THURSDAY, October 27

Matthew 13:18-23. But as for what was sown on good soil...

Where we lived in Iowa, the soil was black and our flower garden was always lush. We had to keep after the weeds because they loved the soil as much as the flowers did. It was a battle but one worth waging. We’ve also lived where the ground was rocky and difficult to cultivate. And always, no matter how fertile or unfertile the ground, it always had to be watered.

Would that we always stood in good, fertile soil. Then we would always hear the word of God with open minds and hearts, and live it as fully as possible. We would produce an abundant crop of good works and loving actions, and in the process, bring others to the faith.

Yet that will not always happen even where the ground is fertile. We have to do our part in weeding out what is bad and watering what is good so that what is planted – us – can grow to full stature.

We cannot live out our faith if we are not in a place to live it and if we do not do our part.

PRAY for the Diocese of Tohoku (Japan)

Ps 50 * [59, 60] or 103; Nehemiah 1:1-11; Revelation 5:11—6:11

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What is Faith Without Works?

Oct 27, 2011 at 6:17 am

Written by emeline,

It's a done and dead deal. The Christian life is filled with many challenges. We are to presevere. Keep the faith and follow the rules laid down by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus places good soil in our paths. The enemy tries to compete by placing the weeds. Let's aim to keep out the weeds by pressig on towards the mark.

Helping the Master Gardener

Oct 27, 2011 at 7:19 am

Written by Linda,

I have always related to this scripture.. Especially to the choking thorns. This was a very helpful meditation. It reminds me that I must do more than just try to resist the thorns. I must actively cultivate to prevent them.

Who gives the growth.

Oct 27, 2011 at 7:26 am

Written by Jo Ann Jones,

Yes, we must do our part, and be mindful of and thankful for God who gives the growth.

...

Oct 27, 2011 at 7:26 am

Written by seeds,

This parable is about sowing the seeds, there are other parables about tending and parables about leaving the wheat and the chaff to grow together so as not to remove even one good plant.
Let's not mix the messages, the analogies, or the words, as that becomes confusing. (1Cor 3:6) I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. This parable is about spreading the Word.

...

Oct 27, 2011 at 7:55 am

Written by sowers,

Dwight Pentecost shares with us the message of Christ in his book, "The Parables of Jesus." In Mark 4:2-28.."the seed sprouts and grows....all by itself the soil produces grain." The harvest does not depend on human agents but rather on life within the seed. The power of the Word produces its own fruit. Jesus is the Word, the Logos. Our job is to sow the seed and keep on sowing.

Weeds

Oct 27, 2011 at 9:22 am

Written by Mary kier,

If I look within I find my psyche is divided into the "self" and the " shadow".

This is from Carl Jung's psychology. We strive for self actualization which recognizes the shadow in all. of us. Much like those weeds that keep cropping up I need to tend to my shadow to make myself open for God's light to shine on me as I bloom in his light.

guestion re The Morning Resolve

Oct 27, 2011 at 11:32 am

Written by Becky Jackson,

Can you tell me who wrote 'The Morning Resolve'?

sowing and sown

Oct 27, 2011 at 11:46 am

Written by brook,

While we are indeed to continue sowing, so too, we continue to be sown as our writer today reminds. How we receive and grow impacts what we sow as the closing remark so tells. Thank you for your contined nurturing and stirring.

-1

...

Oct 27, 2011 at 12:38 pm

Written by Jennifer,

Thanks, seeds, for bringing forward the 'wheat and chaff together' saying. I think our mandate to sow is strong. I think how much we're called to "weed" (esp when it comes to other people) needs careful consideration.

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