He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them: “Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he sowed this occurred: Some seed fell on the path . . . other seed fell on rocky ground . . . other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. Then He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? The sower sows the word. The seeds are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Selections from Mark 4:2-19
My words…
Praise
It’s all about producing a crop, isn’t it? When a seed is sown in the ground, growth should occur – a crop. When Your word in sown in my heart, growth occurs. My spirit is well nourished by Your word, growing upward toward Your light, strong enough to fend off attacks from wind and disease. I am a strong plant among others, an ever-growing crop, waiting for the day of Your harvest when there will be no more blight, no drought, only fresh morning dew, warm afternoon sunshine, and the brush of a cool evening breeze.
Prayer for me
But there are stretches of time when I neglect Your word. Communication decreases. Meditation is suspended. I have functions to attend, deadlines to meet, obligations to address. I’m just so busy. In those times, I am living among thorns, choking the crop. I know in my heart that Your book does not compare to the work of fiction on my bedside table, but the fiction seems to be read first. I know my time with You is more precious than the time I spend making the space around me more comfortable and stylish. I know that pondering Your truth and promises sustains me more than the time I spend second-guessing the past or planning for the future. During these times, I look to You to shake me by the roots and remind me of the basics of being part of a good crop.
Prayer for others
I am not the only one living in thorny ground. I pray for the whole field, Your entire crop. Give us discernment; give us strength to stand tall in the field and not give in to the things that choke the word.
Thank You
Thank You for forgiving me when I confess how badly I give in to the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and desire for other things. I am so grateful that You are always there, eager to talk, listen, and love.
More praise
All of my growth is attributed to You. If I stood alone, dependent on my own choices, my own sort of wisdom, I would be a stalk, bent and wilted. You supply me with what I need to grow. I call it holy fertilizer.
Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Ecclesiastes 5:18
My words…
I work a lot. I have several bosses (none of which is me). Many days there is work waiting for me when I get home. You work, too. Every day, all day. You know what it means to work hard and long. I’m not sure about King Solomon, though. The wealthy son of a king, surrounded by servants. Yet he, in his wisdom bestowed by You, finds it good for workers to kick back and enjoy the fruits of their labor. I do that, but I don’t do it correctly. I don’t give the proper recognition and thanks to the source of my enjoyment: You.
So today I acknowledge You as the creator of all that I find to smile at and laugh about: a baby’s wobbly first step; the kind of thunder that rattles my insides; the loud, complicated song of a small bird; a calm spirit which allows for restful sleep; the simplicity of cheese melted on bread; a field of sparkling snow on a sunny day; a hug from one of my kids; the crash of waves at my feet; baby animals; little league; the cool breeze floating through my window at night; a well-written novel; sharing funny memories with a friend; a clever play-on-words; the sweet strains of children singing; my husband’s incessant teasing; the way my couch feels after a long day of work. I could go on and on, but You already know the remainder of the list. Each of these enjoyments is a gift to me from You. And when I remember that, especially at the time it is happening, the enjoyment multiplies exponentially. That is Your spirit at work. I am so very grateful that You work all the time!
“Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Pay attention and come to Me; listen, so that you will live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the promises assured to David.” Isaiah 55:1, 3
My words…
Praise
Reading these words written by Isaiah made me consider some of the invitations I have received in my life. The other day I received an invitation to join a local neighborhood online yard sale group. Almost every day I find an invitation in my mailbox to participate in a frequent buyer program complete with points and rewards. I’ve received invitations to attend dinner with friends, lunch with colleagues, parties with family. But the most important invitation I have ever received came from You. An invitation from God. Let me pray that again. I received an invitation from God. Come, buy water, milk, and wine. For free. And if I accept, I get to live forever. It’s unlike any invitation I have received. It’s intriguing and sort of strange. But it is free, and it includes a prize, a precious prize. And so I accept Your water, which to me quenches my thirst for truth. I accept Your milk, the sustenance of Your word. And I accept Your wine, the true source of my happiness. I treasure the invitation. I keep it locked inside my heart.
