Matthew 13:3-4, "Then He told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.'"

Matthew 13:18-19, "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 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."

Think

Let's face it; we've all got issues. Each of us has unique fears, difficulties, and weaknesses. And, if we pulled back the curtain on our lives, we'd likely discover that the real tissue of the issue lies within our hearts. For many, such self-examination proves difficult. Too often, our spiritual arteries are hardened and our hearts are resistant to God's truth about our sin. We don't understand that admitting our sin is the first step toward experiencing God's love.

In the Parable of the Sower, the seed represents God's Word that falls on the hardened path of the human heart. The birds illustrate the enemy who snatches up the seed before it can penetrate the soil. Satan is constantly trying to thwart the softening and transformation of hearts as he seeks to undermine God's Kingdom. He knows the ultimate spiritual battle has been won through Christ for those who believe. But, for those who don't, he'll stop at nothing to block them from understanding and receiving God's love. But there is hope!

Though our first reaction may be anger, sadness or defensiveness, God can and will soften even the hardest of hearts through His Word. We can't allow the enemy to use our emotions to trample on the soils of the heart. Instead, we must allow Jesus access to till the path and work the ground so that the seed takes root and creates a huge harvest.

Act

This week we will be looking at the Parable of the Sower. Read Matthew 13:1-23. And keep this thought in mind today: Think of your heart as a home where Jesus wants to reside!

Pray

Dear Lord, Synchronize my heart to beat in sync with Yours and soften any hardened areas calloused by pride, sin, and selfishness. Thank You for Your Word, rooted deeply within me. In Jesus' name, Amen.