Friday, January 17, 2020

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 17 January 2020


The Heart

"A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear… Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:5-8;11)

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that what we allow to enter into our hearts can have a major impact on our life.  What we listen to and watch can really be a hindrance to our spiritual growth and maturity.  Jesus lists four types of soil that the seed fell on, and why three did not produce and why only one did.  There was nothing wrong with the seed.  It all was predicated on the soil.  The heart. He that those by the wayside are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, (in other words there is no commitment) which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.  (Read Luke 8:12-15)  If we are going to bring forth the fruit that Jesus desires us to bear, then we must have the right heart. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Create in me a clean heart, O’ God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence O’ Lord.  Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit with me.

Thought For Today: Keep a watch on your heart. (Parker)

No comments:

Post a Comment