Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 11, 2022
Read Matthew 13:1-9
1 That day Jesus went out of the house and sat down beside the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he climbed into a boat and sat down. The whole crowd was standing on the shore. 3 He said many things to them in parables: “A farmer went out to scatter seed. 4 As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. 7 Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. 8 Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. 9 Everyone who has ears should pay attention.”
Good morning! Rejoice in our Lord and give thanks!
I feel as if I have been in a proverbial whirlwind the past two days. It is always interesting to visit your past through photos and momentos. Each time I peered into a never ending pile of boxes, different memories and thoughts emerged. It’s funny how things that you haven’t thought about in years pop back in your mind as if it were yesterday when you encounter something as a prompt. For now, I still have boxes and memories into which I will dive on another day.
In today’s passage, we read about the scattering of seeds. As Christians we are called to spread the good news to all and in our zealous attempt to follow this commandment we become consumed to scatter the seeds without preparing the soil and nurturing the young sprouts. Jesus reminds us that in order to bear fruit, the soil must be ready to receive the seeds.
Too many times, new converts are so excited to join the fellowship of believers that they fail to establish a firm foundation. Just like young plants, without a strong root system, they cannot survive. Even those plants with a strong root system need nourishment to continue to grow. This nourishment comes from reading and studying the word of God, sharing in worship as one body, and developing a relationship with God through prayer.
As Jesus said, 9 Everyone who has ears should pay attention.”
Loving and Caring God, Thank You for loving us. We praise You in all things. Thank you for the endless possibilities to scatter the seeds. Help us provide what is necessary for the seeds to take root and grow. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Every day is an opportunity to plant the seeds of God’s love.
Nurture God’s seedlings! Pastor Liz
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