Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This is a beautiful reminder from our Lord about the power of generosity. When we open our hearts and give freely, we create a ripple effect of blessings that touch not only others but also come back to us in abundance.
Imagine your heart as a vessel, ready to be filled with the goodness of God. When you give—be it time, love, or resources—you’re making space for God to pour even more into your life. It’s like when you help a neighbor in need or lend a listening ear to a friend. These acts of kindness might seem small, but they overflow with God’s grace and come back to bless you in ways you might never expect.
So today, let’s embrace the spirit of giving. Let’s trust in God’s promise that as we give, we will receive even more. Let’s be the light that shines brightly in our community, knowing that every generous act brings us closer to His divine love and favor. God bless you!
In Matthew 13, one encounters the insightful Parable of the Sower and the Soils, a teaching by Jesus that delves into the diverse conditions of human hearts through the metaphor of four soils. Each soil represents a unique response to the (Seed/Word) message of God, offering profound insights into the spiritual journey.
“The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” -Matthew 13:1-9
The wayside, the first soil, signifies hearts hardened and unreceptive. Just as a path is trampled, these individuals allow external influences to hinder the growth of spiritual seeds. The challenge lies in breaking through this hardness to cultivate a fertile ground for transformation.
Moving to the stony places, the second soil illustrates hearts with initial enthusiasm but lacking depth. Like shallow soil covering bedrock, these individuals may receive the word joyfully but struggle to sustain their faith in the face of trials. It serves as a reminder that genuine spiritual growth requires depth and endurance.
The third soil, filled with thorns, symbolizes hearts entangled by worldly concerns. The distractions of life—worries, money, ego and other preoccupations—choke the growth of spiritual seeds. This soil urges reflection on the importance of cultivating a heart free from the entanglements that hinder spiritual flourishing.
Finally, the fourth soil represents the receptive heart—the good ground. Here, seeds find fertile soil, yielding a bountiful harvest. This soil teaches us about the openness, humility, and readiness required to embrace and internalize the teachings of God. It encourages us to nurture a heart that bears the fruit of faith and righteousness.
In conclusion, the Parable of the Four Soils in Matthew 13 serves as a timeless guide for self-reflection and spiritual growth. It prompts us to examine the condition of our hearts and encourages the cultivation of receptivity, depth, and resilience in our journey towards a fruitful and flourishing faith. In other words: Get your heart right and everything else will begin to fall into place!
Do you ever feel like the devil is “messing with you”? This thought often refers to spiritual or personal struggles rather than direct interference from a supernatural entity. In other words, there is always a possibility that it is the devil, but it could also just be part of the ups, downs and sideways of life. Here are some signs that people may interpret as indications of negative influences and a few ideas about what we can do about them:
1. Constant Negative Thoughts: If you’re persistently experiencing negative, self-deprecating, or harmful thoughts that seem beyond your control, it might feel like an external force is influencing your mindset. There is an old computer terminology that says: “Garbage In, Garbage Out!” What are you allowing into your life in the things that your eyes, see, your ears hear, your mouth taste, your nose smells, your skin feels and your minds thinks about?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8
2. Sudden and Unexplained Struggles: Unexpected difficulties in various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or health, might be perceived as signs of interference. The first thing we need to do, before looking to place the blame on someone or something else, is own our own responsibility for what could be a contributing factor.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4
3. Feeling Disconnected or Drained: Sensations of feeling spiritually or emotionally disconnected, drained of energy, or experiencing a sense of impending doom may lead one to believe they are under negative influence. If you are feeling disconnected ask yourself: “What have I done to make sure I am connected?” If you are feeling drained of energy, take a look at your diet and exercise and think about changes that you might need to take. If you are experiencing a sense of impending doom, make sure that you are spending time reading and thinking about spiritual literature, especially the Bible.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
4. Unexplained Physical or Mental Health Issues: Though often medical, if someone experiences unexplained physical ailments or mental health issues, they might attribute them to external negative forces. Sometimes the body gets sick and there is almost always a reason for this. It is usually because something has gotten into us that does not belong or we have failed to take something in that our body or mind needs. Check yourself and if need be, get professional help to get back healthy.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
5. Repeated Obstacles or Failures: Feeling like there’s a pattern of repeated obstacles, failures, or challenges that hinder progress or success in life. The reality is that sometimes we are our own worst enemy and we just keep on repeating the same of self defeating behaviors. We will not ever overcome, until we get honest with ourselves and our Maker.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
It’s important to note that while these signs might be concerning, they can also be attributed to various other factors such as mental health conditions, life circumstances, or personal struggles. Seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, counselors, or mental health professionals is advisable if these signs persist or significantly impact your well-being. Additionally, interpreting these signs as the direct influence of the devil is largely subjective and varies according to personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Often we give the devil way too much authority and power. If you are a child of God, the devil has no power over you, unless you give it to him, so remember this: You Got The Power!
Michael Joe Harvell 