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Welcome to Day 2579 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2579– Prophetic Literature - God's Call to Repentance and Restoration – Ezekiel 34_22-24 Putnam Church Message – 03/02/2025 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 8: Prophetic Literature – God's Call to Repentance and Restoration Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series and dove into  Historiography, Conquest, Kingdom, and Exile. We will also tie in how the ancient Israelites experienced and would have understood them. This week and next, we move on to the books of prophecy in a message titled Prophetic Literature – God's Call to Repentance and Restoration. Since it covers the same timeframe as the historical books, some of the information will be similar to the past two weeks, but from a prophet's perspective. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, You have spoken through Your prophets to call Your people back to You. As we explore Your prophetic Word today, open our hearts to understand Your call to repentance, Your warnings against idolatry, and Your promises of restoration. May we not harden our hearts as Israel once did, but instead turn toward You in faithfulness. May Your Spirit guide us as we learn from the voices of Your prophets. In Jesus' name, Amen. Introduction Picture yourself living in ancient Israel during a time of great prosperity. Solomon was the King. The country was at peace, and the economy was good. The fields are full, the markets are bustling, and the temple stands tall in Jerusalem. Outwardly, everything seems well. But as you walk the streets, you see people bowing to the gods of other nations, offering incense to Baal, and engaging in corrupt business practices. You see leaders oppressing the poor, and despite the outward religious activity, you sense that something is deeply wrong. Then, a prophet appears in the city square. He lifts his voice and proclaims: Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. In other words, God is saying through Isaiah: You have turned to other gods, and judgment is coming! Repent and return to Yahweh before it is too late!” How would you respond? Would you listen? Would you scoff? The prophets were sent by God during Israel's most critical moments—calling the people to repentance, warning of coming judgment, and declaring a future restoration. Today, as we study prophetic literature, we must ask: Are we listening to God's call today, or are we ignoring His voice like Israel once did? The prophetic books—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets—carry a unified message: (Bulletin Insert) The Prophets Warned of the Dangers of Worshipping Other Gods Repentance Was the Only Path to Restoration Judgment Came to Purify, Not Destroy Hope Remained—The Promise of Restoration     Main Points The Prophets Warned of the Dangers of Worshipping Other...

Matthew 13:1-23 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a cropa hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 10 The disciples came to him and asked, Why do you speak to the people in parables? 11 He replied, Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15For this peoples heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Mark 4:1-20 1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the waters edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. 9 Then Jesus said, Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear. 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding;otherwise they might turn and be forgiven! 13 Then Jesus said to them, Dont you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a cropsome thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Transcript of the Matthew Series The Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-23 Introduction ·         Have you ever wondered why more people don't become Christians?  If the good news is so “good,” why don't people respond in greater numbers.  This chapter answers that question.  ·         The preceding chapters have been filled with a growing division between those who responded well and those who responded poorly to Jesus and his teaching.  He had just been criticized and accused of healing through the power of Satan.  What connects this chapter with the previous two is that it provides and explanation of why some people respond positively to Jesus' teaching and some don't.  Jesus will teach a number of parables in this chapter and what ties them together is how people respond to the secrets of the Kingdom of God.  Some are fruitful and some barren, some are good grain and some are weeds, some people are good fish and some bad and some respond radically when they stumble onto treasure or pearls and some don't.  This is the mystery of the Kingdom, why do some people “get it” and some don't?  Jesus teaches this chapter to help his disciples then and now not be so naïve in their expectations and to strengthen their resolve and conviction when people don't respond or turn away from the good news.  He also has just highlighted the privilege that disciples have in being part of the family of God.  And when you are a part of the family, you share in the family secrets which he reveals in this chapter.    1.     The Parable:  Matthew 13:1-9 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” ·         13:1-2  That same day.  This is the same day that Jesus was in massive conflict with the Pharisees and accused of being a tool of Satan.  I would characterize that a “bad day.”  I'd probably head home for a little “me time.”  I'd whine to my wife and feel sorry for myself.  What did Jesus do?  He goes out and starts teaching them and his disciples!    