[Jesus continued his explanation of the parable of the sower and the seeds:] "The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation."
—Luke 8:13 NLT
Sometimes the Good News starts to take hold in our hearts, but things get too tough. The evil one brings his times of testing. Difficulties in life mount. Friends reject us now that our values have changed. Suddenly, it seems that we are under attack from every corner. Those who don't criticize us shun and avoid us. Will we hold onto faith? Even more, will those who are more mature help rescue those of us who get pulled away? All of us will go through periods of testing in our lives. The real issue for all of us is whether we have friends who love us enough to keep us encouraged and help us not "cave in" to the pressure of testing and temptation. So let's be that kind of friend, especially to new Christians. Let's not let the overwhelming changes in their lifestyle, friends, and values make them vulnerable to isolation and abandonment!
Father, forgive me for not paying more attention to your new children in the faith. Open my eyes, and help me to see where they are in their journeys with you and to recognize when they are being tempted. Help me to help them in ways that are a blessing. I know that even your Son went through a period of temptation and testing shortly after he was baptized. I fully expect that most new Christians will face similar challenges. Please use me to bless, encourage, and strengthen them. In Jesus' name, I pray. 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 8:13 NLT
Key Thought
Sometimes the Good News starts to take hold in our hearts, but things get too tough. The evil one brings his times of testing. Difficulties in life mount. Friends reject us now that our values have changed. Suddenly, it seems that we are under attack from every corner. Those who don't criticize us shun and avoid us. Will we hold onto faith? Even more, will those who are more mature help rescue those of us who get pulled away? All of us will go through periods of testing in our lives. The real issue for all of us is whether we have friends who love us enough to keep us encouraged and help us not "cave in" to the pressure of testing and temptation. So let's be that kind of friend, especially to new Christians. Let's not let the overwhelming changes in their lifestyle, friends, and values make them vulnerable to isolation and abandonment!
Today's Prayer
Father, forgive me for not paying more attention to your new children in the faith. Open my eyes, and help me to see where they are in their journeys with you and to recognize when they are being tempted. Help me to help them in ways that are a blessing. I know that even your Son went through a period of temptation and testing shortly after he was baptized. I fully expect that most new Christians will face similar challenges. Please use me to bless, encourage, and strengthen them. In Jesus' name, I pray. 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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