“Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. But others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much. The one who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:7-9).
The good soil is the Lord, His word, knowing and understanding that every circumstance will grow us in faith. Do not focus upon how much is produced – that belongs to the Lord. Focus upon remaining rooted in the Lord. The cares of the world can choke you and take your eyes off the prize. The parable is simple to understand, and you know what the Lord is saying, so heed the word of the Lord.
Lord, I do know what you are saying. Your word is to be taken as the source of life. If I am distracted, carried away by the world or worry about circumstances, I will wither and die. If I am in You, I will grow and bear fruit. Help me so that I heed these words of Yours and grow deeper in the truth You have revealed. You have given me the words of eternal life. Help me to live into that life.
Lord Jesus, apart from You I can do nothing. Help me to live these words. You will cause me to bear whatever fruit You will give me to bear. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to have a singular focus as I willingly walk the path You have set before me. Take my eyes off myself and what I am doing so that I may focus upon You and listen for what You would have me do. Guide me always my Savior. Amen.
