[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts."
—Matthew 13:18-19 NLT
We would like to think that hearing is just a matter of good communication, but we must remember that Satan is the ultimate deceiver, the father of lies. He does all he can to confuse good communication and rob the word of God of its power by stealing it away from those whose hearts are hard or who are struggling to understand. When communicating the Good News with those who don't understand, we need to pray for softened hearts and for hearts that desire to know Jesus. He will reveal himself to those who earnestly seek after him. On the other hand, we must guard and protect our own hearts to keep the evil one from hardening them and making the word of God irrelevant to us.
Holy and loving God, please give me a heart that is soft and a mind that is understanding so that I may not only understand, but also be convicted by your word. I want my life to reflect the character your word is calling for in me. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 13:18-19 NLT
Key Thought
We would like to think that hearing is just a matter of good communication, but we must remember that Satan is the ultimate deceiver, the father of lies. He does all he can to confuse good communication and rob the word of God of its power by stealing it away from those whose hearts are hard or who are struggling to understand. When communicating the Good News with those who don't understand, we need to pray for softened hearts and for hearts that desire to know Jesus. He will reveal himself to those who earnestly seek after him. On the other hand, we must guard and protect our own hearts to keep the evil one from hardening them and making the word of God irrelevant to us.
Today's Prayer
Holy and loving God, please give me a heart that is soft and a mind that is understanding so that I may not only understand, but also be convicted by your word. I want my life to reflect the character your word is calling for in me. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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