Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. Matthew 13:8 ESV 

Technology has certainly changed everything about our worship services in the 21st century. While many of the changes have been great, the issues of our hearts haven’t changed since Jesus talked about farmers planting seeds, two thousand years ago. Some days we are so busy messaging our friends that the word just bounces off us just like the seed that fell on the path. Or on Sunday we go to church, sit for an hour, and then return home with no idea of what was said. Other times we think the message was great and head home planning to start praying at five a.m. but as we drive the office calls and asks if we could come in extra early on Monday and we say yes. Other times we go through the outward motions of the commitments we have made but remain in ungodly relationships and activities. We decide that it is too hard to break away from things that displease the Lord and pass up the opportunity for a closer walk with Jesus Christ. We excuse ourselves or blame our pastor. We complain that the messages were weak and that the worship team uninspiring. But if we prepare our hearts to receive His word then guard what is planted it will one day yield a harvest thirty, sixty or a hundred times greater!