Today’s Bible Reading: Mark 3:31- 4:29; Matt. 12:46-13:23; Luke 8:4-21

Today we’re reading the parable of the sower. The sower is the one who is spreading God’s Word and the soil is the condition of the heart that hears God’s Word. Jesus describes 4 different individuals, but the examples He gives can describe our own hearts on any given day, in different seasons and situations. There’s a great lesson here and an exhortation to keep our hearts open and soft to receive God’s Word.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23

As we read God’s Word today, which type of soil is it falling on? I found this passage challenging, because sometimes our hearts can change condition so quickly... BUT God, who is rich in mercy gave us His Word that removes callouses, He fills us with His Spirit and draws us close to Him, turning our eyes towards Jesus.

Knowing the types of soil and conditions of the heart, we can be vigilant to watch for the signs of our heart needing some cultivation work. Our hearts are prone to receive God's Word along the path where Satan comes and takes it away (Mark 4:15); on rocky ground, where it’s joyfully received, but quickly wilts when trouble comes because there’s no root (Matt. 13:20); among thorns, where it’s heard, but the cares of the world choke it out and it doesn’t bear fruit; or good soil, where it’s heard, applied, takes root and bears fruit.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col 3:16