April 1, 2017 - RECEPTIVE TO THE WORD?

Day 91 - JUDGES 6-7 & Luke 8:1-21

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”  (Luke 8:11-15 ESV)

Do you see yourself in this parable? What kind of soil are you?

● Path - Faithless
● Rock - Rootless
● Thorns - Fruitless
● Good - Fruitful

Paul encourages us to...

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”  (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

Blessings come to those who read and heed God’s Word. We get to read the Bible in our private devotions at home. We get to grow further in our understanding of God’s Word in worship and in Bible studies at church. And why is this so important?

We get to be “those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” 
    
The fruit that “holding fast” to God’s Word produces is the forgiveness of our sins, the guarantee of heaven, and peace and direction for our daily lives.       

Dear Lord, thank You for planting Your saving Word into my heart. May I be good soil for You, patiently and faithfully living my life for You. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf