The Word for today is found in Matthew 13:18-23

When any one heareth the Word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the Word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Last night while teaching in jail—and I have some really great girls–they were having a hard time understanding some, what seemed to me, really simple teaching on what transpired at the New Birth. I saw some of their frustration at not being able to put it together.

I told them that this kind of knowledge did not come from the natural realm but was spiritually discerned by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have been given at the New Birth the greatest of all teachers who lives inside us and we need to trust him to teach and give is revelation knowledge of God’s Word.

Don’t become anxious or frustrated when it does not come immediately, but continue to press in. Realize that no one wants you to understand the Word more than God, so that is one request he is more than willing to do.

Jesus gave this teaching as the key to the Kingdoe of God. It is a progression through the different kinds of soil, or ground that is in people’s lives.

Which soil are you and are you willing to prepare your soil to receive the Word?

When Jesus speaks of the stony places, (v20) he is talking about forgiveness and unconfessed sins that people have in their lives. To harbor unforgiveness is to stop the Word in its tracks from working in your life. Get over it and ask God to forgive you so you can move on to higher and better ground.

Cares of this world are another way of saying you are a worrier, and worry is a sin. Those who worry and are not in faith and anything that is not faith is a sin according to the Word. Get rid of worry by studying the Word and put your thought life under the authority of the Word.

God does not care if you have riches; it is just when riches are your master and you are not the master of them. It is God’s greatest desire to bless his people, but we first need to develop the character it takes to be able to handle the blessings, so we can be a channel of blessings to others.

Press for the high mark of the calling in Jesus Christ and reach for verse 23 where you will be bearer of much fruit for the kingdom.

Love in Christ, Pastor Louise.