Podcasts about sower

In this powerful message, Chase dives deep into the topic of identity. He challenges us to ask a tough but important question: Could we, like the Pharisees, be so caught up in our own rules and idea of being "good" that we miss what Jesus is actually doing? Drawing from the story of the man healed at the pool (and a great clip from "The Chosen"!), he explores how our insecurities and the identities we build for ourselves can get in the way of our relationship with God. Using the Parable of the Sower, Chase helps us check the "soil" of our own hearts and encourages us to stop striving. The sermon is all about letting go of the heavy burden of who we think we should be and finding true rest and purpose in who we are in Christ. It's a fantastic message for anyone ready to trade worry for peace. Hope you get a chance to listen   --- About The Path --- At The Path, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, our mission is simple:  “seek, save, and send.” Our goal is to save as many people as possible and teach them to do the same. Please consider sharing this message; this helps us realize our vision of creating churches that mobilize the next generation.   --- Media --- YouTube: @ThePathChurchAtlanta Website: thepath.church Instagram: @jointhepath   --- Music --- Intro/Outro Music: "Action" Artist: JC Muzik

In the second of our three Audiofeed edition episodes, I sit down with singer/songwriter/YouTuber Jonathan Allen Wright. Like long lost friends who just met, we talk about our favorite bands, what it's like being a content creator in both video and music form, and how it feels to have had Steven Curtis Chapman watch one of your videos!Watch Jonathan's videos!  @jonathanawright  Check out his music! https://jonathanallenwright.bandcamp.com/Support me on Patreon and watch The Bonus Tracks at: https://www.patreon.com/c/imcliffordtodayBe sure to check out Acrolith's music and support them! https://acrolith.bandcamp.com/Want your music on our Spotlight segment? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/YFsEUTjcVku1h1aTANew Sherwood Forest music!New single "Feed My Lambs" featuring Saint of Pine Hills: https://sherwoodforest.bandcamp.com/track/feed-my-lambsThe Wingfeather Saga: Season One Commentary: https://cliffordclose.bandcamp.com/album/the-wingfeather-saga-season-one-commentaryMy first line of merch! https://im-clifford-today.myspreadshop.com/New episode every other Monday 12pm CST.Follow the I'm Clifford Today Show on any podcast platform! https://anchor.fm/imcliffordtodayFollow me on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/imcliffordtodayMy clips and highlights channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ImClippordToday My gaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0vEbkItCajSezxh3JjejwCheck out the Podwood Forecast! https://anchor.fm/podwoodforecastCheck out my "Cliff's Picks" Spotify playlist!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/137H5LBYkA9GX4Jqq7vk0s?si=aa64e4163083420fLeave a like and a comment! Subscribe for more content like this: https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordTodayFollow my X: www.x.com/imcliffordtodayLike my Book of Faces: https://www.facebook.com/imcliffordtoday[00:00:00] – Introduction[00:11:46] – INTERVIEW: Jonathan Allen Wright[00:32:29] – SPOTLIGHT: Acrolith[00:33:56] – INTERVIEW: Jonathan Allen Wright (cont.)[01:08:38] – Audiofeed 2025 Recap[01:33:25] – My Humble Opinion: Advent, John Van Deusen, SOWER[02:14:32] – Outro

Parables are a significant part of Jesus's teaching. These brilliant stories paint a picture of life in the kingdom, teaching us about God, ourselves, and the Lord's presence and activity in the world. But they are not easy. Rather than give us simple platitudes and truisms, Jesus challenges us with parables. They are intended to draw us in. Jesus wants us to wrestle with them, to walk around with, meditate and have conversations about them. In this series, we will dig into the context of parables from Luke's Gospel. We will consider the picture Jesus is painting of God's kingdom, and we will engage these stories through the spiritual practice of visio divina (with some original art from our community). This week, we explored the Parable of the Sower. Our new friend, Bethany Tippin, invited us to consider the soils, and the invitation to yield to the wise and generous love of God. We practiced visio divina together with this painting from Bethany. If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the Core Team. If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at https://thepracticechurch.com/give/

Topics:  What Satisfies, Cedar Point, Swift To Listen, Wimbledon, What I Believe, Superman, Pray Without Ceasing, Jesus Is Relevant, Fear/Faith, The Sower, Breaking Animal News, Gossip, Slip N' Slide, Principle Non-Click     Quotes: “What Jesus has to offer is the only thing that satisfies.” “I'm amazed at how quickly people can have a take on something.” “I want to have an open door with God all the time.” “Jesus is relevant to EVERYBODY.” “Faith is the anticipation of good.” . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook! For Christian banking you can trust, click here!

