The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
AS YOURSELF
Do you love yourself? Really? Perhaps the reason we sometimes struggle with loving others is because we don’t really love ourselves. Jesus said we were to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Implied in His command is a healthy and helpful love of self. Do you have one?
What do you love about yourself?
What do you not like about yourself?
If you could change one thing about your life (past or present) what would you change?
Does the answer you just wrote affect how you feel about yourself?
How can Psalm 103:10-12 give you peace about your past?
Sometimes we base our love of self on what we think about ourselves instead of what God thinks about us. God knows that on our own, our hearts aren’t good, but that didn’t stop Him from showing us grace. Read Romans 5:8. Before we had life, He showed us love. Why?
Look at Ephesians 1:1-10. Start listing the things God has done for you.
You are someone God has blessed, chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed, enriched, and enlightened. It’s true that God did all this because of His grace and not your goodness, but the fact that you have a Father who desires you and delights in you can help you accept who you are and who you aren’t.
Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. How do we form our opinions differently than God forms His?
How have you based your self-worth on the appearances of your looks or your lifestyle?
God made you. God loves you. And He always will. He wants you to love yourself too. Not just yourself, but others as yourself. How has He shown you His love this week?
How have you loved yourself this week?
How have you loved your neighbor this week?
Keep it up and don’t get down. Especially on yourself.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Daily Dig - Good Samaritan Day 2
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
YOUR NEIGHBOR
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” In an effort to check off the commandment as completed, a lawyer asked Jesus to pinpoint exactly who was his neighbor. The parable reply pushed the man to admit that anyone with a need was his neighbor. The same holds true for us no matter where we are, but let’s talk today about the ones with needs who live next door.
Think of the people who live in the 4 houses surrounding your own. What are the needs of your neighbors to the north? Have you sat (or stood) for a recent chat with your neighbors to the south? How do you help your neighbor to the west? At least each Christmas do you reach out to your neighbor to the east?
I cringe myself as I write these questions. A busy life full of connections and commitments at church, school, and in the community seem to crowd out the time and the treasure of knowing our nearest neighbors. This week pick a neighbor in one direction – north, south, east, or west, and drop by with a sweet dessert (Publix bakery is fine) and a sincere hello. Your visit might make a long day shorter, a sad day sunnier, or a bad day better.
We should show love to the neighbors who live around us, and we should show love to the neighbors who live with us. If a neighbor is someone in need, and you live with someone besides yourself, you live with a neighbor. I definitely hope you walk across the road this week, but I also hope you walk across the room. Meeting the needs of those nearest to us is sometimes more challenging than helping those far away. But we must.
If you’re married, what does your spouse need that only you can provide?
How will you meet a need today?
If you have kids, what do their hearts need from you?
How will you meet a need today?
The needs of your grandkids?
How about your parents and in-laws?
Read Ephesians 5:15 – 6:4. Notice the many action verbs. Loving the “neighbors” in our families requires desire and effort.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we like being needed. Sometimes we loathe it. But always we need to love -- the neighbors in the bed beside us, the ones in the room down the hall, or the house across the street. Won’t you be my neighbor?
Luke 10:25-37
YOUR NEIGHBOR
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” In an effort to check off the commandment as completed, a lawyer asked Jesus to pinpoint exactly who was his neighbor. The parable reply pushed the man to admit that anyone with a need was his neighbor. The same holds true for us no matter where we are, but let’s talk today about the ones with needs who live next door.
Think of the people who live in the 4 houses surrounding your own. What are the needs of your neighbors to the north? Have you sat (or stood) for a recent chat with your neighbors to the south? How do you help your neighbor to the west? At least each Christmas do you reach out to your neighbor to the east?
I cringe myself as I write these questions. A busy life full of connections and commitments at church, school, and in the community seem to crowd out the time and the treasure of knowing our nearest neighbors. This week pick a neighbor in one direction – north, south, east, or west, and drop by with a sweet dessert (Publix bakery is fine) and a sincere hello. Your visit might make a long day shorter, a sad day sunnier, or a bad day better.
