Key Thought

As we share the message of Jesus, we need to know that there are all sorts of forces, powers, and people who will seek to destroy, corrupt, and negate that message in the hearts of those who are open to God's Kingdom. Sharing the message of Jesus Christ is far more than sharing our religious opinion; it is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want Jesus' name honored or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Gospel. That's why he was sometimes met with fierce opposition and persecution. More than just the power of closed minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people, those who share the message of God's grace in Jesus take on the powers of hell. It will sometimes not be easy, but we can always be assured that we will ultimately and eternally be victorious!

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

Many people came together. People came to Jesus from every town. Jesus told the people this story: "A farmer went out to plant his seed. While the farmer was planting, some seed fell beside the road. People walked on the seed, and the birds ate all this seed. Some seed fell on rock. This seed began to grow, but then died because the seed had no water. Some seed fell among thorny weeds. This seed grew, but later the weeds stopped the good plants from growing. And some seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain." Jesus finished the story. Then Jesus called out, "You people that hear me, listen!" Jesus' followers asked him, "What does this story mean?" Jesus said, "You have been chosen to know the secrets of the kingdom of God. But I use stories to speak to other people. I do this so that: 'They will look, but they will not see; and they will listen, but they will not understand.' "This is what the story means: The seed is God's teaching. What is the seed that fell beside the path? That is like the people that hear God's teaching, but then the devil comes and makes them stop thinking about that teaching. So those people cannot believe the teaching and be saved. What is the seed that fell on rock? That is like the people that hear God's teaching and accept it gladly. But these people don't have deep roots. They believe for a while. But when trouble comes, they turn away from God. What is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people that hear God's teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life stop them from growing. So they never make good fruit. And what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people that hear God's teaching with a good, honest heart. They obey God's teaching and patiently make good fruit.

— Luke 8:4-15 (ERV)

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