Tag Archives: the Parable of the Sower

When God Seems to Be Wasting Our Time

Posted on December 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of my spiritual mentors said something to me in high school that has stuck with me the past 40 years. Ken Horne once told a group of students at a retreat that, “God calls his people to be obedient, not always successful.” Unfortunately, most Christians expect God to make them successful. And when the opposite happens, you might feel that God is wasting your time.

And the foremen met Moses and Aaron, who were standing in the way as they came forth from Pharaoh. 21 And the foremen said to them, The Lord look upon you and judge, because you have made us a rotten stench to be detested by Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to slay us, Exodus 5:20-21.

Perhaps, this explains the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-24. Depending upon your current environment in which you’re living, there are likely certain barriers and obstacles that limit spiritual growth. If you work a blue collar or factory job, hours on your feet can be exhausting. The Hebrew foreman and Moses reached a point where they felt like God was wasting their time.

Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, O Lord, why have You dealt evil to this people? Why did You ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people, neither have You delivered Your people at all, Exodus 5:22-23.

When you don’t have an endgame strategy or clear vision, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that what you are currently doing is a waste of time. Like those of you who seek to exercise and eat healthy in 2024, when you don’t see immediate results, some may wonder, “what’s the point?” As 2024 arrives, may you be prepared to go through fire, 1 Peter 1:6-7, so that you’ll tough it out to see the benefits of all your hard work and labor.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When God First Gets Your Attention

Posted on November 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was sitting at the Old Valley Forge Music Fair listening to a series of professional athletes share about their faith in God. While several of these athletes from Philadelphia I idolized, none of their testimonies wowed me. The keynote speaker strolled up in a wheelchair making me feel uneasy at the time. Yet, when Skip Wilkins began speaking, God got my attention.

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed, Exodus 3:1-2.

Moses was a recent newlywed when God got his attention. Beneath the surface, Moses was depressed as a stranger living in a foreign land. Yet, as this Spiritual Flame begins talking, conviction begins to consume Moses’ soul. While Moses doesn’t say why he is too ashamed to see God’s face, taking another man’s life in Egypt might be one of if not the reason for his shame.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. 5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground, Exodus 3:3-5.

According to the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:18-23, not everyone whose attention is perked by God responds. Apparently, some talk about making changes in their life, but never do. Others eagerly pursue God initially, but a weak spiritual foundation is washed away during times of trouble. In view of this, the next time God gets your attention, plant your faith upon fertile ground.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Can Faith Be Stolen?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the statements of faith that I heard numerous times by Christians on the campus of the University of Delaware was “once saved always saved.” From a theological standpoint, I listened to several convincing arguments based upon the belief that the blood Jesus shed on the cross wasn’t wasted. When you add a few passages written by the apostle Paul where many is used instead of all, once saved always saved makes sense.

Listen then to the [meaning of the] parable of the sower: 19 [h]While anyone is hearing the Word of the kingdom and does not grasp and comprehend it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the roadside, Matthew 13:18-19.

However, at the conclusion of one of Jesus’ parables, the disciples were completely stumped, unable to figure out what Jesus was trying to say. Subsequently, disciples met privately with Jesus to discover what He meant by the Parable of the Sower. Based upon Jesus’ own words in the passage above, it appears that faith can be stolen as apparently the Devil can snatch away the spiritual seed sown in a new believer’s heart. Yet, the greater message is beware of the spiritual environment in which you plant yourself.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows). 11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep, John 10:9-11.

Meanwhile, the disciple whom Jesus loved recounts another analogy about Sheep and their Shepherd. Jesus compares Himself to the lone gate in a fenced shepherd’s field. The Thief, likely the Devil, attempts to convince human beings that there are other doors that led to heaven, Acts 4:12. Meanwhile, Christians should expect ongoing spiritual warfare seeking to steal your spiritual joy, kill your attempts to discern and follow God’s will and destroy your faith. Hebrews 6 and 9 address the question if faith can be stolen in further details. If faith comes from hearing the Word, Romans 10:17, keep on reading the Bible before you reach an ultimate decision.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When Worry Interferes with Worship

Posted on January 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who rarely worries, 2022 was a year filled with distractions. While most transfers take a few months, mine lingered on for nearly seven months, filling my life with disappointment and rejection. All of this uncertainly challenged me emotionally and spiritually. When my prayers for clarity continued to go unanswered, a spirit of worry interfered with my ability to worship the Lord. One of the byproducts of this disconnect with God was the root of bitterness, Hebrews 12:15.

