Today's Passage - Luke 8:9-15

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 8:9-15   "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.  Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.  Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.  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.  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."   Lord Jesus described four types of soil here:   First, the soil along the path: the biggest difference between the soil along the path and soil in the field is that the ground is hard along the road and seeds won't penetrate the surface.  When seeds are sown, they won't get into the soil.  The main reason one cannot hear the word of the Lord and receive His teaching is not because God didn't talk to him, but because his heart is hard.  With your heart is hard, no matter what others tell you, you won't be able absorb it.   Second, the soil on the rock: This type of person might have heard the Lord's word, but there are no roots in his heart, so when he encounters suffering and persecution, he stumbles right away.  Roots are the source of nutrition for plants, so life depends on them.  In the same manner, when we have the opportunity to receive the word of God, not only should we listen humbly, we should also make God's word the momentum that our life depends on.   Third, the soil in the thorns: Although the seeds are sown, lots of things choked them and they cannot bear fruit.  We are often burdened by many things in our life, and we don't have time to listen to the Lord's word.  We may call Jesus our "Lord," but in our real life we put our Lord in the last place.  In your life today, what is the most important thing to you?  May God help us to value the word of God.   Last, the good soil: This type of person hears the word and the seeds bear fruit.  In other words, in their life, they can put the Lord's word into practice.  The ultimate goal of hearing the word is not for us to gain more knowledge, but to follow the will of God.   Let us practice following God's word and His will in our daily life.  When we march forward by faith, we will experience the faithfulness of our God, and He will accomplish His precious promises in our life!                Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, I ask that You help me to be determined to follow Your word and to be intimate with You in my life.  May Your presence manifest in our life each and everyday.  I thank You and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!