Not one of the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” Joshua 21:45
God’s word comes in seed form. Seeds are not impressive. The are not very useful either, unless they are planted. The Bible says that God’s word always accomplishes it’s purpose. It never fails. It is Life. It is Spirit. But seeds cannot grow without remaining in good soil. The parable of the seed illustrates the three things that can prevent the word from maturing from a promise into experiential reality: forgetfulness, distraction, and offense. Just this morning as I was getting comfortable with my bible and journal, I recalled something the Lord had shown me in the word weeks ago, but I had completely forgotten it. This time I wrote it down and purposed to keep it hidden in my heart by meditating on it often. Next I have to face the dizzying array of distractions, cares, and pleasures that draw my attention away from God. When my attention and/or desires are drawn away from Him, his word withers and dies under the weight of other cares. Then there are the offenses. We know that his word is always tried and resisted. Have you ever heard the promise that God is your provider only to have your house foreclosed on the next day, or a debt you cannot pay? Maybe you hear the word that God is your healer and trust him only to be told that the tumor has grown. Offense sets in and we throw away our confidence in despair and discouragement. But when the seed is allowed to remain undisturbed in the good soil of a believing heart - a heart that remembers his word, stays focused on his word, and is unoffended when resistance comes- it will bear a harvest! He who promised is faithful.
God’s word comes in seed form. Seeds are not impressive. The are not very useful either, unless they are planted. The Bible says that God’s word always accomplishes it’s purpose. It never fails. It is Life. It is Spirit. But seeds cannot grow without remaining in good soil. The parable of the seed illustrates the three things that can prevent the word from maturing from a promise into experiential reality: forgetfulness, distraction, and offense. Just this morning as I was getting comfortable with my bible and journal, I recalled something the Lord had shown me in the word weeks ago, but I had completely forgotten it. This time I wrote it down and purposed to keep it hidden in my heart by meditating on it often. Next I have to face the dizzying array of distractions, cares, and pleasures that draw my attention away from God. When my attention and/or desires are drawn away from Him, his word withers and dies under the weight of other cares. Then there are the offenses. We know that his word is always tried and resisted. Have you ever heard the promise that God is your provider only to have your house foreclosed on the next day, or a debt you cannot pay? Maybe you hear the word that God is your healer and trust him only to be told that the tumor has grown. Offense sets in and we throw away our confidence in despair and discouragement. But when the seed is allowed to remain undisturbed in the good soil of a believing heart - a heart that remembers his word, stays focused on his word, and is unoffended when resistance comes- it will bear a harvest! He who promised is faithful.
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