o   What does it take to get you derailed from the mission? ·         I want you to imagine what this scene looked like.  He draws so many people that he has to set up a way to separate himself from the crowds.  He sits in a boat and teaches the crowds.    You have the crowd of hundreds or more and then you have a small boat with Jesus and his 12 disciples.  This picture illustrates the division that Jesus would go on to expound on.  There were the crowds and then those few disciples who were in the know.  It highlights the division in understanding and response that Jesus will go on to explain. 2.     Why Use Parables?  Matthew 13:10-17 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;     though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;     you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused;     they hardly hear with their ears,     and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,     hear with their ears,     understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. ·         13:10  Parables  After finishing an extremely short sermon and offering no explanation, no application and no “Next Steps,” Jesus turns to the disciples in his boat and has a private conversation.  This must have been an awkward transition.  Can you imagine if I gave a complete sermon like that?  I wouldn't be here for long.    He goes on to explain why he is using this unclear means of communication.  From here on Jesus leans more heavily on these parables and only teaches the crowds using these parables.  The disciples turn to him and basically say, “Why are you teaching this way?  Why are you teaching in riddles?  Why don't you just spell it out for everybody?  It was a great question.  The word parable has not come up yet in the book of Matthew, although we've seen it mixed in with Jesus' teaching. Parables is more than just a short story.  It includes proverbs, maxims, riddles, allegories, wise sayings and other pithy quotes.  We often define them as short stories that illustrate or make clear a spiritual concept.  However, what Jesus is saying is that for every person who is helped by a parable another person is simply confused.  In fact, parables hide things.  Their design is to not reveal or explain everything.  The listener is forced to bring something to the table.  You have to wrestle with it, meditate on it.  Parables offer a challenge to the listener.  Many will not take the time or energy to understand the meaning.  This is the point of what Jesus is saying.  This is why Jesus calls the message a secret, not everyone gets it.  That's why some people respond and some don't. ·         Matthew 13:11  The secrets of the kingdom of heaven.  To know the message of the Kingdom is to know secrets.  Remember the documentary, The Secret, that came out about twenty years ago?  It talks about the law of attraction.  The message of Jesus is a true secret, the Greek word is Mysterion.  It's the same word used in Daniel 2:18-19, 27-30 and 47 where Daniel is able to reveal the mystery of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream while all the other wise men and enchanters can't do it.  Jesus is pointing out that God reveals his secrets to those he chooses.  We learn by revelation not by being “smart” or having personal insight.  Jesus says the message is given to you, not to them.  This points out the clear division of people into two groups. ·         Matthew 13:12  This saying is similar to “Success breeds Success” or “It takes money to make money” or “The richer get richer.”  Jesus is saying those who understand God's secrets start multiplying in their growth.  Understanding brings more and better fruit and it causes a chain reaction of good things.  On the other hand, those who reject the truth lose everything, even what little they think they have.  If you've ever seen someone who walked away or rejected Jesus who once was loving, happy and growing and then see them after a number of years, you see the difference. o   Example?  ·         Matthew 13:13-15  Hard hearted or Rejected by God?  Jesus goes on to quote from Isaiah.  This passage reveals the problem that people have in receiving God's word.  Their hearts are hard.  Most people can hear but only disciples can understand.  However, the point of this section is that people's response is both a fact of life and the purpose of God.  Mark 4:11-12 phrases it this way, “…To those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving.'”  Matthew states that Jesus teaches in parables because people's hearts are hard and Mark points out that Jesus teaches in parables to harden people's hearts.   This emphasizes that Jesus teaches in parables to conceal the truth to some.  That doesn't sound encouraging does it?  This is one of those mysteries between human will and God's will.  Do people not respond because their hearts are hard or because God doesn't allow them to see the message?  It's like two sides of the same coin.  In any case, it is hard to avoid the difficult truth that God has chosen some to respond and others to reject his truth.  Parables reinforce this separation of response.  People respond according to their capacity, some are receptive and some not and that is how God has intended it.  You may not like it, but that's the way it is. ·           The best way to understand that is with illustrations: o   Pharaoh in Romans 9:16-18  16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. §  The Bible says that God raise him up for the very purpose of highlighting God's power and glory.  Pharaoh's stubborn heart triggered God's plagues of power.  However, Pharaoh was at fault for being hard hearted toward Moses' words.  o   Butter and clay.  When the sun shines on butter, it melts.  When it shines on clay, it hardens.  Is it the sun's fault?  