March 27, 2020 - RECEPTIVE TO THE WORD?

Day 87 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; Psalm 81; Luke 8:9-18)

RECEPTIVE TO THE WORD?

“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.

REMINDER You can participate in St. Paul’s recent virtual Lenten services by using this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!