The Parable of the Sower

Theme: The Parable of the Sower can be read as an encouragement to sow the seeds of the Kingdom of God far and wide, trusting the results are ultimately in God's hands and not ours. Matthew 13:1-9

Reading Isaiah 55 1. A Wonderful Sign 2. A Powerful Word 3. A Prosperous Result The sermon centers on God's abundant grace and the power of His Word, drawing parallels between the natural cycle of rain and seed to illustrate spiritual nourishment and renewal. It emphasizes the urgency of seeking God while He is near, urging repentance and faith as pathways to forgiveness and abundant mercy. The message underscores that God's ways and thoughts transcend human understanding, promising that His Word will not return void but will accomplish His divine purpose, bringing forth spiritual fruit and ultimately leading to joy and restoration for those who seek Him.

Matthew 13 is the greatest chapter of parables in all Scripture, containing in all seven parables. Four are centred on "seed" and the other three about understanding, valuing, and teaching others of, and encouraging them to seek and prepare themselves for the Kingdom of God. The parable of the Sower is said by our Lord to be the greatest of, and key to, all parables. The parable of the Sower, called by many the parable of the soils - for in each case the seed sown is identical; the characteristic of the soil is tested and determined on the basis of the individual response to the Word of God - and this parable, together with that of the 'tares', or weeds are the only two explained. That Jesus would use the parable as the foundation of his teaching method, and the reasons for this, were prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Psalm 78 verses 1-4. Matthew quotes both Isaiah 6 and Psalm 78; and tells us that the predicted response was forthcoming, verses 14-17 for the citation from Isaiah and verses 34-35 for the Psalm. All these parables were spoken in Galilee, by the sea; and they too invariably led to his rejection among his own folk at Nazareth. One of the high points of the chapter are the verses 45-46 where the disciple discovers that in understanding the gospel the pearl of immeasurable price has been found. What are we prepared to sacrifice for this great treasure? Hopefully everything!

In these unfathomable moments, when the world seems to be falling apart—we often turn to stories for guidance. For the folks in Southern California earlier this year, that story was Parable of the Sower. Readers are returning to the book today because it shows us how speculation – and Afrofuturism in particular – can help us move through the world with our eyes open. Read a transcript of this episode on our website.Check out our booklist with titles from Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin, and more! Learn more about how you can help Octavia's Bookshelf in Altadena by supporting their Patreon. And, you can check out the Altadena Community Land Trust.If you're in California, check out Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena,' an exhibit at the California African American Museum that features Nikki High and others.Listen to Octavia's Parables, a podcast from adrienne maree brown and Toshi Reagan that follows the Parable books, or Jessica Bethel's League of Extraordinary Readers podcast. You can also check out her virtual book club, Literature Noir, or Toshi Reagan's opera based on the Parable books.

Kevin Costner stars in the iconic 1989 film, Field of Dreams and if we have imagination, it can pique our interest in an even greater story about a greater field, not of dreams, but of harvest - the story of the sower as told parabolically by Jesus. Tune in and listen as we continue to ponder Luke's Gospel.

WELCOME TO CITADEL CHURCH ONLINE!We're so excited to connect with you this week! We pray you're blessed and that you find a place to belong here in our community.Right now, we're in a series called Secrets of the Kingdom: Stories Jesus Told That Change Everything.Jesus often spoke in parables—simple stories with deep truths about God's Kingdom and how we're invited to live in it. Each week, we're exploring one of these powerful stories and what it means for our lives today.➡ This week, we're looking at the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus shows us that how we hear His word shapes how we live. The Kingdom takes root in hearts that are ready to receive it. What kind of soil are you?Each week, we gather to worship Jesus, open Scripture, and lean into what God is saying to us as a church. Whether you're part of the Citadel family or just checking things out, we're so glad you're here. These messages are designed to help you follow Jesus in everyday life and be part of something bigger—His Kingdom.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.citadelnyc.church⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠citadelnyc_church⁠⁠⁠⁠

