Mark 4:21-29 21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Morgan Murray
Walnut Creek Presbyterian
Observation: Loving God, I see you bringing life out of lifelessness, and it is a mystery to me. I do not know how you do it, and I know that I can do nothing to accomplish your Kingdom.
Action: Yet, I will wait patiently and I will receive what you give with joy when it comes to me.
Observation: Jesus, I see that you ate concerned about measures, about fairness and justice, just as I am. However, as I do what you say and listen carefully, I realize I am guilty of the Sun the Father condemned in the Old Testament, the sin f using different measures.
Action: There are several people I need to forgive, Jesus. I will pray your prayer today, “forgive us our debts as we forgive those who have debts”. It is a prayer of measures, and I will emphasize the second part, asking your help to forgive and use the same measure with others I ask You to use with me.
Observation: God am I using the gifts and opportunities you have given me for your kingdom glory or am I letting my light shine for you. The harvest has come! Am I ready?
Action: I will not brush by the opportunities and people you place in my path today Lord. I will take the time to care for your precious seeds.
Observation: A friend of mine did a brave thing last night. He’s been through a lot and he did not hide his struggle from others. He brought it out into the open and shared his story. And through that I think some seeds were scattered. Who knows where they will land or in whom they will grow.
Action: Take courage from my friend’s courage. Don’t keep struggles to myself. Scatter some seeds.
Observation
I hear Jesus encouraging me to “consider the measure” that I use in my interactions with people and situations.
Action
Today, I will thank God often for the grace He has given me and will look for ways to be lavish in offering that grace to others.
I hear him saying: “You are the light of the world. Stand up! The things you want to hide, conceal, not talk about are the very things I will use to show my glory.”
Action: I feel like everything is pretty much out there in the open, but I will think about this and see if I have concealed something. Or perhaps it’s just not “lit up” for the person who needs it. Give me eyes to discern that, Lord.
O: I hear promise, “You will shine.” I hear it connected to action – “Be generous in scattering seed.” I hear the action of the growth to harvest is process not always discernable but You are working even when I sleep.”
A: Be like the man who scatters much seed – knowing I will reap what I so, a spirit of poverty only produces more of the same. A spirit of generosity will produce more of the same though it may be slow: All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
Lord, you do all the really hard work. I will keep the sickle in my hands so that I am ready to swing it on your cue.
I hear so much but what stood out was this:
{27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.}
In this it’s saying to me God is on control at all times& Life keeps going whether i understand or not; but how do i Live, do i walk with open heart, ears & mouth!
Father,
Everyday you show me opportunities for growth in myself as i pay attention to life as is. As life moves forward i will continue to be mindful of what i expect in this life and model it to those in my life not with attached expectation onto others. Knowing i am not in control of others…
Amen