We should show love to the neighbors who live around us, and we should show love to the neighbors who live with us. If a neighbor is someone in need, and you live with someone besides yourself, you live with a neighbor. I definitely hope you walk across the road this week, but I also hope you walk across the room. Meeting the needs of those nearest to us is sometimes more challenging than helping those far away. But we must.
If you’re married, what does your spouse need that only you can provide?
How will you meet a need today?
If you have kids, what do their hearts need from you?
How will you meet a need today?
The needs of your grandkids?
How about your parents and in-laws?
Read Ephesians 5:15 – 6:4. Notice the many action verbs. Loving the “neighbors” in our families requires desire and effort.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes we like being needed. Sometimes we loathe it. But always we need to love -- the neighbors in the bed beside us, the ones in the room down the hall, or the house across the street. Won’t you be my neighbor?
The Daily Dig - Good Samaritan Day 1
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
LOVE
Since the guy asking the questions and the God answering them focused mostly on the second “big” commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so will we. Found first in Leviticus 19:18, these few words are easier said than done. Let’s start with the LOVE.
This over-used, under-valued word has become a staple in our daily vocabulary. But what does it really mean? If you were asked to write the dictionary entry for the word “love,” what would be your definition?
What is the definition of love in 1 John 3:16?
Who “laid down their life” for you today? How? Why?
For whom did you “lay down your life” today? How? Why?
What does 1 John 4:10-11 give as the reason we should love?
In I Corinthians 12:31 Paul says that love is the most excellent way to live. Verses 4-8 are probably the best known verses about love in the Bible. Honestly, they are verses which are easier to know than show. Think about your attitudes and actions of the past few days. Rate yourself 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) on how well you have shown love in the 16 ways of 1 Corinthians 13.
_____ Patient
_____ Kind
_____ Not Envious
_____ Not Boastful
_____ Not Prideful
_____ Not Rude
_____ Not selfish
_____ Not Easily Angered
_____ Keeps No Record Of Wrongs
_____ Does Not Delight In Evil
_____ Rejoices With The Truth
_____ Always Protects
_____ Always Trusts
_____ Always Hopes
_____ Always Perseveres
_____ Never Fails
Don’t be discouraged. None of us are Perfect 10s. But do be determined love “more better” today than you did yesterday.
Read Psalm 107. How many times does the psalmist remind you that God’s love is unfailing? Memorize verse 1. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
God’s love for you is unfailing and forever. That’s good to know. That’s good to show. Just love.
Luke 10:25-37
LOVE
Since the guy asking the questions and the God answering them focused mostly on the second “big” commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so will we. Found first in Leviticus 19:18, these few words are easier said than done. Let’s start with the LOVE.
This over-used, under-valued word has become a staple in our daily vocabulary. But what does it really mean? If you were asked to write the dictionary entry for the word “love,” what would be your definition?
What is the definition of love in 1 John 3:16?
Who “laid down their life” for you today? How? Why?
For whom did you “lay down your life” today? How? Why?
What does 1 John 4:10-11 give as the reason we should love?
In I Corinthians 12:31 Paul says that love is the most excellent way to live. Verses 4-8 are probably the best known verses about love in the Bible. Honestly, they are verses which are easier to know than show. Think about your attitudes and actions of the past few days. Rate yourself 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) on how well you have shown love in the 16 ways of 1 Corinthians 13.
_____ Patient
_____ Kind
_____ Not Envious
_____ Not Boastful
_____ Not Prideful
_____ Not Rude
_____ Not selfish
_____ Not Easily Angered
_____ Keeps No Record Of Wrongs
_____ Does Not Delight In Evil
_____ Rejoices With The Truth
_____ Always Protects
_____ Always Trusts
_____ Always Hopes
_____ Always Perseveres
_____ Never Fails
Don’t be discouraged. None of us are Perfect 10s. But do be determined love “more better” today than you did yesterday.
Read Psalm 107. How many times does the psalmist remind you that God’s love is unfailing? Memorize verse 1. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
God’s love for you is unfailing and forever. That’s good to know. That’s good to show. Just love.
