Nurture Your Faith

Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, February 24, 2025

Today's Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Key Verse: Matthew 13:23 (ESV): "As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

Jesus' parable of the sower is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in our walk with God. In this parable, Jesus illustrates the different ways people respond to the message of the kingdom of God. The seed sown by the sower represents the word of God, and the different types of soil represent the various conditions of the human heart.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be good soil, where the seed of God's word can take root and bear fruit. This requires a willingness to hear and understand God's word, and to obey it in faith. When we do, we can expect a bountiful harvest of spiritual fruit, including love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Martin Luther said, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times."

Receiving God's word and faithfully following it requires being deliberate. God's children must start by creating a lifestyle conducive for their faith, or life in/of faith to thrive. No better environment for such growth than cultivating a dedicated prayer, and meditation on the word of God. We must cultivate a receptive heart and mind, and let go of our preconceived notions and worldly influences. We must approach God's words with humility, seeking wisdom and discernment therein.

We must faithfully follow God's word, giving it whatever it takes, such as obedience, perseverance, accountability, and intentional decisions that align the human thoughts, words, and actions with scripture. And, lastly, we must surround ourselves with supportive community of believers that helps us grow spiritually and nurture a commitment to following God.

Action Steps: Ask God to give you a heart of good soil, receptive to His word and obedient to His will. Reflect on the ways you have responded to God's word in the past. Have you been like the rocky ground, the thorny ground, or the good soil? Share the message of God's kingdom with others, sowing the seed of faith in their lives. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your walk with God.

Quote for the Day: "The seed of faith, sown in the soil of obedience, will always produce a harvest of righteousness and joy." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for a heart of good soil, receptive to Your word and obedient to Your will. Help me to hear and understand Your word, and to obey it in faith. Give me opportunities to share Your message with others, sowing the seed of faith in their lives — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 90:17; 1 Corinthians 3:8; and Revelation 14:13.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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