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      The most expensive Swiss knife The most expensive Swiss Army Knife ever made is a luxury model produced by Victorinox in collaboration with Swiss jeweler Bonfort, released in 2004. It is covered with nearly 800 diamonds, totaling close to 4 carats, and features platinum or gold shells. Only 40 pieces were made (20 in platinum, 20 in gold), each priced at over $100,000. The knife includes standard tools like a large blade, small blade, nail file, nail cleaner, scissors, orange peeler, screwdriver, and tweezers, with all tools except the tweezers encrusted with diamonds. It comes in a solid aluminum suitcase with a diamond authenticity certificate   If you don't need it, I don't got it, but if you need it, I got it.  Sounds corny but the truth is that is exactly what the word of God is like.    The Bible uses several vivid word pictures to describe God's Word, beyond the well-known metaphors of a lamp and a sword. Here are some key examples, drawn from Scripture:   Fire: God's Word is likened to a fire, symbolizing its power to purify, consume, and energize. Jeremiah 23:29 - "Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" Hammer: In the same verse, God's Word is compared to a hammer, emphasizing its ability to break through hardness and resistance, such as stubborn hearts or false beliefs. Seed: The Word is depicted as a seed that, when planted in receptive hearts, grows and bears fruit. Mark 4:14 - In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains, "The sower sows the word." Water: The Word is described as water, cleansing and nourishing those who receive it. Ephesians 5:26 - Christ cleanses the church "by the washing with water through the word." Mirror: The Word acts as a mirror, revealing one's true spiritual condition and prompting self-examination. James 1:23-25 - It compares someone who hears the Word but doesn't act on it to a person who looks in a mirror and forgets their appearance. Bread/Food: God's Word is likened to sustenance, essential for spiritual life and growth. Matthew 4:4 - Jesus says, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Honey: The Word is described as sweet, delightful, and desirable. Psalm 119:103 - "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Light: Beyond a lamp, the Word is a broader source of light, illuminating truth and dispelling darkness. Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Rain and Snow: The Word is compared to precipitation that nourishes the earth, ensuring growth and fruitfulness. Isaiah 55:10-11 - "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven... so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty." Treasure/Gold: The Word is portrayed as precious and valuable, worth more than material wealth. Psalm 19:10 - "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."   Salt And a few more…    These metaphors collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of God's Word—its power, beauty, necessity, and transformative impact on those who engage with it. If you need it, Gods word provides it.

This message challenges us to slow down and examine how the noise and busyness of life may be choking out God's voice, drawing from the Parable of the Sower and the story of Mary and Martha. We're invited to create space in our lives to nurture our spiritual growth by choosing the "one thing necessary"—sitting at Jesus' feet.

Introduction: IYKYK Heart Hearing Evaluation (Luke 8:4–15) Does Your Heart Hear BUT DISBELIEVE? (Luke 8:12) 2 Corinthians 4:4 – In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Does Your Heart Hear BUT STALL OUT? (Luke 8:13) Matthew 7:13–14 – Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Does Your Heart Hear BUT GET DISTRACTED? (Luke 8:14) 1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Does Your Heart Hear AND PRODUCE A CHANGED LIFE? (Luke 8:15) Revelation 2:4–5 – But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Luke 8:4-15What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is your biggest heart problem right now? Why can't it be ignored and how should you address it?Re-read the Parable of the Sower and break down what the characters and elements represent. What is the major message of this parable?According to Jesus, what is the true test of saving faith?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT We all love quick fixes, don't we?If we have a problem, we wanna solve itin the quickest and simplest way possible.And our bent towards quick fixespops up almost every single day.The router is acting up, so what do you do?All right, try to be a bit louder so I can hear you.What do you do when the router's acting up?You unplug it, then you plug it back in, right?You have a pounding headache.What's your go-to when you have a flare up?Just pop a few ibuprofen or Tylenol to take the edge off.And when the edge doesn't grow dull or you get so annoyed,when that router issue isn't fixed by the unplugand plug back in, you get so frustrated.The ultimate example of an easy fix from my lifeis the N64, the Nintendo 64, whoever owned one growing up.For those of you who weren't born sometime in the 1900s,let me make it clear that these gameswere not played on discs.You couldn't download them digitally.You had to play them on cartridges.And for you, 80s and 90s kids in the room,what was the quick fix to the problemof the game glitching or freezing?The harmonica method, right?(splat)We thought there was dust in the cartridgeand you had to blow it out.According to my internet research,people are divided over the effectivenessof the harmonica method.Some people say that it was the placebothat made you feel better, but didn't actually do anything.While others say, yeah, it was a short-term fix.It worked for a bit, but it caused long-term damage.According to these gamers online,the moisture from your breath corrodedthe inside of the cartridge or something, I don't know.But all of these nerds online agree about one simple fact.This was a quick fix,not a long-term solution.It either did nothing to help the problemor it made the problem even worse.As you saw in the promo video a few momentsago, we have been hyper-focused on one major themefrom Scripture over the past nine months.God wants your heart.He doesn't just want your external rule following,He wants your internal love and devotion.But maybe you've heard this theme of God wants your heartpreached about Sunday after Sunday,but you still aren't there.Maybe you know what God wants from you,for some reason you don't want to give it to Him.Your heart is distant from the Lord.Your heart is cold towards His Word.There is something off inside of you.You need to get to a better place,but you don't know how to get there.And for weeks, months, or even years,you've been trying all the quick fixes,but nothing is working.The problem just keeps getting worse and worse and worse.You have a serious heart problemthat you cannot solve on your own.If that's you, I have a two-part question to askthat you don't have to answer out loud,but you do need to answer in your heart.Are you ready to put away the quick fixesand stop doing things your way?Are you ready to grab ahold of God's long-termsolutions and start doing things His way?If the answer is yes, I have to warn you,it's gonna hurt.It's gonna take God's painful scalp cuts,scalpel cuts to truly lead you to the change that you need.True change requires an open heart procedure.Over the next month,we're gonna undergo four surgical solutionsto our heart problems, evaluating our hearts,confessing from our hearts,giving thanks with our hearts, and guarding our hearts.As you may have noticed, all these surgical solutionsrequire your cooperation and participation.None of these solutions will be easy,but they are guaranteed success.If you submit to your divine doctorand let Him do His work in your heart.So before we continue, let's go to the Lordand ask for His help.Please pray for me and I will pray for you.Father, we thank you for this most important appointmentof the week.This isn't just a throwaway time.We come if we have a break in the schedule.There's a time we come together as your peopleto worship you and to come under the teaching of your Word.Or may you do a work that only you can.May you work in human hearts.May you bring conviction.May you challenge.May you build up.May you bring life where there is none.What I can do, none of those things, only you can.Preach a much better message in people's heartsthan I ever could with my mouth.We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.So the first surgical solution to your heart problemis found in Luke chapter eight, verses four through 15.Please turn there with me.Luke chapter eight, verses four through 15.At this point in his ministry,Jesus is being followed around by crowdswho want to experience his miraclesand hear him preach messages that are unlike anyone else's.In our passage for this morning,Jesus teaches the crowd a parable.And as a refresher, a parableis an everyday story with a spiritual meaning.It is a work of fiction that points to the realityof God's kingdom and the salvation that Jesus offers.Let's read one of the greatest parablesin Luke chapter eight, verses four through eight.And when a great crowd was gatheringand people from town to town came to him,Jesus said in a parable,a sower went out to sow his seed.And as he sowed, some fell on the pathand was trampled underfootand the birds of the air devoured it.And some fell on the rock.And as it grew up, it withered awaybecause it had no moisture.And some seed fell among thornsand the thorns grew up with it and choked it.And some fell into good soiland grew and healed at a hundredfold.As Jesus said these things,he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."So a sower is in his field,scattering seed anywhere and everywhere that he goes.And some of this seed lands on good soilbut most of it lands on bad soil.Some of the seed falls along the pathwhere people stomp on itand it is quickly picked up by birds.Some falls on soil where it looks goodbut there is a bedrock underneath the soilthat you cannot see.So the seed has no moisture.It can't develop a root systemso it withers away and dies.Some of the seed falls on thornswhere it is choked out.But some of the seed falls on good soilwhere it steadily but surely grows over timeand leads to an abundant harvest.That's the story.And Jesus closes out by saying,"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."Why does he say that?What's the point of saying that?Well, the modern day equivalent is on the screen behind me.Can any of you young people decipher this for us?What is it?Thank you, Sierra.If you know, you know.Jesus is saying you're either gonna understandwhat I'm saying or you won't.Well, the disciples themselves are left confusednot really understanding the story.So they work up the courage to go up to Jesusand say, "Hey, Jesus, great story."But what in the world was that about?And check out Jesus' response in verses nine through 10.And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,he said, "To you, it has been given to know the secrets"of the kingdom of God,"but for others they are in parables."So that seeing they may not see and hearing"they may not understand."Now you may be thinking, hold on a minute.It seems like Jesus is sayingthat he taught in parables to confuse some people.Yeah, you get a gold star for observation.That is exactly what he is saying.This may be a hard pill to swallow,but Jesus taught these parablesboth to reveal and to conceal the truth.He taught these parables to reveal the truthto those whose hearts are soft and ready to receive it.But he also told these parables to conceal the truthfrom those whose hearts are hardenedand resolved to reject it.The good news is if you truly want to understandthe parables, you will.But if you don't really careabout understanding the parables, you won't.It's that simple and clear cut.But thankfully Jesus does something that he rarely does.He explains the meaning of the parable.Praise the Lord, isn't that so convenientfor every single one of us in this room?Jesus is like that teacher who tells youwhat's on the final examand lets you go to the back of the book to find the answers.So let's go to the back of the bookand see Jesus answer for what this parable meansin verses 11 through 15.Now the parable is this.The seed is the word of God.The ones along the path are those who have heard it.And the devil comes and takes away the word from their heartsso that they may not believe and be saved.And the ones on the rock are thosewhen they hear the word, receive it with joy,but these have no root.They believe for a while and in time of testing fall away.And as for what fell among the thorns,they are those who hear, but as they go on their