Devotion for Wednesday, October 9, 2024

“Listen then to the parable of the sower.  When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with seed beside the road” (Matthew 13:18-19).

If your heart is closed down you will believe the lie and reject the truth.  This is the way of this wicked generation.  If the Lord opens your ears do not again harden your heart.  At first, it will be difficult, for the truth can be hard that will truly set you free from the bondage of this age of death.  The Lord has sown His word in you and calls you to have a new heart that seeks righteousness.  Do not resist the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, You know the state of my heart.  You know where there is residual rebellion that shuts down my heart when the truth is spoken.  Guide me out of that so I willingly learn how to listen to the truth when it is spoken.  Let not the wicked one snatch anything You give away from me.  You have prepared the soil under my feet.  Grow in me the likeness of Christ my Savior that I may be on the journey to eternal life.

Lord Jesus, You have come in order that we who have no desire for Your word would receive it.  Help me to hear and heed the words of truth which You have spoken.  Guide me in all goodness and mercy to live the life You have set before me.  Help me now and always to abide in You as You abide in me.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go and let nothing You have given me be snatched away.  Amen.