Word of God

Planting Seeds

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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!

In Times Like These

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The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 ESV

Whether we are looking at the news on television or hearing the news about one of our friends or family members on the telephone, it is sometimes hard to believe these things are really happening. “In Times Like These” was written in the midst of World War II. With reports of thousands dying every day on battle fields and in naval battles around the world and the outcome of the war far from certain, Ruth Caye was inspired to write, “In times like these, we need a Savior, in times like these, we need an anchor” The war that was being fought then is long over, but after eighty years, our need for a Savior, and the Bible, is greater than ever! I pray you will be encouraged and blessed by this week’s song from our Sunday service at Watermark Assisted Living. There is still no one like Jesus who alone promises to carry us through whatever war that we face in our lives today. God bless you all. Seek the Savior, hold on to His word and trust Him with your life and He will carry you through to the very end!

Word Wednesday – Unfolding

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The Hebrew root of the word “puthach” translated as unfolding in the NIV means: to open wide, loosen, plough or begin. Whichever of these we apply to this verse, God’s word can only be interpreted to us by God’s Spirit. As Jesus said, “the words I speak to you, are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63. If we want them to be a part of our life today we need to humbly ask Him and then listen with our hearts for His unfolding to give us light.