No.  It has to do with the response and makeup of the object. ·         Matthew 13:16-17  Blessed are your eyes.  Jesus is pointing out how lucky, how blessed, how privileged any person is who has heard and understands the word of God.  Why?  Because that understanding is a gift of God.  Without that revelation you would remain blind to God's secret.  o   We take it our faith for granted.  We neglect the Bible.  We don't appreciate what God has done in opening our eyes.  We wonder why others don't see what we see.  We wonder if we are wrong in our understanding.  You need to consider yourself the most blessed because God has opened your eyes to the truth.  We need to be grateful that any people make it at all. 3.     The Explanation:  Matthew 13:18-23 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” ·         13:18  The parable of the sower.  This title is a little misleading because the story and its interpretation has little to do with the sower himself.  It has everything to do with way different soils respond to the secrets of God's Kingdom.  A better title would be, “The Parable of the Four Types of Ground.”  It's important to keep in mind that Jesus is using this to explain to his disciples why people had so many different responses to him and his teaching in the events from chapter 11 and 12.  They were probably confused and a little shaken by the negative responses.  Jesus is emphasizing that the fault is with the soil, not with the seed.  ·         13:19.  Understanding.  Understanding is not intellectual understanding, it is changing your life to respond to the message of God.  It includes both a mental and physical response to God's word.  Just knowing the Bible without obedience is actually encouraged by Satan.  Satan comes and takes away the word.  Satan is actively at work in those who reject the Bible. o   “I'm good!” o   “I don't like organized religion!” o   “That's good for you, not for me.” ·         20-21.         Joy and enthusiasm without commitment of time, energy and resources can't last.  That person dries up, burns out and falls away.  How many of the people in these crowds were there when Jesus went to the cross.  Not many.  His disciples were there and even they struggled.  When your enthusiasm is based on feelings, circumstances, other people's enthusiasm and not your own conviction, you will fall away when tough times hit.  o   Share my testimony ·         13:22  Third Soil.  Worries, desires for other things and the deceitfulness of wealth chokes people out.  When we are focused on possessions and money and not God and saving people we betray a focus on this world that is passing away.  Some of us are choked out and not bearing fruit because our time, money, energy and attention is wholly focused on this world. o   We don't have time to study the Bible with people o   We don't pray or read the Bible because we are worried or preoccupied with something else. o   We don't tithe because our money goes to other desires o   We don't grow because we are too distracted by “other things.” §  The only solution is to take the time to remove the weeds.  I had a blackberry patch that I wanted to turn into a garden.  Step one, buy some goatskin gloves and start cutting out the vines.  Roll it all up like a bail.  Pile it up and burn it.  Rototill the ground and plant seeds.  Voila, we had a garden! ·         13:23           Many people don't understand the secrets of God's Kingdom, but some people understand and bear God's fruit.  This points to the fact that it's not a problem with the message but with the listener.  Some have ears, some don't.  The person who bears fruit or yields a crop is different than the previous soils: o   They have internal conviction o   They internalize the message o   They change their priorities and behavior o   They pull out the weeds that choke their lives.  ·         This parable applies to both those outside the kingdom and those inside.  There are different levels of fruitfulness, 30, 60 or 100 times.  It all depends on the condition of your heart.  It's not a competition, but it is a challenge to be as fruitful as YOU can be.  This entire story highlights the importance of producing good for Jesus.  o   A good life o   a good character o   the good fruit of souls saved ·         A fruitless hearer is like the fig tree cursed by Jesus.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:19, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Conclusion Jesus explained why people had different responses to his teaching.  He wanted to prepare his disciples to have the strength and conviction to preach the word in the face of resistance. We need to scatter the seed to all four soils, to every person.  Some of us have given up.  We haven't passed out an invitation in months if not years.  Why?  Because we have told ourselves that people aren't open, that it hurts too much when people turn away after initial enthusiasm. ·         We blame ourselves ·         We blame our presentation ·         We blame our study series ·         We blame the preaching ·         We blame the preacher ·         We blame the church ·         We blame the message itself.  We think it's not up to date with changes in society.  The lesson of this parable is that there is nothing the matter with God's word.  The problem is with people's hearts.  Our job as disciples is simply to scatter the seed and apply God's saving word to every person we know or meet. Share about Brad and Alisha Tamashiro Next Steps •          Sink your roots into God's word and build deep conviction.  Study the Bible. •          Cut out the choking weeds of this world.  Bear fruit for God •          Scatter the seed of God's word, invite someone to church this week with a card.

Matthew 13:3-23  Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.”  The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”  He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.  Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.  This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.  In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused;    they hardly hear with their ears,    and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,    hear with their ears,    understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.'  But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.  For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.  “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:  When anyone hears the message about the kingdomand does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.  But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Graham Hill of Jubilee Church Wirral on the Parable of the Sower and what it means for us today. The Parable of the Sower can be found in Matthew 1: 1-13. That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people's heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” http://jubileechurchwirral.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Graham-Hill-The-Parable-of-the-Sower.mp3

Matthew 13:10-15 10 The disciples came to him and asked, Why do you speak to the people in parables? 11 He replied, Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15For this peoples heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.

God reveals Himself to us through Jesus so we know which way to go. ~~~ Don't you love a lightbulb moment? Something that wasn't clear all of a sudden becomes crystal clear. You get it now! You understand! You finally see what you didn't. Light has shown on the darkness. I had an amazing math teacher in High School. Mrs Merritt helped me see and understand SO MUCH of what seemed beyond my understanding when it came to algebra, geometry and all the rest. Why do we even care what X or Y is? Because, there IS meaning and purpose behind it. She helped me see that and now I am trying to help my girls SEE that! Discovering what is true and being led to understanding in life is NOT something we can do on our own. We do not have the answers and we are NOT to lean on our own understanding, because we'll mess it up every time. Instead we are to TRUST in the Lord and look to Him alone for truth and understanding. He will guide us to it as we seek Him. He is the way, the truth and the life. All wisdom begins there and we are to seek after it. I'm thankful for the gift of the holy spirit in revealing truth to me. I love light bulb moments of understanding what is true. Jesus explains the work of the Holy Spirit this way. John 16:12-13 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. As a parent we guide our children. There are some things too heavy for them to bear when they are young. As they grow, we equip them with life principles, truth and understanding for each season. They grow this way into maturity. In the same way, Jesus in this moment with His disciples can't reveal everything. It would have been too much. But the promised Holy Spirit would be that helper, that comforter and guide. We too have that same spirit as believers to guide us as we seek the Lord. We can know the direction God wants us to go when we're faced with life decisions. We can have peace when the world around us is in chaos. We can know truth because the Holy Spirit is our guide. God wants you to know what is true. In a world of confusion, He IS the anchor you seek. He is the truth. But you can only see it and know it when your eyes are opened to it. Isaiah prophesied 700 years before Jesus that Messiah would be made known. They would see his miracles. They would hear his parables, but, they would not see or hear. Jesus reminded them of this prophesy. Matthew 13:14-16 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Don't close your eyes to the truth of God's love for you. If you do not see it or understand it, I pray your eyes will open today. I pray you see your need for a savior and His gift of forgiveness and grace for you through Jesus. Once you know, taste and see the goodness of God, what was once hard to see becomes crystal clear. That's the truth. Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. I am so thankful because now I see. I'm Lori Cline.

Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you'll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. On today's episode, Avoid the Routine Rut, we'll focus on how to keep from getting stuck in a routine while dancing. Show Notes: Avoid the Routine Rut The Oregon Trail. A two-thousand-mile trail from Missouri to Oregon that covered wagons followed for many years. My kids used to play the video game of this event at school and we owned a newer version on my old Gateway computer. Today, the furrows left behind are five feet deep in places and you can walk in the ruts of history. Amazing. While these wagon tracks are a historical treasure, the ones we can forge in our spiritual life are far from good. Jeff Walling talks about staying spiritually awake. He says: Patterns of behavior that are familiar are comforting. That's why folks get really pushed out of shape when someone tinkers with the order of worship at their church. Yet there's more to ‘sleepy faith' than falling into a worship rut. Religion that becomes routine leaves the participants sleepwalking through their faith life with half-lidded spiritual eyes. Scripture, inspired by the Spirit to pierce their hearts, ends up bouncing off their sleepy souls amid thoughts of ‘Boy, my cousin Ed ought to read that verse. He really needs it.' Joy and exuberance are replaced with a soul-numbing lethargy; these sleepwalkers don't get too excited about anything, for they've seen it all before…twice. And effectively sharing their faith is hard to do while trying to swallow yet another yawn.” I so understand what he's saying. I've been pretty consistent in church since I was nine years old and sometimes, I feel like I've heard it all before. Which is unbelievably