way,they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasuresof life and their fruit does not mature.As for that in the good soil,they are those who hearing the word hold it fastin an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience.Jesus clearly spells out everything for us.The seed is the word of God that is scatteredby the sower by anyone who faithfully shares the word.The seed of the word is scattered every single Sundayas someone stands before you to proclaimwhat God has to say.The seed of the word is scatteredwhenever you teach the lesson back in Harvest Academyor do family devotions with your kids.The seed of the word is scatteredwhenever you share the gospelwith that unsafe family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor.And according to Jesus, the scattered seed of the wordlands on four different types of soils,which represents four different types of human hearts.And Jesus is not talking about the organthat's bumping in your chest right now.He's talking about who you really are on the inside.Your heart is the source of all your emotions,your affections, and your motivations.Your heart is constantly taking in everything you seehere and experiencing and evaluating it.And according to God's word,you don't just have physical ears on the sides of your head,you also have spiritual ears on your heart.And these spiritual ears can either hear the truthand reject it or can hear the truth and accept it.Three of these soils,three of these heart hearers in this parablereject the word, which leads to eternal destruction.Only one soil, only one heart here accepts the wordand is saved and has eternal life.Do you remember those hearing evaluationsyou had to take back in elementary schoolwhere you shuffled the school library or some random room?You put on the headphones,where they play different noisesat different frequencies and decibels.And what would you do if you could hear the noise?Show me what you would do.You raise your hand, right?Or you kept it down if you couldn't hear it.And depending on how the evaluation went,you could either go about the rest of your day as normalor you'd be sent to an ear doctor.Well, this parable is a heart hearing evaluation.It gauges how your heart hearsand responds to the word of God.It reveals if you are currently rejecting Jesus Christin His gospel or if you've actually accepted Him or not.It reveals how serious of a heart problem you haveand how serious of a heart surgery you need.So after one of the longest introductionsin the history of this church,it's time to put on the spiritual headphonesand take your heart hearing evaluation.First question of the heart hearing evaluation.Does your heart hear but disbelief?Does your heart hear but disbelief?Let's start with the pathway soilwhere the seed is crushed and eaten by birds.Listen again to Jesus' explanation in verse 12.The ones along the path are those who have heard,then the devil comes and takes away the wordfrom their hearts so that they may not believeand be saved.The birds stand in for Satan himselfwho has a mission to accomplish,to keep unbelievers from truly hearing the gospel messageand accepting it.The apostle Paul speaks to this ministry of Satanin 2nd Corinthians 4/4.He says, "The God of this world, that Satan,"has blinded the minds of the unbelievers"to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel"of the glory of Christ who is the image of God."Do you know that Satan and his demonsare faithful church attenders?I guarantee they have a better track record of attendancethan anyone in this room.They never miss a Sunday.But they don't show up to worship God,they show up to deceive and to divert attention.Satan wants you to daydream during the messageand think about what's for lunch afterwards.Like that even matters at all.Satan wants you to have sleepy eyesand a head that bobs up and down, up and down.He wants you to be restless and fidgety in your seat.He wants you to absentmindedly doodle on your outlinerather than take diligent notes.He wants you to be doubtful regarding the things of God.He wants you to suffer from this condition of believingthat God could never love or forgive someone like you.He wants you to hear the word, but disbelieve the word.Is that where you are this morning?Is your heart problem that you're disinterested inand maybe even disgusted by?What is preached behind the pulpit here?Or shared with you by faithful Christian relatives and friends?Maybe you're here to make your family happy,but you're not buying into all this Jesus stuff.Maybe the teachings of the Bible seem outdated,harsh and even harmful to you.Maybe when you look at this book,it just doesn't make any sense whatsoever.If I've described you at all,I wanna share with you that I am so glad that you're here.And I have been praying for you all week.I've been praying that Satan would not stealthe seed of the word from your heart once again.I've been praying that you would hear the wordwith fresh ears and a willing heart.I've been praying that you would see yourselfas a sinner and Jesus Christ as the only savior.Turn from your disbelief, turn to Jesus Christand believe in what he accomplishedthrough his perfect life, his sacrificial death,and his resurrection from the grave.If you do, he will wipe away all of your sins.He will give you his perfect righteousness.He will give you a new heart that has new lifeand a new love.That is what faith in Christ will get you.Let me ask, what has disbelief in Christ ever gotten you?Nothing but an anxious and dissatisfied heart.If you continue with that disbelief,you will experience spiritual death that lasts forever.Second question of the heart hearing evaluation,does your heart hear but stall out?Does your heart hear but stall out?Next up is the rocky soil.Let's read verse 13."And the ones on the rock are those,when they hear the word, receive it with joy,but they have no root.They believe for a while in time of testing fall away."This kind of heart hears the word and seems to accept it.There is an immediate willingness to follow Jesus.There is quick growth.Bad habits are put away and new habits are formed.This person feels happy.Boy, oh boy, it's fun to be a Christian.Life is the best.But then times get tough.They experience hardship.And life isn't so great anymore.It isn't so fun to be a Christian anymore.The view ahead used to be filled with hope and with life,but now it is full of darkness and uncertainty.Back in high school, my friends and I were drivingin two separate cars to a concert.When the car I was in stalled and came to a halton the side of the road.And the other car full of guys parked right behind us.And my friend Robert, who was driving the car I was in,got out.He popped the hood, which was basically an empty gesturebecause none of us had jumper cablesor knew how a car worked.I wish Ben Maul was there that day.That would have been fantastic.He could have helped us.And so Robert pretended like he knewhe was doing looking under the hood.And then he called his stepdad to come and help.But the problem was the other car full of guyswas getting antsy because they still wantedto go to the concert.And the driver of that car said,"Hey guys, we got one less spot.We got one more spot less in this car.Two of you are gonna have to stay herebecause we're not waiting."And that made me so mad.I was like, "Seriously?I'm not gonna go have fun at the concertwhile we leave people stranded here."Well, my friend Ryan didn't feel the same way.He said, "I'll go with you."And he jumped in the car.They sped off while we were coughing up dustfrom their speedy getaway.And we waited for Robert's stepdadfor what felt like hours.And it was the dead of summer, so it was hot.It was hot like this auditorium often is, right?And we got so desperate,we drank the emergency water in the trunk,which must have been there for years'cause it tasted like warm motor oil.And eventually Robert's dad, his stepdad showed upand he said, "Hey, I called a tow truck.It's gonna come soon.And I can still take you to the concert if you want to."How do you think we felt about that?We're like, "No, we're totally over that.Just take us back home."We were so done with that concert.The day had started out so well.It was a ton of fun.Then the car stalled outand we were thrown for a loop.The concert was no longer exciting and appealing to uslike it used to be.That happens to so many people who profess faithin Jesus Christ.They seem to be doing just fineas they drive along on the Christian journey,but then they hit an unexpected bump in the roadand totally stall out.Family members stopped talking to thembecause of their new beliefs.Friends make fun of them for their new ridiculous standards.Coworkers belittle them for missing happy hourto go to small group.Romantic interests threaten to break up the relationshipif you don't cut it out with this religious nonsense.Instead of persevering through these tough timesand moving forward, they give up on Jesus.They retreat and go back to their old lives.Following Jesus was convenient for a season,but then there was too high of a price to pay.Have you already given up?Are you tempted to give up right now?You have to understand that Jesus never promisesan easy life if you follow him.That's not listed in the brochure.True Christians are not exempt from suffering and persecution.Actually, true Christians are targetsfor suffering and persecution.Listen to Matthew chapter 7 