Topic: Avoid a ‘Roadside Heart’ [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 17 August 2021
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Above Only Daily Devotional
TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021
Avoid a ‘Roadside Heart’
Matthew 13:3-4, 18-19(AMP)
And He told them many things in parables (stories by way of illustration and comparison), saying, A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and ate them up.*Listen then to the (meaning of the) parable of the sower: 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.
The roadside heart referenced in our text refers to someone who is unable to understand and retain the word of God that he or she receives. This may arise from a person’s nonchalant attitude towards God’s word. Beloved , you first have grasp or take a hold of God’s word in your heart before you can understand it. When you understand and apply God’s word to your life, it produces great fruit. Do not allow the word of God to slip away from you. By doing this, you deprive yourself of the growth and blessings that God intended for your life.
Take a hold of God’s word and hide it in your heart (Psalm 119:11). When Joseph and Mary found Jesus in the temple, they did not understand what Jesus meant when he told them that he was about His Father’s business. However, the Bible records that Mary kept what He said in her heart (Luke 2:49-51).
When some people return home from service, they do not remember the word of God they received. This could be because of distracted listening or an unwillingness to take notes or secure a copy of the message so that it can be listened to over and over again.
It is easier to retain and understand God’s word when you are a student of God’s word. Be intentional about securing a time to study God’s word for yourself. Rely on the help of the Holy Spirit for understanding. Don’t treat God’s word as the words of men. Instead, allow your mind to consistently return to God’s word and surround yourself with tools that will reinforce God’s word in your mind and heart (Proverbs 4:21). Imagine what your life would be like if you retained and applied every portion of God’s word that you receive.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me to pay attention and to hide your word deeply in my heart. I want your word to produce great fruit in my life.
Bible In One Year Reading Plan
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalm 35:1-16 & Proverbs 21:17-18.