silly. God's Word is living and will become fresh every day if we allow it. Walling says like crossing the street, we need to stop, look, and listen when it comes to a boring routine. We stop and take inventory of areas of our life that we've let grow stale. Routine feels safe but it can damage our relationship with God. Look. See with a child's eyes. Hear with their ears and take note of all your senses. I've been taking time each day to listen to the birds sing outside our house. They're always there but I haven't always taken notice of the wonderful blessing of birdsong. Listen. Take time daily to listen to God. He speaks in so many ways and longs for us to know His heart, His will, and His wisdom. And I need that so badly. Don't you? You would think the people listening to Jesus in His day would be astounded and many were. However, in Matthew 13: 14-15, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees: “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” NIV The Oregon Trail. The pioneer wagon ruts can still be seen in all six states that once encompassed the trail. I'm sure many wagons were actually stuck in muddy places all along the road. We don't want to be stuck in the rut of religion. Ask God today what is next and don't be afraid to step out. Let's pray: Father God, we love You and worship You with all our hearts. Help us to see when we are falling into the ‘same old, same old' and deliver us from boring routine. We want to dance freely with you and not play it safe any longer. Protect us as we follow You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. Move away from any spiritual ruts while you can. Today's featured author is Dawn Shipman, author of Kingdom Lost, a YA fantasy novel. Princess Lyric doesn't know that non-human, intelligent beings—some of them savage—live in her world. When her kingdom is torn from her,

THE THESIS: The United States is radically influenced by, if not controlled by, globalists; people who want global control over all facts of life. This is not the least bit hidden, nor is it hard to understand if you will stand in truth. The patterns are far too clear, the policies and positions far too uniform, the techniques of terrifying people to control them universal, breathless and insane charges of disinformation being made from liars is absolute. THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES: Even the most brilliant, well-educated people can be made blind to what is right in front of themThe spiritual blindness of the Pharisees and how we can avoid it (a good article with an annoying cartoon at the top, page down for the content). Was the accusation of Jesus true?Jesus, the Great Physician, again and again revealed his diagnosis of the Pharisees' spiritual disability:“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.'” – Matthew 13:13-14 (parallels: Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10)Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. – Matthew 15:14For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind…. If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but not that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. – John 9:39, 41Woe to you, blind guides! … You blind fools! … You blind men! … You blind guides! – Matthew 23:16, 17, 19, 24You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light. – John 12:35-36THE NEWS & COMMENT:Corruption like this is global. The same people who demand we turn down our thermostats and carpool are self-dealing and raiding our treasuries. Certainly, this is part of our sin condition. But, there are no punishments and people have been programmed to simply accept that the bosses get to act this way. [AUDIO] - The video that started it all. In 2012, Speaker Pelosi was asked if she thought there was a conflict of interest in her Husband getting a favorable stock deal in the Visa IPO. This was her response:All over The West, countries have somehow forgotten how to secure their borders. It just slipped their collective minds. Or, it is part of a pattern to radically redistribute people who, sadly and brutally, have been conditioned to view government as parent and provider. [AUDIO] - Joe Biden visits Arizona & accidentally confirms what we all knew: he does not care one bit about the Border Crisis.Reporter: “Why would you visit our state and not visit the border?”Sleepy Joe: “There are more important things going on”[AUDIO] - Protests spreading throughout Ireland tonight over illegal immigrants being bussed into hotels and other accommodation under the cover of darkness as the Irish are left to rot. This is one lady rallying the residents of Tallaght tonight.[AUDIO] - Tucker Carlson: "This is real. This is happening. No one is stopping it. Republicans are colluding to allow it to continue."Also a unanimous pattern in the West: borders don't matter. UNLESS it's Ukraine's border. [AUDIO] - Secretary of State Blinken implies that U.S. support of Ukraine will continue even if public support wanes, because the U.S. does foreign policy based on national interest, not "policy by polls" @DailyCallerThis is universal with the elites: clear, unambiguous facts are “CoNspIraCCy ThEorieZ!” Every Western nation is using the technique and it is 100% purposeful. They want us confused and uncertain so they can swoop in from their jets to rescue us. Stand in God's Truth. This pattern is also stamped all over the West--but, not in China, even though the CCP is pushing sexualization of kids in the West. Yoel was effectively Twitter's chief censor. His PhD thesis suggested that the same-sex hook-up app, Grindr, should allow kids. That is, apparently, Yoel's worldview. Increasingly, it is the worldview of The Party bosses. Incidentally, people are now accusing us of being “dangerous” and “inciting to violence” for merely publicizing what Yoel himself published and promoted. In nearly every Western Country, medical technocrats have been allowed to seize unthinkable powers. The parents of “Baby W” simply wanted blood not tainted by the mRNA injections for their baby. The hospitals had it available, but they decided to kidnap the child instead of