Prayer for me
I realize that this is an open-ended invitation to every one who has ever lived and will ever live in the whole wide world. That doesn’t make it any less personal to me. But there are times when I place other invitations above yours. They glitter and sparkle, and they’re mesmerizing and pretty. Help me always to set Your invitation above all others. I can’t get them confused. Yours is the only one that’s blood-stained.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who have refused to even open Your invitation. They received it, for it is everywhere, coursing through nature, ringing across time, but they hold it at arms-length. You see them living out their lives with their arms outstretched. Lead them to release their fear and pride and draw Your invitation close and open the flap.
Thank you
Thank You, Lord, for Your invitation to drink of You and live. You don’t demand that I do so. You don’t plead and beg. You implore, but it’s my decision. Thank You for making it so worth it.
More praise
Your invitation reminds me how much You want me with You. The Great I Am, the Ancient of Days, the Everlasting Father wants me in His presence. I can’t comprehend it. But that doesn’t stop me from clutching the invitation and never letting go.
Commit your ways to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. Psalm 37:5
My words…
Praise
Commitment has evolved into an unpleasant word, a word associated with drudgery and imprisonment. So many I know have “commitment issues.” They do not want to be tied down to any one person, task, or belief. I get it. Commitment is no walk in the park. It’s often a walk through fire. Commitment to a marriage, a child, a job, a belief, a god is difficult because it always means giving up a part of me for someone else. Day after day. You don’t seem to have commitment issues. Thank You for that. You are committed to act when I trust in You. Like Noah. Now there’s a man who knew the meaning of commitment. His neighbors must have ridiculed him, yet he did not falter in the task You gave him to accomplish. He trusted You, and You acted – You saved him. And You placed a pretty marker in the sky to boot. You haven’t changed any since then. You still act when people commit their ways to You and trust You. You don’t sit on Your hands.
Prayer for me
You are more committed to me than I am to You. No surprise there. My commitment fluctuates depending on upcoming deadlines, my mood, the weather. (It was just too cold to participate in that Day of Benevolence.) Cure me of my own commitment issues.
Forgive me
Forgive me when my commitment to You falters. You desire to act in my life even when I don’t show an interest in You doing so. How wretched am I? Forgive me, Lord.
More praise
When I commit all my ways to You, I leap along the path of righteousness, and You make my life brighter. The sky could be filled with clouds, but my spirit reflects Your glory, and I bask in the glow of Your love and laughter.
While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” So he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”
My words…
Praise
You called Judas Your friend. Judas. He was Your betrayer. He was a thief. He was a spy. But You never say anything randomly. You used the word friend for a reason: Judas was indeed Your friend. Your heart was broken not because of him, but for him because that’s how friends act. You did not condemn him on the spot because that’s not what friends do. Friend: The word doesn’t seem to fit in this violent scene. It rings like a clear bell in the midst of a riot or the coo of a dove among snarling wolves. A feather against a club. A fleece against a sword.
Prayer for me
When I think of You being a friend to me, I begin to feel a little of what Judas must have felt. How could I ever deserve to be called Your friend? But then You teach me that deserving it has nothing to do with it. We’re friends. Now teach me how to get up off my knees and be a friend right back.
Forgive me
For some reason, I feel more comfortable calling You my Savior, Redeemer and Lord. You deserve those titles. You deserve my adoration as the Son of the Most High. Calling You my Friend doesn’t seem as solemn, weighty or reverent. You called Abraham Your friend. I’m not in that league. But You also called Judas Your friend. Forgive me for limiting You. Forgive me for not seeing You as a Friend, a Mate, a Companion.
Prayer for others
Lord, there are so many that do not want to be Your friend. They don’t want anything to do with You. They keep their hearts away from You as if You were a disease. I pray that today just one will come to know You as their friend. Just one. Then tomorrow I will pray for just one more.
Thank You
Thank You for being the only God who is a friend to humankind. I agree with Lois Cheney: I know of no religion in which the God is both God and friend.
More praise
Proclaiming the same words or phrases over and over can wear down the meaning until the words slip and slide across my mind without heed. But today, I proclaim a well worn truth that bursts and shines with heart-felt meaning: What a Friend we have in Jesus!
My heart is confident, God; I will sing; I will sing praises with the whole of my being. Psalm 108:1
My words…
Praise
It’s raining. Again. The thunder is rumbling, the lightning flashing. Streams are rising and rushing. Water is everywhere…flowing somewhere, taking the filth of the city along with it. It all reminds me of Your love, care and mercy for me. It flows and gushes and floods. It’s everywhere. It’s powerful. It’s cleansing. You give of Yourself in whole measure, never in part.
Prayer for me
I can’t remember the last time I praised You with the whole of my being. Perhaps I never have. One day last summer, I worked in my garden with the whole of my body and mind and heart until I was completely spent. I have never worked for You like that. I’m not sure You expect me to, but I know You would love me to.
Forgive me
Forgive me for the innumerable times I have served you half-willingly, worshiped You half-heartedly, prayed to You half-mindedly. How grateful I am that I am wholly forgiven.
Prayer for others
I pray today for those who are not whole – they’ve been gutted. They are drug-dependent, abandoned, neglected, abused, rejected, forgotten. They no longer remember what it feels like to be wholly happy, loved, accepted. I pray You will fill the hole, Lord – fill it with Your words, with Your love, with Your Spirit.
More praise
When You decide to do something, You do it all the way. You could have created just three kinds of flowers or four different animals. The universe could be made up of one galaxy, or one planet, even. But You kept working until everything was good. You could have created a salvation plan which did not include the death of Your Son. You could have kept Your love in check instead of letting it loose at the crucifixion. But You do everything with Your whole being. You keep loving, and everything is good.
This is what the Lord, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb says: I am Yahweh, who made everything; who stretched out the heavens by Myself; who alone spread out the earth. Isaiah 44:24
My words…
Praise
You never refer to Yourself as an artist, but You are. You formed me three dimension-ally, so the way I fill space is art. I am not stationary, so the way I move is art. You created light so there would be shadows and shading – chiaroscuro. Is that the reason we love sunrises and sunsets? All around me I see lines, shapes, and patterns. The fractal fern leaf, lightning bolt, snowflake – each one an original work of art, naturally pleasing to the human eye. Then my favorite part – color. How many colors are there? Only You know. Your artwork wears them well, from the bold blue dart frog to the subtle polar bear. Your creations flow from a love without limits and Your designs from a boundless intellect. Like the snowflake, I am Your work of art. I am an original with a seal, a provenance, to prove it.
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 9:35-36
My words…
Praise
Lord, did you ever get tired of people begging, cajoling, ridiculing, grasping, weeping, crowding? Weren’t You annoyed when they followed You around wherever You went? Didn’t the heat and the smell get to You after a while? Did You ever want to scream, “Leave me alone?” No. I suspect You didn’t. You didn’t see them as people. You saw them as sheep without a shepherd, so You did what You do best: You gave them one.
Prayer for me
I often associate a term to people, but I’ve never called them sheep. I usually tag them with names like whiner, idiot, distracted driver, and that’s when I’m being easy on them. People can be so infuriating. I need to see them as You do. Will you please help me?
Forgive me
I have been working and failing at making assumptions and judgments about people. I assume they are treating me unfairly because they are selfish when really they’re just broken or lonely or desperate. I doubt if they even realize what they’re doing. Forgive me for my failings. I’m still working on it.
Prayer for others
When I stop, really stop and take a long look at the people around me, I see why You call us sheep. I see the bone-weary single parent, the college student whose father murdered her mother, the homeless guy with the cardboard sign, the 20-year-old with cerebral palsy who has never used her legs, the mother who cries over her son’s drug addiction, the veteran waking from horrifying nightmares. They’re weary and worn out. Comfort them with your rod and your staff.
Thank You
Thank You for Your example of compassion. You must be so filled with it to share it the way You do, but it never runs out. So many sheep – so much compassion.
