Passage of the Day:
The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’[a] 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown,” Matthew 13:10-23.
Reflection:
I was taught early on in school that April showers bring May flowers. If you take this seasonal lesson and apply this to the spiritual realm, may flowers are a byproduct of weeding, watering and planting bulbs at the right time each Spring. If you’re too eager and plant too soon, freezing temperatures and or frost will either kill or stunt the growth of these plants. Meanwhile, if you wait too long to plant, arid and dry conditions can result in wilting flowers.
Prayerful Action:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you, John 15:16.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
The next 30 days will be devoted to bearing spiritual fruit. After sharing the Parable of the Sower to a large crowd, Jesus’ twelve disciples were confused, asking for further clarification. Today’s passage provides clarity to the point Jesus was trying to impress upon this audience: search for the right spiritual environment so that you can begin to blossom. The soil and surroundings in which you are planted will influence the fruit that you bear. Seek out fertile, good soil.
Song of the Day:
The lyrics of the attached song by Wes King talks about being filled with the fullness of God. Christians who are eager and willing to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, will make the effort to search for the right environment/spiritual soil where they will blossom this June.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 