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah), Colossians 2:6-8.

The apostle Paul addresses worry in his letter to the Church at Colosse. One of the best ways to avoid bitterness is by developing strong spiritual root systems. Like the tree in Psalm 1:3, receiving daily nourishment from the Word of God is key to deepening your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-11. The planting process starts by surrounding yourself with a healthy environment like the good soil described by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:23.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is [a]coming soon]. 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:4-7.

If your church has small groups, this is the best time of the year to join one while your desire to make the most of 2023 is still alive and fresh, John 10:10. If you’re still looking for a place to call home, there’s no such thing as a perfect church. However, the people inside this building are the church. Therefore, find someone who you can relate to by praying for an accountability partner. The next time worry interferes with worship, you’ll have someone to help you break these chains to find a heartbeat for worship.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 344: Shackles

Posted on January 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If human beings could have access to or be privy to the spiritual dimensions, you will find shackles on many individuals. Whether this comes in the form of addictions, bad habits and cravings that never seem to go away, many people are bound in spiritual chains and are unable to break free on their own. Today’s song Shackles by Mary Mary reminds of the passage below of a married man who left his wife and children to live in the catacombs, fearful that he might hurt someone that he loves.

This man [a]continually lived among the tombs, and no one could subdue him any more, even with a chain; 4 For he had been bound often with shackles for the feet and [b]handcuffs, but the handcuffs of [light] chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he rubbed and ground together and broke in pieces; and no one had strength enough to restrain or tame him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always [c]shrieking and screaming and [d]beating and bruising and [e]cutting himself with stones, Mark 5:3-5.

Perhaps, the Parable of the Sower shines light on being shackled, Matthew 13:18-23. Jesus points to 3 different unhealthy environments that human beings grow up in that result in being spiritually shackled. The first soil is compacted, hard and difficult to grow anything for an extended period of time. The second soil is rocky, and shallow which prevents a strong root system from being established. Finally, briar patches and sticker bushes can suffocate people from experiencing joy, John 10:10. May today’s song inspire you to overcome any shackles that you may be carrying over from 2022 so that you’re able to praise God in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 340: Thicker

Posted on January 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Chasing Furies song Thicker reminds me of one of Jesus’ parables. When Jesus shared the Parable of the Sower in public, the disciples were confused and dumbfounded. Subsequently, these 12 men approached Jesus in private to understand the point of his analogy. Jesus was trying to stress the importance of soil types, the environments in which you live. If you allow yourself to be surrounded by negative influences, you will struggle to grow and mature as a Christian.

As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; 21 Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, [i]lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and [j]begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit, Matthew 13:20-22.

At the present time, the beginning of 2023, you may find yourself trampled, compressed by heartaches in life. Maybe rocks are your problem, holding you back from sprouting to your full potential? Then again, sticker bushes and thickets could be the source of your pain, suffocating your life from experiencing joy, John 10:10. Whatever your stumbling block may be as you enter 2023, may the lyrics of Thicker help you start to spiritually weed your current environment so that the soil you dwell in improves immensely this year.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What You Don’t Plant Never Blooms

Posted on May 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Planning and Planting share one crucial ingredient: timing is everything. If you plant crops or a garden too soon, cold weather and frost can ruin all of your hard work. Meanwhile, if you wait too long to plant each spring, arid and wet weather can diminish and or nullify every seed that was soon. My last season of snap peas in Delaware never came up due to several inches of rain; swamping my garden for a week.

He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you know not what is the way of the wind, or how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you know not the work of God, Who does all. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good, Ecclesiastes 11:4-6.

One of my favorite classes in college was Economic Geography. Most of this class was based upon simulations using natural resources and climate. One unit was farming, using the Farmer’s Almanac to determine what crop or crops you were going to plant based upon previous weather patterns. I decided to diversify, planting two different crops. While I did okay, planting anything involves taking a risk.

Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain—some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him [a]consider and [b]perceive and comprehend by hearing, Matthew 13:8-9.