respecting the wishes of the parents. [AUDIO] - Distressing footage of Baby W being taken away last night for pre-op checks in the presence of 4 officers enforcing the High Court Order after brick walls were thrown up by his parents. Protesters have since vilified police accusing them of taking part in a ‘violent kidnapping'.Pushing gender confusion and gender rebellion is now a religion in “health” care. It is universal to The West . . . but, not in China even though the CCP pushes it on countries like ours. [AUDIO] - This is a doctor. She wants everyone in the medical industry to focus on pronouns. These are our healthcare professionals.It is now becoming universal that people who, in my opinion, are quite clearly mentally ill are being allowed to run important aspects of government.Until he was fired on Tuesday, for the two felony charges he faces for allegedly stealing women's expensive bags, this man had been allowed to oversee the handling of America's nuclear waste. Since he tries (quite unsuccessfully) to steal women's identities, that is not a shock. Yes, it is a real article from October, 2015We can all see the global push to drive up the cost of beef by limiting the supply. Here, we see the same type of lies about beef and cheese that Gates-funded entities continue to make about the mRNA. There is no world in which CocoPuffs are healthier than beef. But, Bill Gates paid “scientists” to pretend otherwise. Gates-funded study claims candy is healthier than beefThe National Cattlemen's Beef Association is condemning as flawed the Food Compass study funded in part by alternative meat promoter Bill Gates.The Food Compass nutrient profiling system scores foods from best to worst on a scale of 0 to 100, ranking products like peanut M&Ms, Coco Puffs and potato chips as more healthful than beef.“The idea that M&Ms, potato chips and cereal are somehow healthier than natural beef ignores scientific evidence and frankly doesn't measure up to logic,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO.“These snack foods are high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats, while beef is a nutrient-rich food that provides essential protein, iron, zinc and numerous B vitamins,” he said“Scientists” pretend junk food is healthy while “mayors” pretend letting people shoot-up heroin and fentanyl helps society[AUDIO] - South Philly mom tears into officials for allowing a drug injection site in their neighborhood without informing residentsOnly some protests are allowed, others will be crushed. [AUDIO] - ‘TRUDEAU' - Will increase Police powers to stop ‘illegal' protests.Regardless of how annoying you think some protests are, remember this, the only protests that will be ‘legal' will be the ones in support of the government. How very Canada.

THE THESIS: When you reject the source of truth, you will be consumed by lies.THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES: Matthew 13: 14-2314 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.'16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”THE NEWS & COMMENT:People of the lie have rendered “hate” a meaningless word because they apply both everything--requiting Voter ID is “hate”--and then, turning on a dime, only subsets of the same thing. For instance, if a same-sex-attracted man kills other same-sex-attracted men, that is not “hate.” It only becomes “hate” when an intersectional ally group is harmed. People who are not of The Lie know better. If you walk into a business and start shooting innocent people that, in and of itself, is hateful. What The Party means, of coure, is was this particular, sinful hate due to the sexual orientation and so-called “gender identity” of the victims. Cops identify suspect in Colorado LGBTQ nightclub shooting; Colorado Police are still investigating whether the attack at Club Q was a hate crimeIs this “hate?” The number of people killed--many, in fact, murdered--under cover of The Party's Covid tactics now outnumbers in deaths some of the most tragic human-caused deaths in history. Worse, it appears the mRNA injections will continue to kill some and render others infertile. The “smartest people in the world” can't see this, because they have rejected the source of truth, so they have become The Lie. There has never been a mechanism described that would make the Covid Flu more deadly to people due to their ethnic heritage (although the CCP is almost certainly working on that). There are, though, comorbidities and age-related mechanisms for harm. Obesity, diabetes, lung disease and low Vitamin-D. These situations tend to be pronounced in black people. But, why be factual and contextual when you divide people? Pray for Sheila Jackson-Lee, a woman of The Lie.[AUDIO] - Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee claims there's a direct connection between slavery and disparities in Covid-19 deaths, suggesting "reparations" could have "cut Covid-19 transmission and infection rates."Is this hateful? It is injected people who are still getting Covid and passing it on. Watch: NBC News Advises Parents To Keep Kids Away From "Unvaccinated Individuals". . . it is also injected people who are now vulnerable to diseases their bodies would otherwise conquer, like RSV. How many doctors really don't know it's the injections causing this versus the ones who know--but are afraid to say--it's the mRNA? The People of The Lie work together:Deep state money supply: FTX, the collapsed crypto exchange, funded the “TOGETHER Trial” to discredit ivermectinThe smartest people in the world were stupid enough to believe this was not a scam. Or, were they scheming enough to shut-up and pretend it was real so they could make--and launder--money? . . . the smartest people in the world told us time and again the injection passports were a conspiracy theory. Funny thing about that . . . Biden promises world leaders US will strengthen 'digital COVID-19 certificates'; Under the 23rd section of the statement, the White House says that it acknowledges the importance of "shared technical standards and verification methods," and specifically states that it will seek to build on the "success" of existing standards and digital Covid-19 certificates.The NAZIs called it a “Gesundheitpass.” [AUDIO] - https://en.langenscheidt.com/german-english/gesundheitspassTwo bad actors, pun intended, talk to an actor who now runs Ukraine. This is meant to inspire us to unquestionably funnel even more money to Ukraine. Wich FTX dead, what other money laundering tricks do they have over there?