verses 13 through 14."For the gate is wide and the way is easythat leads to destruction,and those who enter by it are many.For the gate is narrow and the way is hardthat leads to life, and those who find it are few."Let me ask you, what is the smarter play?Easy for several decades in this lifeand horribly hard in hell foreveror hard for a little bit in this lifeand easy for all of eternity in heaven?Which is the better option?Anyone can start out well, but very few finish well.A quick start out the gate doesn't mean muchif you don't cross the finish line.Only those who hear the word and persevere in the Wordpossess a transformed heart.So please do not give up.Do not pick up your ball and go home.If you already have, it's not too late to get back in the game.It's not too late to jump back on that racetrackand keep going until the end.Third question of the heart-hearing evaluation.Does your heart hear but get distracted?Does your heart hear but get distracted?Does your heart hear but get distracted?In verse 14, Jesus talks about the thorny soil.And as for what fell among the thorns,they are those who hear, but as they go on their way,they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of lifeand their fruit does not mature.This kind of heart here is not at all hostile to Jesus.This person may even claim to be a Christian,know a lot about the Bibleand even sit in church on Sunday.But the knowledge in his or her braindoes not affect his or her heartbecause any growth, any transformationis pushed down by an obsession with the world.It is choked out.Climbing the ladder of achievement,having a stacked financial portfolio,planning for a carefree retirementand raising impressive kids who do impressive thingsis always the front of this person's thinking.They have no interest in hearing what God has to sayabout how they should livebecause they already have a plan for their life.To be clear, I'm not saying it's bad to have a lot of money,invest in the stock market or plan for retirement.It's not bad if you own things,but it is bad when things own you.People often misquote the apostle Pauland say, "Money is the root of evil."Is that what the Bible says?The apostle Paul says it this way,"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.It is through this cravingthat some have wandered away from the faithand pierced themselves with many pangs.The greedy longing for more and more and more stuffand success will spiritually bankrupt you."Please be honest with yourself.Are you distracted by the things of this world right now?Are you more excited to receive your direct deposit from work?More than you are excited to receive and read God's word?Does remodeling your house or buying a new carthrill your heart more than worshiping God?My son is almost six years oldand my daughter is three and a half,and they are totally oblivious to the basics of finances.And they have next to no interest in money.If I were to come home and tell them,"Hey, do you want to spend an entire day with me?Or do you want all the money in my various accounts?"What do you think they would say?They want to spend a time with their dad.They would want me more than stuff from me.And please listen to me. This is so important.It is a serious heart problem to want stuff from Godmore than God himself.This is a symptom of a heart that is thorny and distracted.According to Jesus, this kind of heart does not truly know Him.If that's you, please don't push aside this concernand say, "I'll deal with it later."No, deal with it right now.Ask God to take His scalpel and clear the thornsfrom your heart that are keeping you from Him.Let go of the garbage of this worldso you can grab ahold of the treasures of heaven.Final question of the heart-hearing evaluation.Does your heart hear and produce a changed life?Does your heart hear and produce a changed life?Let's see what Jesus has to say about the good soilin verse 15."As for that in the good soil,there are those who hearing the word hold it fastin an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience."This heart here receives the word and perseveres in the word.It doesn't experience quick growth.It actually grows in a sustainable pattern for the long run.This person has a good and godly heartthat produces good and godly life.This good and godly fruit is a changed life.This good and godly fruit includes ongoing repentance of sin,loving the church, refusing to throw in the towel,sharing their faith, making disciples.The true test of saving faithisn't that you pray to prayer as a kid.Walked an aisle at a revival service,raised your hand or signed a card.There are so many people who grew up in the churchand say that they accepted Christ,but there is nothing different about them now.A past action means nothingif there is no present evidence of God at work in your life.What you did back then doesn't really matterif you're not trusting in Jesus now, loving Jesus now,following Jesus now.The true test of saving faith is a changed life.And it brings my heart so much joy to knowthat many of you in this room are the good soil.You have received the word of Godand it is growing up and taking over your life.It changes how you think, it changes how you speak,it changes how you react.Your heart is good soil.But that doesn't mean that your heart is exempt from heart problems.The temptation to stay still or to backslidewill always be there.You will go through seasons of apathy and depression.There will be times you read the words in these pagesand they mean nothing to you in your heart.You will know what you should do,but you still decide to do what you shouldn't.The question isn't will you experience heart problems?The question is what will you do when you experience heart problems?And we're going to spend the rest of this series answering that question,but I don't want to leave you hanging until next Sunday.So I'm going to provide you with Jesus' own answer to this questionin Revelation 2 verses 4 through 5,where the church in Ephesus gets a personal message from Jesus himself.He says this,"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.Remember therefore from where you have fallen.Repent and do the works you did at first."Brothers and sisters, have you abandoned your first love?Have you lost the passion that you used to have for Christ when you were first saved?Remember how you used to feel about Him.Remind yourself of how you couldn't get enough of the Bible and impactful sermons.Remind yourself of how you couldn't wait to grab ahold of peopleto tell them all that you were learning, to tell them about Jesus.Don't you miss how things used to be?Don't you want your heart to be on fire for Christ again?You can get back to that point and move so far beyond it,if you repent of your dispassion and do what you did before.Don't wait to make the right choice until you feel like it.Make the right choice so you will feel the right way once again.Now, I know what some of you are thinking as we come to a close with this message.Man, this is a super heavy sermon series for the summer.Don't you realize this July?Mentally, I'm just checked out and on a beach somewhere wearing flip flops.This is the month of rest and relaxation.Not in this church, it's not.We're going to get after it for the next month.We are going to walk out of this building as different peoplewith different heart attitudes at the end of July.We are going to be done with the quick fixes.And instead, we're going to pursue after God's solution to our heart problems.Is anyone else with me?The first step in receiving God's solution to your heart problemis to evaluate the health of your heart.So how is your heart doing?Is it stomped on and disbelieving?Is it rocky and stalled out?Is it thorny and distracted?Or is it good and ready to go?Only one of those hearts will truly hear God's word over the course of this seriesand be changed.The other three, we denied access into heaven one dayand cast into hell.And I don't want that fate for any of you.I want to spend eternity with every single person in this room.As much as I may want to, I can't change your heart.But thankfully, I know the one who can.I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit is cultivating the soil of your heartand preparing you to receive the word in an honest and good heartthat perseveres in patience.He who has ears to hear, let him hear.Let's pray.Father, this is a very weighty passage.Lord, it's obvious that there are serious consequences for rejecting you and rejecting your word.Well, let the very single person in this room, if there is anybody here who does not know you,does not have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, may today be the day of salvation.May today be the day where the seed lands on the soil of the heart,grows up, takes over, and continues.But Lord, only you can do this.Well, I pray that you'd push away the distractions.You'd push away the worries about what's after service or what's happening tomorrow.I pray that we would fix our minds on Jesus Christ and what He accomplished.And what He offers to every single one of us.And for those of us who do know and love you,where we admit that we are all experiencing heart problems of some kind right now.And we need your assistance. We need your healing.But we do pray at the end of this month, we would look way different than we do this Sunday.We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