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus explains the meaning of this story to his disciples. Most soils that you plant in will have limitations. Some regions are too arid, others too rocky and a few are so wild that thorns and vines can overwhelm anything you try to plant. The goal for any homeowner is to improve your environment (soil) annually. Although the weather may not cooperate for you, what you don’t plant never blooms.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Eternal Salvation

Posted on August 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The concept of eternity dates back to the 14th century derived from the French word eternité. However, the Latin expression aeternitatem first appeared in the 12th century. This term comes from aeternitas and aeternus which refers to enduring and permanent. However, one of Jesus’ disciples spoke of an eternal salvation which could be secured before you die, 1 John 5:11-13. John speaks with full assurance and confidence of this fact.

Nevertheless [the sentence put upon women of pain in motherhood does not hinder their souls’ salvation, and] they will be saved [eternally] if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control, [saved indeed] through the Childbearing or by the birth of the divine Child, 1 Timothy 2:15.

Meanwhile, in the passage above the apostle Paul refers to the curse of Eve passed down upon all women. According to Genesis 3:16, the pain of childbearing will increase with every passing generation. When I was a high school Bible teacher, one of our guest speakers was a Christian archeologist. Through a rare collection of fossils, this scientist revealed that Eve’s hips were extremely large; gradually becoming smaller with each passing generation.

For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. 27 [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God], Hebrews 10:26-27.

According to Paul, the pain of motherhood does not hinder, prevent or keep a woman from eternal salvation. Nonetheless, the author of Hebrews does address why the faith of some is lost. Although addiction is not mentioned directly, bad habits open the door for sins to be repeated over and over again. In the parable of the Sower, Jesus hints that Satan can snatch away the message of salvation, Matthew 13:19. While most biblical scholars believe that salvation can’t be lost, the goal of any human being is to live forever up in heaven wherever this place may be located.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Sequence of Story

Posted on July 20, 2021 by expressyourself4him

A sequence is a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other. In the process of telling a story, the best communicators set the scene using what some writers refer to as the 10 magic words. This information highlights who a story is about and details the journey which is about to begin. Depending upon the author or story teller, the sequence of story involves a beginning, middle and end.

Then the disciples came to Him and said, Why do You speak to them in parables? 11 And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given, Matthew 13:10-11.

From a biblical perspective, the son of God used parables to connect with first century citizens. A parable is story structure used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson as told by Jesus in the Gospels. The New Testament details 46 different parables as Jesus tried to explain mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of heaven. My favorite is the Parable of the Sower as Jesus reveals how the environment in which you live influences the person that you become.

Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, to the assembly (church) of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah): Grace (spiritual blessing and divine favor) to you and [heart] peace. 2 We are ever giving thanks to God for all of you, continually mentioning [you when engaged] in our prayers, 3 Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith and service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 4 [O] brethren beloved by God, we recognize and know that He has selected (chosen) you;5 For our [preaching of the] glad tidings (the Gospel) came to you not only in word, but also in [its own inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction and absolute certainty [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved [ourselves] to be among you for your good, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5.

While writing 13 letters known as epistles, the apostle Paul developed a story structure known as U Centered Writing. Paul regularly starts his letters by getting the attention and gaining the interest of fellow Christians. Once this is accomplished, Paul creates a felt need, a flaw or weakness that believers need to work on. The remainder of his letters are designed to create a sense of urgency so that a commitment to change is conceived. Whether you’re writing a letter, telling a story or working on a screen play, stories continue to speak to human hearts and provide hope or inspiration to make a difference in the life that God has given you.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

W.E.E.D.S.

Posted on September 29, 2020 by expressyourself4him

After a relatively mild and wet summer, I’ve never seen weeds flourish like this in the state of Delaware. Like an alien invasion, my garden and flower beds have become engulfed by evasive species. In a typically season, I’ll do extensive weeding a few times between spring and fall. Today, marked the fifth time, leading to a piles of weeds ten feet wide and 3 feet high.

Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and [j]begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit, Matthew 13:21-22.

This tiring task lead me to create the acronym Wild Evasive Environments Determined to Spread. While I do own a weedwacker, unless you remove the entire root system, these aggressive wild weeds will continue to come back year after year. Although paying for a regular chemical application may solve this problem, I don’t want to poison my dog or other animals.

Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way. 26 So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the darnel (weeds) appeared also, Matthew 13:24-26.

After sharing the Parable of the Sower in public, the disciples sought a private meeting with Jesus. Baffled and confused by his analogy, Jesus begins to unwrap the meaning of different environments that exist on earth. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus blames the devil for sowing darnels while you sleep. Thus, when you wake up, our lives tend to become entangled by W.E.E.D.S. When this occurs, wait until the harvest for your next round of spiritual weeding.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→