Most of us know the story of the farmer spreading seed in Matthew 13, where some of the seed fell on the path, some on shallow soil, some among the thorns, and some on fertile ground.

In Matthew 13:22 Jesus explains the meaning of the seed that fell among the thorns, saying, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

I think this situation affects many of us in the developed world. We may have been brought up Christian, possibly attending church regularly, but today, there are too many “important” things going on for us to “produce fruit.”

The amazing prosperity in our world has built powerful temptations that make it difficult to prioritize the time to study the word, attend Bible studies and church services. When we are not involved, we are unlikely to witness, invite others to worship, and most sadly, as parents we may be the ones who break the chain of connection to the peace, joy, hope, and Salvation of Christianity for our families.

There is hope! Every day is a new day. Take one step, say a prayer, read the Bible (Start with the New Testament), listen to a good bible teacher on TV, Radio or internet, find a Church home, and re-plant yourself in fertile soil so you can produce fruit.

Dear Lord, You know the challenges and temptations we face trying to prioritize you in our lives. Give us the strength to overcome these temptations so that we can re plant ourselves into the fertile soil and produce fruit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the questions that effects many Christians is “What is God calling me to do?”

Although the answer may come easy to some, it isn’t clear to all of us. I think sometimes we are looking for some type of significant supernatural revelation telling us what God wants us to do, but for most people the answer comes as a simple thought that may re-occur. “I should teach Sunday school,” or “I need to bring my family to church,” or “I should pray for that person.” These may not just be random thoughts, but are the quiet voice of God encouraging you to your calling.

Even if the call is not something dramatic like, “drop everything and go to Africa,” it still can be frightening to follow through. Keep this in mind. “The will of God will never lead you where the love of God will not support you.” God will take care of you if you step out in faith.

Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the prompts to act on your calling. Help us listen, hear, and act in faith knowing that you will be there supporting us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.’

Most of us have heard or read 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.” This verse sometimes seems a little over simplified, like telling someone..”don’t worry about it, everything will work out.”

However, I recently read Romans 10:11, which the Living Bible translates, “For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed.”

I have experienced this, and maybe you have too. A situation appears to have no possible positive outcome, late for a meeting, behind in class, missed a flight, bills that you cannot cover, but when we fully give the concern over to God, unexpected events occur and things work out in ways we never imagined.

God will not disappoint us, if we trust Him.

Dear Lord, we often wait until, we think, we have no alternative before coming to you with our concerns. Help us remember to come to you first, and when we trust you, you will not let us down. What peace this knowledge provides. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin, Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, an do not give the Devil a foothold.”

Paul is saying that when we get angry, we are making the Devil’s job of tempting us easier.

There are many things in life we should avoid to keep from “giving the Devil a foothold.”

We should take a moment and think about whether we are setting ourselves up for temptations that we may not be able to control.

Dear Lord, we cannot always avoid temptations, but help us make good decisions that make the Temptor’s task more difficult, not easier. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

How very important it is for us to forgive others.

Jesus says in Matt 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” and in Mark 11:25 Jesus says,” And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.”

When we pray, we need to take a moment and think about whether we are withholding our forgiveness from someone. If so, we need to release our animosity toward them and put it in God’s hands. This may be very difficult, but it is very important for us, so that we may receive God’s forgiveness, for which we ask.

Dear Lord, we may have been hurt or treated unjustly. There may be evil people in the world that seem unforgivable. Help us, however, follow your example of giving them what may be undeserved forgiveness, just as you gave us undeserved redemption and salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen