[Jesus began his explanation of the parable,] "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved."
—Luke 8:11-12 NLT
As we share the message of Jesus, we need to know that there are all sorts of forces, powers, and people who will seek to destroy, corrupt, and negate that message in the hearts of those who are open to God's Kingdom. Sharing the message of Jesus Christ is far more than sharing our religious opinion; it is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want Jesus' name honored or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Good News. That's why he was sometimes met with fierce opposition and persecution. More than just the power of closed-minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people, the powers of hell oppose those who share the message of God's grace in Jesus. Our battle will sometimes not be easy, but we can always be assured that we will ultimately and eternally be victorious!
Father, the one true and holy God, may your will be done on earth as completely as it is in heaven. Please guard me as I seek to live and to share your truth with those around me. Protect your servants who share your Good News with others. Please guard the hearts of those who are deciding about the Good News right now. Help them see the radical choice they are facing. Give me great boldness to declare this message clearly and courageously. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 8:11-12 NLT
Key Thought
As we share the message of Jesus, we need to know that there are all sorts of forces, powers, and people who will seek to destroy, corrupt, and negate that message in the hearts of those who are open to God's Kingdom. Sharing the message of Jesus Christ is far more than sharing our religious opinion; it is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want Jesus' name honored or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Good News. That's why he was sometimes met with fierce opposition and persecution. More than just the power of closed-minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people, the powers of hell oppose those who share the message of God's grace in Jesus. Our battle will sometimes not be easy, but we can always be assured that we will ultimately and eternally be victorious!
Today's Prayer
Father, the one true and holy God, may your will be done on earth as completely as it is in heaven. Please guard me as I seek to live and to share your truth with those around me. Protect your servants who share your Good News with others. Please guard the hearts of those who are deciding about the Good News right now. Help them see the radical choice they are facing. Give me great boldness to declare this message clearly and courageously. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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