TELL ME A STORY - The Good Samaritan
Tell Me A Story
Unpacking the Power of the Parables
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Neighbors. Growing up in rural Alabama, my closest neighbor lived one quarter of a mile down the road. In my subdivision today, I have neighbors right next door and across the street. But are we closer just because we’re close? What makes a neighbor neighborly? And who really counts as my neighbor anyway?
One day Jesus was asked that same question by a Jewish lawyer trying to weasel his way around God’s Word. The guy tried to test Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus countered the lawyer’s query with a quiz of His own. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man quickly (and correctly) quoted two of God’s commands from the Law given through Moses. “He said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right on,” Jesus replied. “Live like that and you’ll get what you’re looking for.”
Instead of admitting he could never live so perfectly, the man arrogantly wanted to be sure – and to show - he had met the legal requirements for loving. So he inquired, “And exactly who is my neighbor?”
This lawyer wanted a general category, but instead Jesus gave him a story. The story of a specific man with a serious need. The story of the very ones who had all the reasons to help, but didn’t. The story of the one who had all the reasons not to help, but did. The story of the Good Samaritan.
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So to, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”’
As Jesus finished his story, surely the man was already cringing at the certain-to-come follow-up question. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “Samaritan,” so, “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’” Jesus didn’t point out the man’s prejudice because He knew He had made His point. Jesus simply told him, “Go and do likewise.”
“Go and do.” Greek verbs whose tenses tell us “as you are going and going and keep on going in your life, be doing and doing and keep on doing this.” What’s ‘this’? ‘This’ is being a neighbor.
Start neighboring. Don’t stop neighboring. And neighbor everyone in need. Being a neighbor has nothing to do with where you live and everything to do with how you love. Love isn’t checking off a list, but this story shows us several stages of “going and doing likewise.”
AS YOU ARE GOING
Let’s stop right there and start. “Go.” “As you are going….” Note that none of our travelers that day were on a pre-determined mission of mercy. All three were simply trekking along the road of life. The eighteen mile descent from Jerusalem northeast to Jericho was steep, winding, and unsafe. People went that way because it was the only way. Jericho was a favorite residence of religious leaders, so many priests and Levites journeyed to and from the temple at their scheduled times of service. “A priest happened to be going down the same road….” “…A Levite, when he came to the place….” We’re not told why the Samaritan was on the highway, “but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was….” Jesus didn’t say to be “on the go.” He said, “As you are going….” Each part of every day is part of our path of life. On each path we will meet people who need a neighbor. People who need us to see.
SEE
See What’s Going On
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
First, we must see – see what’s going on. Look up from your lane at the lives around you. The beaten man on the side of the road couldn’t easily be missed. All three travelers saw him, and all three saw his needs. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31 “…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
Like this victim’s, some needs are obvious and easily apparent. Many are camouflaged behind smiles or schedules. Others are hidden because of shame or fear. As you walk your path with God, ask to see others through His eyes, and He will show you their needs. In 2 Corinthians 5: 16 Paul talks about how he looks at others. He says that since he came to know Jesus and His love, “from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” Philippians 4:2 says, “Each one should look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Don’t just look, see. You’ll be surprised at what you notice when you focused on the people, not just the path.
STOP
Stop What You’re Doing
On my husband Steve’s Facebook page he put a quote he heard many years ago which changed the way he lived. “DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO BE INTERRUPTED.” That’s why he spent yesterday afternoon and evening making student council posters in his unsweaty workout clothes. He never made it out the door because our middle-schooler needed his help. He stopped what he was doing so he could see what she needed.
Look at how the men in the parable responded to what they saw.
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him…” v. 33
They all saw. They all slowed. Only one stopped.
Stop what you’re doing. Jesus stopped going with Jairus to raise his dead daughter so he could heal a sick woman. He stopped his travel through Jericho and ate lunch with Zaccheus. He stopped listening to the report of a mission trip to make lunch for 5000 plus.
Perhaps fear that it might be a trap, concerns that they didn’t know what to do, thoughts that the man was beyond help, or just their own schedules and responsibilities kept them from stopping. Your agenda is not more important than God’s adventure. Don’t miss out because you’re in a hurry to get somewhere else. Stop and see what’s going on before you go on.
