Psalm of the Day: Psalm 101
Wisdom of the Day: Job 20:1-15
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:4-15
The last caution contained in the parable of the sower is to beware of being content with any religion which does not bear FRUIT in our lives. Our Lord tells us that the hearts of those who hear the word aright, are like GOOD ground. The seed of the Gospel sinks down deeply into their wills and produces practical results in their faith and lives. They not only hear with pleasure but act with decision. They repent. They believe. They obey.
Forever let us bear in mind, that this is the only religion that saves souls. Outward profession of Christianity and the formal use of Church ordinances, never yet gave man a solid hope in life, or peace in death, or rest in the world beyond the grave. There must be fruits of the Spirit in our hearts and lives, or else the Gospel is preached to us in vain. Only those who bear such fruits shall be found at Christ's right hand in the day of His appearing.
Let us leave the parable with a deep sense of the danger and responsibility of all hearers of the Gospel. There are four ways in which we may hear and only one is right. There are three kinds of hearers whose souls are in imminent peril. How many of these three kinds are to be found in every congregation! There is only one class of hearers which is right in the sight of God. And what are we? Do we belong to that one?
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me identify who represents me in this parable
Action Plan: When reading parables like this, it is easy to point the finger at other people who come to our minds. Take time to reflect on your self and how you hear the Word of God.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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