What Jesus Did! 'Just for a While' — Matthew 13:18, 20-21

Thursday, June 24, 2021

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[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: ... The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word."
— Matthew 13:18, 20-21 NLT

Key Thought

Short bursts of faithfulness are not hard. Stringing them together is hard. Sustaining them for long periods of time is incredibly hard. A key part of the difficulty is that Satan never gives us a free ride. He's always in there trying to mess things up, making them harder and raising our frustrations. Faithfulness, however, is about a long haul that maintains its destination and delivers its payload on time. Jesus wants us to know that it will be easy for us to lose that first flush of joy and sink into mediocrity — or worse — if we do not seriously pursue him through his life and teachings.

Today's Prayer

Father, please help my heart to remain soft and my passion and commitment to be resolute as I face the journey ahead. I don't want to waver or leave room for Satan to come in and steal my heart and life away. Please protect me from the evil one and empower me toward the road ahead. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:21-23
  • Philippians 3:12-14
  • Hebrews 3:12

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:18, 20-21 NLT — "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: ..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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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