STEP IN
Step In & Do What Needs To Be Done
“Hop off your donkey and help”
And then step in and do what needs to be done.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.” V. 33
Hop off your donkey and help. Yes, you will be inconvenienced. Yes, it will cost you – time, energy, maybe even money. Pouring on oil and wine – cleansing and comfort – requires your own getting dirty in the effort, but stepping in is what we need to do. It’s what we ought to do. It’s what we want to do as we follow Jesus.
Who was a neighbor? The one who had mercy – who had mercy and help with mercy. Not the ones who should have helped but didn’t, but the one who could have given many reasons not to help but did. We have no excuses for not helping those who hurt us or those we don’t like. We should show mercy with mercy.
GO AND DO LIKEWISE!!
You’re going to keep going, so keep doing as you go. Don’t ask Who is my neighbor ? Ask to whom can I be a neighbor? See. Stop. Step In. And you’ll be a really Good Samaritan.
Unpacking the Power of the Parables
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Neighbors. Growing up in rural Alabama, my closest neighbor lived one quarter of a mile down the road. In my subdivision today, I have neighbors right next door and across the street. But are we closer just because we’re close? What makes a neighbor neighborly? And who really counts as my neighbor anyway?
One day Jesus was asked that same question by a Jewish lawyer trying to weasel his way around God’s Word. The guy tried to test Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus countered the lawyer’s query with a quiz of His own. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
The man quickly (and correctly) quoted two of God’s commands from the Law given through Moses. “He said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right on,” Jesus replied. “Live like that and you’ll get what you’re looking for.”
Instead of admitting he could never live so perfectly, the man arrogantly wanted to be sure – and to show - he had met the legal requirements for loving. So he inquired, “And exactly who is my neighbor?”
This lawyer wanted a general category, but instead Jesus gave him a story. The story of a specific man with a serious need. The story of the very ones who had all the reasons to help, but didn’t. The story of the one who had all the reasons not to help, but did. The story of the Good Samaritan.
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So to, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”’
As Jesus finished his story, surely the man was already cringing at the certain-to-come follow-up question. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “Samaritan,” so, “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’” Jesus didn’t point out the man’s prejudice because He knew He had made His point. Jesus simply told him, “Go and do likewise.”
“Go and do.” Greek verbs whose tenses tell us “as you are going and going and keep on going in your life, be doing and doing and keep on doing this.” What’s ‘this’? ‘This’ is being a neighbor.
Start neighboring. Don’t stop neighboring. And neighbor everyone in need. Being a neighbor has nothing to do with where you live and everything to do with how you love. Love isn’t checking off a list, but this story shows us several stages of “going and doing likewise.”
AS YOU ARE GOING
Let’s stop right there and start. “Go.” “As you are going….” Note that none of our travelers that day were on a pre-determined mission of mercy. All three were simply trekking along the road of life. The eighteen mile descent from Jerusalem northeast to Jericho was steep, winding, and unsafe. People went that way because it was the only way. Jericho was a favorite residence of religious leaders, so many priests and Levites journeyed to and from the temple at their scheduled times of service. “A priest happened to be going down the same road….” “…A Levite, when he came to the place….” We’re not told why the Samaritan was on the highway, “but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was….” Jesus didn’t say to be “on the go.” He said, “As you are going….” Each part of every day is part of our path of life. On each path we will meet people who need a neighbor. People who need us to see.
SEE
See What’s Going On
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
First, we must see – see what’s going on. Look up from your lane at the lives around you. The beaten man on the side of the road couldn’t easily be missed. All three travelers saw him, and all three saw his needs. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw…” v. 31 “…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him…” v. 32 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him…” v. 33
Like this victim’s, some needs are obvious and easily apparent. Many are camouflaged behind smiles or schedules. Others are hidden because of shame or fear. As you walk your path with God, ask to see others through His eyes, and He will show you their needs. In 2 Corinthians 5: 16 Paul talks about how he looks at others. He says that since he came to know Jesus and His love, “from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” Philippians 4:2 says, “Each one should look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Don’t just look, see. You’ll be surprised at what you notice when you focused on the people, not just the path.