In the first of our three Audiofeed edition episodes, I have a conversation with Eric Tuffendsam from Sower. We talk about everything from our shared love for Keith Green, to what it means to preach the truth in the industry, to what it means to be bold in our music.Support me on Patreon and watch The Bonus Tracks at: https://www.patreon.com/c/imcliffordtodayBe sure to check out Dawson Cowals' music and support him! https://www.dawsoncowals.com/Want your music on our Spotlight segment? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/YFsEUTjcVku1h1aTANew Sherwood Forest music!New single "Feed My Lambs" featuring Saint of Pine Hills: https://sherwoodforest.bandcamp.com/track/feed-my-lambsThe Wingfeather Saga: Season One Commentary: https://cliffordclose.bandcamp.com/album/the-wingfeather-saga-season-one-commentaryMy first line of merch! https://im-clifford-today.myspreadshop.com/New episode every other Monday 12pm CST.Follow the I'm Clifford Today Show on any podcast platform! https://anchor.fm/imcliffordtodayFollow me on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/imcliffordtodayMy clips and highlights channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ImClippordToday My gaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0vEbkItCajSezxh3JjejwCheck out the Podwood Forecast! https://anchor.fm/podwoodforecastCheck out my "Cliff's Picks" Spotify playlist!https://open.spotify.com/playlist/137H5LBYkA9GX4Jqq7vk0s?si=aa64e4163083420fLeave a like and a comment! Subscribe for more content like this: https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordTodayLike my Book of Faces: https://www.facebook.com/imcliffordtoday[00:00:00] – Introduction[00:06:12] – INTERVIEW: Sower[00:16:39] – The First Report[00:28:48] – SPOTLIGHT: Dawson Cowals[00:33:56] – INTERVIEW: Sower (cont.)[01:15:26] – Housekeeping (More Michael Tait stuff)[01:57:38] – Outro

