The Word of God is living and active…but the condition of your heart determines the outcome.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 13:1-58

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 13:23

 

You already read 58 verses today, so I’ll keep this short. I love Jesus’ parables, but this one is really special because He spells it out to His disciples. Some hearts are hard and crusty, others are shallow, others are weed-infested with the worries of this world. Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. There are also hearts that are open and willing to hear and obey. The lives of these hearts get to experience something really special.

 

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

The one description in Jesus story that concerns me is the heart that is full of worry about life and the deceitfulness of wealth. The “stuff” of this world do attract and entice me. There are days I’ve got to say ENOUGH. 

 

Dear Father, you know the heart I want to have. Please continue to help me see the harvest and reward of leaning completely on you for my joy and not the stuff, the temporary stuff, around me. I don’t want to worry about financial things, especially when I’m thinking those things will bring me any kind of lasting joy. I want a heart that is wholly devoted to you. May my heart be “good soil.”