Nov
5
Not Like Me
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for awhile, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good hear, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce crop.
~ Luke 8:11-15
OBSERVATION:
The word of God is scattered among many different types of people. Everyone has a past, a story. Everyone has different soil, everyone will receive the word of God differently. We need to keep that in mind when reaching out to others. Not everyone will see things as we see them or understand them as we do. We need to be receptive of that.
APPLICATION:
I know I have gotten frustrated with people for not seeing things the way I do - not necessarily just Biblical issues, but with life in general. I am appalled, shocked and dumbfounded…until I get a glimpse of their life. Understanding soon follows - not necessarily acceptance, but understanding (yes, there’s a difference!)
PRAYER:
Help me Father to take the time and initiative to learn about someone’s story. Help me to understand so I can be more of a help to others.
Once again, this helped me, even today…As far as the understanding part of it goes, this is where my psychology kicks in in realizing why people have certain thinking scripts; taking into consideration the situations the were raised in (good or bad) and the situations they’re in now. It also keeps me from being so religious to the point where i think of every single matter on “spiritual” terms…when sometimes life just happems..