I don’t know about you guys but after Donna’s message on Sunday, I found myself needing to put on the full armor of God literally that night. You know a word is good when the enemy tries to snatch away a seed that the Lord is trying to plant the same day it is sown.
I’m reminded of the scriptures in Matthew 13:18-23 (NLT)
18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Matthew 13:18-23 (NLT)
Many of you may know the parable about the farmer planting seeds:
Matthew 13:3-9 (NLT)
3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
I just want to expose the schemes and strategies of the enemy. I believe that everyone who speaks on the pulpit has a word from God, a seed that God wants to sow in our hearts. Please hear me out, it’s not always for the immediate situation you are currently in and sometimes it might not even be what you think you need but I ask you, what seed produces fruit the same day? The answer is none! Please don’t let the enemy take away what God is trying to give you. For God knows what you need before you even ask for it!
You think it’s a coincidence that our stream was being finicky on the day that one of the Mothers of the House, who has spoken countless words over the church, and has walked with us through many hills and valleys? I don’t think so…but maybe that’s just me.
Whether the seed is from a word spoken on the pulpit, from a discussion in your LG or through your devotional time, I just ask that you would be aware of what is happening in the spiritual realm as well as the physical. Seeds are being planted and the enemy doesn’t want it to grow. One practical thing I do that might help keep us living moment by moment and aware of such things is, when you find a thought to spare, ask yourself “What did I just read? What was one takeaway from this message? What is God saying to me through this?”
For those of us who are HUMAN (as Donna mentioned), who sometimes waver and can get easily distracted (like myself), let us examine our soil. Which one of these speaks of your soil?
19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.
20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.
23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
I’d like to leave you with the words of Paul, to help encourage us this week as we continue to make every effort to grow in maturity. Let us internationally put on the Armor of God so that we will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we05 are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[e] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[f] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.