distractions...they come in all shapes and sizes...don't they? whether it be mindless tv...a long to-do list...whatever...but most times...the one who gets pushed off to the end is our wonderful Father...and as He sits waiting patiently...sometimes it takes a while for us to realize...that all these distractions are keeping us from the One we need to focus on most...
i love the parable in luke 8 about the fallen seed...have you read it?
in the midst of our distractions...we need to get back to basics...and sometimes...we don't know where to start...making a conscious effort of doing the things that we know are right...but not only right...the are the lifeline for us...
but many cannot hear Him...
it starts with an open mind...
v. 5 says - some seed fell on the path and it was trampled on and the birds of the air came and ate it up...
v. 12 says - those along the path are like people who hear and then the devil comes along and takes away the word from their hearts so they cannot believe and be saved...
what causes us to have a closed mind?
pride - anytime we make a decision without prayer - we are telling God we can do it on our own...
fear - when we are afraid of what God might say to us...or what He might ask us to do...
bitterness - blaming God or being angry at Him for things that have happened...
after we develop an open mind...we must take time to listen...
v. 6 says - other seed fell on shallow soil with rock beneath. this seed began to grow but soon withered and died for lack of moisture...
v. 13 says - those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. they believe it for a while, but in the time of testing, they fall away.
and when we take time to listen...we must eliminate the distractions...because nothing that you are doing is more important than listening and hearing God...
v. 7 says - other seed fell among the thorns (weeds) which grew up with it and choked the plants...
v. 14 says - this seed that fell among the thorns stands or represents those who hear the word but as they go on their way they're choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures...
and after we take time to listen...we must cooperate with what He says...have a willing heart...
v.15 says - the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart who hear the word of God and retain it and by persevering produce a good crop...
as it says in james 1:22...don't merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself...
...we kid ourselves if we think we are growing by just going to church...we need to do what the word says...
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