[AUDIO] - THE TRUDEAUS - if you have never questioned if you were being played, question it now. This vomit inducing set up by the Trudeau Twins is embarrassing and cringeworthyOne of the owners of Dictator-Bro, Justin Treadeau has thrown some words in the air and created a sentence that really means: “give us even more control …'[AUDIO] - G20 - Here's Klaus Schwab, on the great Great Reset none of you voted for. “Deep systemic restructuring of our world and this will take some time. And the world will look differently after we have gone through this transition process” Unelected elites have stolen your choices.. . . while we can see the results of the policies of people like Schwabb all around the world. Germany has been pretending entire countries can be powered by renewable. Now, Germany is facing physics.“Green” energy is collapsingWhat happens when China stops making our pills? Amid the Adderall Shortage, People With A.D.H.D. Face Withdrawal and Despair; Without medication, patients are wondering what comes next.

"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." (Matthew 13:13-16) Music: The Truth (Anno Domini Beats) God Fury (Anno Domini Beats) This episode is also available as a blog post: http://winruffin.com/2022/10/31/blessed-night-loves-%f0%9f%98%8a-33/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/win-ruffin/message

Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz: God knows that sometimes we need to be reminded of our identity, we need to be reminded of who we are. On this Open and Affirming Sunday, hear these words from Isaiah: You have been created by God, redeemed by God, named by God, and claimed by God. You are God's beloved. Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strickland Pastor Jen explains why it is crucial for churches to teach children (and adults) that God loves them, full stop.

The Parable of the Sower 13v1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The Parable of the Weeds 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 “‘An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 “‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast 31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” 34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” The Parable of the Weeds Explained 36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. The Parable of the Net 47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. 52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Matthew 13:9–17 NIV Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Matthew 13: 1:17 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. Prayer Ministry: https://tinyurl.com/PrayerHLA Church Website: http://harvestla.org/ HarvestLA (English Ministry of EFCLA) 9537 Telstar Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731 (626) 450-7676

13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jennycfang/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennycfang/support

Today’s Scripture: 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;    they hardly hear with their ears,    and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,    hear with their ears,    understand with their heartsand turn, and […] The post Matthew 13:14-17 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Archives Listen to the Prayer Audio: Heavenly Father, THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS THE CHRIST, WE HUMBLY COME INTO YOUR HEAVENLY COURT!  We enter before your heavenly judicial system where nations are either judged or blessed.  We are asking that our case and our country’s book of destiny that You, Heavenly Father wrote before the foundation of the world, be opened in Yeshua’s/Jesus Name.  According to You Word through the prophet Jeremiah (29/11): For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, are plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, so that I give you a future and a hope.  Righteous Judge based on Your Words we know that You did not send the Corona Virus to kill any of our fellow countrymen and cause the fear of death to reign supreme in our country!  By the authority given to us by Your Son, Our Lord Jesus the Christ we summon all that is evil that has created the Corona Virus and any demonic altars that are empowering it be stopped now and cease to exist. Father our Supreme Judge we speak through the given legal authority we have to prosecute this Corona Virus and all viruses that bring flu and illness into our land (and any nation whose God is You O Lord!)  Through Your Word Lord  we know that the earth is given to the children of men (Psalm 115/16) and that any evil come against us when we cry out to You in distress, You will hear and deliver us (2 Chronicles 20/9).  We know to through the prophet Isaiah You will not allow any weapon formed against us will not succeed and that peace, righteousness, security and triumph over opposition is our heritage from You!  But most importantly Your Son said we have authority over the power of the enemy and nothing in ay way will harm us. (Luke 10/19) Righteous Judge based on these Words we have legal standing in Your Supreme Court and further more we have God-given Dominion over the planet earth to contend for the destiny, peace and prosperity of our nation so that in Yeshua/Jesus mighty Name  so that the spread of the Corona Virus and any other virus that brings sickness into the land is to stop spreading! Heavenly Father as intercessors for our nation we repent for the sins of our forefathers and mothers to the present generation also and any national sins, especially the shedding of innocent blood, sexual perversion and bowing and worshiping false gods  that has given legal right to evil to invade our land and especially with this Corona Virus (all viruses).  