STOP
Stop What You’re Doing
On my husband Steve’s Facebook page he put a quote he heard many years ago which changed the way he lived. “DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO BE INTERRUPTED.” That’s why he spent yesterday afternoon and evening making student council posters in his unsweaty workout clothes. He never made it out the door because our middle-schooler needed his help. He stopped what he was doing so he could see what she needed.
Look at how the men in the parable responded to what they saw.
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side…” v. 31
“…A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side…” v. 32
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him…” v. 33
They all saw. They all slowed. Only one stopped.
Stop what you’re doing. Jesus stopped going with Jairus to raise his dead daughter so he could heal a sick woman. He stopped his travel through Jericho and ate lunch with Zaccheus. He stopped listening to the report of a mission trip to make lunch for 5000 plus.
Perhaps fear that it might be a trap, concerns that they didn’t know what to do, thoughts that the man was beyond help, or just their own schedules and responsibilities kept them from stopping. Your agenda is not more important than God’s adventure. Don’t miss out because you’re in a hurry to get somewhere else. Stop and see what’s going on before you go on.
STEP IN
Step In & Do What Needs To Be Done
“Hop off your donkey and help”
And then step in and do what needs to be done.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.” V. 33
Hop off your donkey and help. Yes, you will be inconvenienced. Yes, it will cost you – time, energy, maybe even money. Pouring on oil and wine – cleansing and comfort – requires your own getting dirty in the effort, but stepping in is what we need to do. It’s what we ought to do. It’s what we want to do as we follow Jesus.
Who was a neighbor? The one who had mercy – who had mercy and help with mercy. Not the ones who should have helped but didn’t, but the one who could have given many reasons not to help but did. We have no excuses for not helping those who hurt us or those we don’t like. We should show mercy with mercy.
GO AND DO LIKEWISE!!
You’re going to keep going, so keep doing as you go. Don’t ask Who is my neighbor ? Ask to whom can I be a neighbor? See. Stop. Step In. And you’ll be a really Good Samaritan.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 3
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Pull Up The Weeds (vs 7, 22 & Luke 8:14)
Only Eden was free of weeds. Since then all good gardeners have spent much time pulling up unwanted invaders so the productive plants can grow unhindered and uncrowded. The soil of our heart seems to easily sprout both the prickly and the pretty. It is our duty to be pulling out the weeds so God's Word can grow to maturity.
In this parable, Jesus listed three thorny weeds which can choke out God’s Word in our lives. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
Life’s Worries
Now there’s a big weed! What have you ever worried about? Or perhaps the better question is, what haven’t you worried about? God knows are hearts are prone to fret, and He wants us to pull up that weed while it is still small. In Matthew 6:25-32 Jesus gives us specific instructions about worry.
What does He say we should NOT worry about?
And why does He say that we should not worry? (vs 32)
Matthew 6:33 tells us to spend our energy focusing on God instead of fretting about ourselves. What are you anxious about today? How will you seek God first in the middle of the mess?
If your heart is full of worry, copy Philippians 4:6-7 on a card and carry it with you today. Memorize God’s promise of peace and let Him guard your heart and mind from the weed of worry.
Life’s Riches
Being rich isn’t wrong, but wealth can become a weed which chokes out God’s Word. In Matthew 13:22 Jesus said that the deceitfulness of wealth can suffocate the good God is growing in our lives. How do you think wealth can be deceptive?
Read the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21. How has greed been a weed in your life? Have you pulled it up? Really? All the way from the root or have you just cut it off where it can’t be seen from the surface?
We all need to be richer toward God. How will you invest in the eternal today?
Life’s Pleasures
If pleasure was a problem back in the pre-modern day of Jesus, then we are certainly in trouble now! Life today is filled with more time and money than ever in history, and we seem to have no trouble spending both on pleasing ourselves. Having fun and feeling good aren’t bad unless our means of getting there are sinful and our motives are selfish.
What things bring you the greatest pleasures in life?
How do you put what brings you pleasure as a higher priority than your personal relationship with God?
How can you make your hobby more holy?
