soil
represents the hearts of those who gladly listen, who sink their roots deep
into the word and hold on to it. These people endure and produce a
large harvest of spiritual fruit.
Luke 8:11-15 (MSG) "This story is about some of those people.
The seed is the Word of God. 12 The seeds on the road are those who
hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches
it from them so they won't believe and be saved. 13 "The seeds in
the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm
doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's
trouble it's gone. 14 "And the seed that fell in the weeds-well, these
are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing
comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow,
making money, and having fun. 15 "But the seed in the good earth-these
are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what,
sticking with it until there's a harvest.
How do we keep temptations and trials from bringing us down or
letting the worries, riches and pleasures of this world from choking our
relationship with the Lord?
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)
I am with you and for you, your constant Companion and
Provider. The question is whether you are with Me and for Me. Though I
never leave you, you can essentially, "leave" Me by ignoring Me:
thinking or acting as if I am not with you. When you feel distance in our
relationship, you know where the problem lies. My Love for you is constant; I
am the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is you who change
like shifting sand, letting circumstances toss you this way and that.
When you feel far from Me, whisper My Name. This simple act,
done in childlike faith, opens your heart to My Presence. Speak to Me
in love-tones; prepare to receive My Love, which flows eternally
from the cross. I am delighted when you open yourself to My loving
Presence. (Gen. 28:15; Rom. 8:31; Heb. 13:8) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
SIMPLE, PRECIOUS AND POWERFUL LITTLE SONG:
Say The Name Of Jesus by Martha Munizzi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBXJ27v9fAE
Say The Name of Jesus by New Hope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6hg1nyI7rE
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070412-1123.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090606-1435.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090607-0756.html
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON EXPERIENCING GOD:
http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Revive!_-_Dwight_Nelson:_Experiencing_Gods_Grace/revive/