So now by the Blood of Jesus the Christ wash away any generational and national sins.  Jesus the Christ has already paid the price for the redemption of all mankind!  Righteous Judge You search for righteous ones to build the wall and stand in the gap so that You would not destroy the land (Ezekiel 22/30)  So Father, we are here in the robe of Righteousness decreeing and declaring that we stand in the gap for the healing in our land.  We speak the words that this Corona virus and all evil viruses will not kill one more person in our land and we decree it in the name of  Yeshua/Jesus! Heavenly Father, we now ask that a Divine Restraining order be issued by Your Supreme Court against the demonically engineered plague and man made Corona virus and all other chemically produced viruses and biological warfare weapons!  Righteous Judge we ask that this Divine Restraining Order stop supernaturally any more spreading of this evil and stop any more killing of people in our land! Heavenly Father, we decree that any and all demonic entities or persons connected to this Corona Virus and other viruses be bound and brought to Justice in the Mighty Name of Jesus the Christ!  Heavenly Father we receive this Divine Restraining Order by Faith and decree and declare that You shall fulfill all the days of our life that You have written in our book of destiny long before You created us and so therefore we will not die before the appointed t...

Good Soil In this episode we break open the parable of the sower and the seeds. We chat about how we can cultivate good soil in our hearts where seeds can grow and bear good fruit. We also talk about the practicals of what makes up rocky ground that chokes out goodness and what makes up the fertile soil, where God can bring forth life and abundance.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame by Carrie Schuchts Daunt  Michelle’s one thing - Higher Love - Kygo, Whitney Houston  Heather’s one thing - The team building my house from Tundra Developments Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new “quit talking to the dang snake” mug! Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty. Their mission is to create a transformative experience of true rest and retreat, for couples or individuals wired for adventure. Pilgrimage to Beauty believes that traversing the world, cultures and even our own street can teach us so much. Gaining knowledge of other peoples and lands gives us a genuine curiosity to learn and experience even more of what the world has to offer.  Their aim is to give you a unique once in a lifetime experience that transforms and renews your spirit, no matter your vocation or state in life. Their next trip is to Guatemala in March 2020, so check it out quickly! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What is the terrain of your heart? What does the soil in your life look like right now? Where do you need to dig in the dirt and let God bring in His light and cultivate the soil? What do I need to steward well in my life and what do I need to prune back? What are the weeds that need to be pulled out in my heart?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 13. What does it speak to you personally?  What are the thorns that choke the good seed in your life? Where do you need to seek the true face of Jesus? What is the fruit being born in your life? What do you think God is trying to show you about your soil?   Quote to Ponder - “Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe.” ― St. Bernard of Clairvaux Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Matthew 13: The Parable of the Sower That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;  though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;   you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused;  they hardly hear with their ears,   and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,     hear with their ears,  understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Matthew 13:1-58The Parable of the Sower13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables:“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”The Parable of the Weeds24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:“I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”The Parable of the Weeds Explained36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.The Parable of the Net47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.“Yes,” they replied.52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”A Prophet Without Honor53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.Download Message Slides

Matthew 13:1-17 New International Version (NIV) 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’[a] 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Title of message:  My Church Loves God   (Deuteronomy 6:5) “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”   (Deuteronomy 6:1) (NLT) “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy,”   (Deuteronomy 7:9) “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”   (Daniel 6:3) “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”   Why do we love God? Because we have experienced Him personally.   How do I love God? 1.    Experience His Presence   (Acts 2:28) “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”   (Revelation 1:8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”   (John 5:39-40) (Message) "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want.”   (2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (Message) “Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it!”   (2 Corinthians 3:17) “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”   2.    Experience His power   (1 Corinthians 2:3-5) “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”   (John 9:17, 25) Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him?” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”   (Matthew 13:14-15) “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.  For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”   (Hosea 10:12) “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”