This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, by continuing to walk through the parable of the sower. Jesus said:
“The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.
Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.
Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop in their lives.
And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” (Mark 4:13-20 ERV)
We have been looking at the rocky ground. Let’s take another look this morning. This soil represents people who, as Jesus said, “Hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.” Today I will key-in on the words, “They keep it only for a short time.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God plants His Word in your heart as a long-term investment.
a) Jesus said believers who are like rocky ground are believers who only keep the Word of God for a short time. This means Jesus expects us to keep it for the long-haul. Is that your attitude towards the Word? Do you receive a Word from God as something to hold on to for enduring change or do you see it as something for the moment?
b) Some people get excited by a Word they receive from God in church, but unfortunately many of those same people can’t remember what God said the next day.
c) God does not give you a Word for entertainment. He gives it to you to produce supernatural change in your life. Don’t see church as a place to get entertained. See church as a place to changed.
d) If you retain, remember and rehearse the Word God sows in your heart you will be rewarded; it will produce a life-changing harvest in your life.
e) Don’t allow the Word God spoke to you fall off of you like water falling off a duck’s back. The God of the Universe loved you enough to speak to you. Don’t be causal with God or His Word. Honor Him enough to cherish what He says, to obey what He commands, and to follow where He leads.
2. The Word will endure, but will you endure with the Word?
a) Jesus said, “The whole world, earth and sky, will be destroyed, but my words will last forever.” (Mat 24:35). The Word of God is infallible, immutable, inexhaustible and supernatural. When you meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night you position yourself to think like God, to represent Him in the earth, and to experience His best.
b) The Word of God works. The question is: Will you work the Word?
c) Keep your mind fixed and focused on God and His Word in this season. This way you will not be swayed by opposition or dismayed by current events.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016 by giving careful attention to Your Word. I meditate and medicate on Your Word day and night. I refuse to be casual with You or Your Word. You took the time to leave me Your Word in the Bible, and You also take the time to speak to me concerning what You said. I honor You enough to honor what You tell me. I cherish Your Word. I play it over and over again in my mind. I keep it at the forefront of my heart. I live by every Word You speak to me. I thank You for the Words You speak to me through my Pastor, through others, and directly. I don’t take it lightly. I keep Your Word. I release my faith for every promise to come to pass. I wake up every morning with great expectations, believing You will make Your Word “good” in my life. Like Abraham, I am fully persuaded that what You have promised, You are able also to perform. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