Have you ever noticed that much work is required for a productive garden but that weeds seem to grow no matter what the conditions? This fact of the farm reminds us to be diligent to dig out those weeds while they are still small when they are much easier (and much less painful) to pull!
Matthew 13:1-23
Pull Up The Weeds (vs 7, 22 & Luke 8:14)
Only Eden was free of weeds. Since then all good gardeners have spent much time pulling up unwanted invaders so the productive plants can grow unhindered and uncrowded. The soil of our heart seems to easily sprout both the prickly and the pretty. It is our duty to be pulling out the weeds so God's Word can grow to maturity.
In this parable, Jesus listed three thorny weeds which can choke out God’s Word in our lives. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
Life’s Worries
Now there’s a big weed! What have you ever worried about? Or perhaps the better question is, what haven’t you worried about? God knows are hearts are prone to fret, and He wants us to pull up that weed while it is still small. In Matthew 6:25-32 Jesus gives us specific instructions about worry.
What does He say we should NOT worry about?
And why does He say that we should not worry? (vs 32)
Matthew 6:33 tells us to spend our energy focusing on God instead of fretting about ourselves. What are you anxious about today? How will you seek God first in the middle of the mess?
If your heart is full of worry, copy Philippians 4:6-7 on a card and carry it with you today. Memorize God’s promise of peace and let Him guard your heart and mind from the weed of worry.
Life’s Riches
Being rich isn’t wrong, but wealth can become a weed which chokes out God’s Word. In Matthew 13:22 Jesus said that the deceitfulness of wealth can suffocate the good God is growing in our lives. How do you think wealth can be deceptive?
Read the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21. How has greed been a weed in your life? Have you pulled it up? Really? All the way from the root or have you just cut it off where it can’t be seen from the surface?
We all need to be richer toward God. How will you invest in the eternal today?
Life’s Pleasures
If pleasure was a problem back in the pre-modern day of Jesus, then we are certainly in trouble now! Life today is filled with more time and money than ever in history, and we seem to have no trouble spending both on pleasing ourselves. Having fun and feeling good aren’t bad unless our means of getting there are sinful and our motives are selfish.
What things bring you the greatest pleasures in life?
How do you put what brings you pleasure as a higher priority than your personal relationship with God?
How can you make your hobby more holy?
Have you ever noticed that much work is required for a productive garden but that weeds seem to grow no matter what the conditions? This fact of the farm reminds us to be diligent to dig out those weeds while they are still small when they are much easier (and much less painful) to pull!
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 2
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Pile Up The Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocky terrain was the norm in Palestine, and seeds could not grow long and lasting roots on top of rocks. The farmer spent many long, hard hours removing rocks from the field and piling them along the edges. Rock removal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for fertile soil. So too with us. We must make the effort to remove the things which keep God’s Word from making a difference in our lives. We must rid ourselves of the rocks.
Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31, and 1 Peter 2:1 say we must get rid of what things?
How have these attitudes and actions created problems in your life?
Whom do you stay mad at the most and why?
Whom are you the most bitter at and why?
Whom do you envy the most and why?
Whom do you slander (talk badly about) the most and why?
By God’s grace and power, these actions and attitudes, which were a normal part of our lives before we became Christ-followers, can now be eliminated. And they should be. Three of the best “Rock Removal Tools” are found in Ephesians 4:32.
1.__________________________
How has someone’s kindness to you made a difference? How will you show kindness to the person you envy most?
2.__________________________
Think of the person you are mad at the most. What root causes could be the reasons for their wrong or offending actions toward you? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, even as you deal with their choices.
3.__________________________
Bitterness might start out as a small stone, but it quickly grows into a big boulder which crowds out the good and much of God in our hearts. Forgiveness – letting go of my right to hurt you for hurting me – is the only way bitterness can be removed. Whom do you need to forgive? How will you begin to let go and let God handle the situation and heal your pain?
Keep piling up the rocks and cleaning out your heart!
Matthew 13:1-23
Pile Up The Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocky terrain was the norm in Palestine, and seeds could not grow long and lasting roots on top of rocks. The farmer spent many long, hard hours removing rocks from the field and piling them along the edges. Rock removal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for fertile soil. So too with us. We must make the effort to remove the things which keep God’s Word from making a difference in our lives. We must rid ourselves of the rocks.
Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31, and 1 Peter 2:1 say we must get rid of what things?
How have these attitudes and actions created problems in your life?
Whom do you stay mad at the most and why?
Whom are you the most bitter at and why?
Whom do you envy the most and why?
Whom do you slander (talk badly about) the most and why?
By God’s grace and power, these actions and attitudes, which were a normal part of our lives before we became Christ-followers, can now be eliminated. And they should be. Three of the best “Rock Removal Tools” are found in Ephesians 4:32.
1.__________________________
How has someone’s kindness to you made a difference? How will you show kindness to the person you envy most?
2.__________________________
Think of the person you are mad at the most. What root causes could be the reasons for their wrong or offending actions toward you? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, even as you deal with their choices.
3.__________________________
Bitterness might start out as a small stone, but it quickly grows into a big boulder which crowds out the good and much of God in our hearts. Forgiveness – letting go of my right to hurt you for hurting me – is the only way bitterness can be removed. Whom do you need to forgive? How will you begin to let go and let God handle the situation and heal your pain?
Keep piling up the rocks and cleaning out your heart!
The Daily Dig - Parable of the Sower - Day 1
The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
The soil of our heart must be continually ready to receive God’s Word. Jesus said that sometimes the seed of God’s Word falls on the “path” where the Satan easily snatches it away. The grain fields in Israel often had paths around them and through them. The dirt was hard and packed, not at all conducive to growth and productivity. I’d love to say that there are no “paths” in my life, but there are. And you probably have a few too. Hosea 10:12 tells us to “break up our unplowed ground.” We need to plow up the hard places in our hearts so God’s Word can take root and grow in every area of our lives.
So why do we have these “hard paths” in our lives? In Jesus’ time, the paths were shortcuts through the field. What “shortcuts” have you taken in your life that might have caused you to become hard?
Sometimes the paths in fields became more packed by constant use – habitual use. What habits have you developed in your relationships that are not creating an environment of growth?
In your relationship with God?
With your husband?
With your children or grandchildren?
With friends?
With people you work or serve with?
Often a difficult situation has caused our hearts to be callous and hard toward God and others. Who or what has hurt you? Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the fact that God knows and He really does care. He can use even the hardest and most hurtful of times for our good and for His glory. Read Romans 8: 28-39. What can separate you from God’s love?
Read Hebrews 3:13.
What can harden you?
How can encouragement help you not become hard?
Who will you encourage today?
Honestly ask God to show you where your heart might be hard to His Word. Pray for grace to receive His answer and know that He will be your strength.
Have fun plowing!!
Matthew 13:1-23
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
The soil of our heart must be continually ready to receive God’s Word. Jesus said that sometimes the seed of God’s Word falls on the “path” where the Satan easily snatches it away. The grain fields in Israel often had paths around them and through them. The dirt was hard and packed, not at all conducive to growth and productivity. I’d love to say that there are no “paths” in my life, but there are. And you probably have a few too. Hosea 10:12 tells us to “break up our unplowed ground.” We need to plow up the hard places in our hearts so God’s Word can take root and grow in every area of our lives.
So why do we have these “hard paths” in our lives? In Jesus’ time, the paths were shortcuts through the field. What “shortcuts” have you taken in your life that might have caused you to become hard?
Sometimes the paths in fields became more packed by constant use – habitual use. What habits have you developed in your relationships that are not creating an environment of growth?
In your relationship with God?
With your husband?
With your children or grandchildren?
With friends?
With people you work or serve with?
Often a difficult situation has caused our hearts to be callous and hard toward God and others. Who or what has hurt you? Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the fact that God knows and He really does care. He can use even the hardest and most hurtful of times for our good and for His glory. Read Romans 8: 28-39. What can separate you from God’s love?
Read Hebrews 3:13.
What can harden you?
How can encouragement help you not become hard?
Who will you encourage today?
Honestly ask God to show you where your heart might be hard to His Word. Pray for grace to receive His answer and know that He will be your strength.
Have fun plowing!!
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