More Praise
You are the God of the people. I can see You in my spirit’s eye, walking with a toddler on your hip to give the mother a rest, fixing the sandal strap of a rambunctious boy, teaching a young man how to drive a nail with a hammer, singing silly songs with teenage girls, answering the incessant questions of an old cynic, drawing water from a well for an aged woman. Your love went much deeper than skin deep, or should I say fleece deep.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow My instructions. In the morning there was a layer of dew all around the camp. When the layer of dew evaporated, there were fine flakes on the desert surface, as fine as frost on the ground. Moses told them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat.’ No one is to let any of it remain until morning.” But they didn’t listen to Moses; some of the people left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and smelled. Exodus 16:4, 15, 19-20
My words…
Praise
Not that it matters, but I think the idea of “daily bread” is brilliant. You provided the ancient Israelites just what they needed for the day. You prevented them from thinking too much about tomorrow. Your message: I have given you what you need for the day. Use it. Don’t save it. This works well for me because I don’t like to eat leftovers. Okay, that is probably not the underlying truth of Your message. Each day You provide me with time, with opportunity, with access, with intention, with purpose. They’re there each day, waiting to be used. They’re gifts, really. You want me to open them, use them, and leave nothing “on the table.” I needn’t worry that the gift will run out. It’s like the oil in the jug of the widow who served Elijah. It’ll all be there again tomorrow.
Prayer for me
Tomorrow. I think a lot about that word. I have far fewer tomorrows than yesterdays. My tomorrows become more precious with each passing day. I don’t have time to leave anything on the table. I need to use it up now. This is Your wisdom poured out on me. Keep it coming, please.
Forgive me
Forgive me for using tomorrow as a receptacle for what I refuse to do today. Today’s “bread” is meant to be eaten today and tomorrow’s “bread” tomorrow. I wonder what my life would be like now if I had lived according to this truth and not saved until tomorrow what I should have done today. I know the answer: I would be the very best version of myself.
Thank You
More than ever, I thank You for Your forgiveness. You love me in spite of my shortcomings, my adolescent attitude, my procrastination. I have never deserved Your forgiveness, and I am so grateful that that has never mattered to You. Deserve it or not, I receive it. I just wish I didn’t need it so much.
More praise
You see my tomorrow although it is not tomorrow for You. My tomorrow is Your now. You are too powerful to be bound by time. Unimaginable! I need not be concerned about the time yet to be. You will take care of my tomorrows.
What then is Apollos? What then is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s co-workers. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
I will take delight in them to do what is good for them, and with all My heart and mind I will faithfully plant them in this land. Jeremiah 32:41
I will plant them on their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them. Yahweh your God has spoken. Amos 9:15
My words…
Praise
You’re a God of many vocations: shepherd, judge, defender, king. But today, I pray to You as the loving sower. You don’t drop. You don’t force. You plant – with all Your heart and mind. You planted the Israelites of old. You planted me where I am today. You take fragile, dormant, hardened, injured, apathetic, or wavering spirits, and You tenderly plant us in a place where we can grow and blossom and bear fruit. I am reminded of this loving act whenever I take a seedling and place it in a hole in my garden. I cover it with dirt and water it. I walk by it every day just to see if it has grown even a little. I watch its tiny leaves reach toward the rays of the sun. As it grows, I give glory to You because I had nothing to do with it. Each plant is an exhibit of You in action. Right there in my backyard.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I refuse to grow. It is one of the many freedoms You have bestowed on my free will. There are times when dormancy feels just fine, thank You very much. Sometimes growth hurts – new sprigs busting through old bark. I know that growth produces blessing. Pardon my foolish choice to stay small.
Prayer for others
Father, today many of Your co-workers are planting, not peppers or tomatoes, but new churches bearing Your name. For some, this is a perilous choice. The Enemy’s work is being carried out by godless or pagan agencies who work tirelessly and without conscience to bar the spread of Your Word in their land. They harm and kill Your sowers. I pray for those who put on Your armor each day and work in Your fields. Protect them with Your mighty right arm. Be their forever Rear Guard. And I pray for those who would strike Your workers down or imprison them. You are mightier than their hardened hearts. Soften them to recognize Your love at work. Who wouldn’t want more love in their land?
Thank You
How grateful I am that You are a passionate sower who pays attention to my growth (or lack thereof) and provides me with nutrients through Your Spirit.
More praise
You take delight in Your children and do what is good for them with all Your heart and mind. I am one of those children. You are the gardener of my heart, mind and soul. And I willingly surrender them all to You. Shine on me.
