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.

I think one of the most significant reasons for the lack of success or resolution of long-standing issues in personal relationships, organizations, communities, or frankly countries, is that people cannot let go of their complaints about things that happened a long time in the past. Although one party may have wronged the other, the conflict cannot be overcome until the one who was wronged can let it go, and get over it.

People may say, “I am not going to be happy until the wrong doer…. apologizes, goes to jail, pays a fine, etc” However, often the person who was wronged, doesn’t even know what he or she wants, they are just mad, and they seem to want to stay that way.

The problem with this thinking is that it gives up control of our thoughts and feelings. What if that punishment or consequence never occurs? Should they be sour forever? Who is actually being punished for the wrong in that case. Staying upset just keeps us miserable.

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”

“Getting over it,” by forgiving those who wronged us, is like opening the floodgates to the progress that only can occur when God’s love works through us.

Dear Lord, It is so easy to carry a grudge around, angry at someone for some old fault they may have committed, but this only hurts ourselves. So help us forgive these faults, let them go, get over them, so that we may feel your love, move forward and prosper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Often times, we wait until we have tried everything else to deal with a problem or difficult situation before we pray about it. Unfortunately, it is the last resort for many people even after they have given up hope of a successful outcome.

God wants us to interact with him all the time, like he is a part of our lives every moment. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Never stop praying.” When we have that mindset, we start our problem solving with prayer; Asking God, who has the power to make anything right, and solve any problem we might have, first.

James 5:16 writes, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Prayer is not a long shot, “it can’t hurt,” last resort. It is a powerful demonstration of our faith in and relationship with God. We need to believe that it will produce results, and it will.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the ability to come to you with our cares and concerns. Help us to keep you in our thoughts throughout our day and bring our needs to you, believing that you will give us what we ask or something better. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is easy to think that events in our life are mostly random. Simple things like, whether the traffic light stays green or turns red right before you get there, or more significant things like running into an old friend you haven’t seen in many years, narrowly avoiding an accident, and unfortunately, difficult and tragic events as well.

However, I believe that events are not random, there is an order and meaning for the events in our lives. In some cases, God is influencing events for us, in some cases, we are doing things that create positive or negative consequences for ourselves, and other cases we don’t know and will never know the reason. However, I believe there is a reason, and no matter what is occurring, God can and does influence each of our lives.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:29-31, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

When difficult and tragic events occur in our lives and those we love, it is hard to accept that God knows and allows these things, but we can take comfort in what Jesus says, “don’t be afraid” God cares about each of us and those we love.

Dear Lord, we thank you that our lives are not random, You have power over all things, and care about each of us. Give us peace in this knowledge, and help us put our cares and concerns in your hands. In Jesus name. Amen.

Harmony can be defined as, “the pleasing combination of different musical notes.”

Romans 8:27-28 says, “And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Most of us are familiar with the second portion of this text, “all things work together for our good,” but the full context describes a harmony between what we desire in our hearts and God’s will.

When we submit our desires and plans to God, he will make all things work together for our good in harmony with his plans.

Dear Lord, You know everything and know best how to give us what we need. If we love and trust you, you will use us for your plans and our good in a harmonious, pleasing combination, for this we thank and praise you. Amen.