July 13th & July 17th, 2022
The Conversationalist
Parable of the Sower
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
—Matthew 13:1-9 (NLT)
19 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. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
—Matthew 13:19-23 (NLT)
The way to break up the hard ground is to
The place you can get deeply rooted is in
The pulling of weeds in the soil happens when we
Challenge 1: Don’t turn a deaf ear to the word of the Lord today. He is trying to get this message to you because he has purpose for you.
Challenge 2: Don’t let this message be the only time you go to God about this. Go home and continue the work with Jesus alone.
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Next Steps:
1. I don’t want to reject the word of God and let the enemy steal what God has spoken to me. I accept Jesus in my heart today.
2. I am going to make a step towards authentic community with others so I can become better rooted and mature in the things of God.
3. I reject the enemies attempts to take me out by way of distraction and anxiety. I surrender and humble myself to God’s work in the soil of my heart.
4. I want to live a productive life full of purpose. I want to steward what God has given me so I will take my next step and find a place of ministry here at Heritage.