Jesus often spoke in parables—simple stories with powerful spiritual truths hidden inside. In Week 1 of our summer series Hidden Treasures, we explore the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13 and ask a crucial question: What kind of soil is your heart? Are you hardened by life? Distracted by worry? Rootless in your faith? Or ready for real spiritual growth?

Teaching from Matthew 13:1-9, by Bro. Adam Martinez

Welcome! At Victory Church in Troy, PA living for Jesus is about is much more than getting ready for the last day of you life, it's about making the most of everyday of your life! God has prepared a future for you that is bigger, brighter, and better than you can even imagine! If you are new to Victory we just want to say, Welcome to the Family!Thanks for sharing your time with us. We promise to never waste it.Did you accept Jesus as Lord of your life? We'd LOVE to hear about it, click here! https://victoryconnect.churchcenter.com/people/forms/134006  Had a GREAT experience? CONNECT with Victory Church today!https://victoryconnect.churchcenter.com/people/forms/197253 email: info@voiceofvictory.comInstagram: @VCNowVictory Church is here for you.Your life matters to God and to us!#JESUS​​ #HOPE​​ #VICTORY​​ #JESUSISCOMING​

We're discussing “All the Water in the World” by @eirencaffall!

Zoe Wallbrook shares how her debut mystery, History Lessons, blends academia, amateur sleuthing, and suspense in this clever, twisty campus mystery with heart.In today's special July 4th Book Gang episode, author Zoe B. Wallbrook joins me for a smart and surprising conversation about her dazzling debut, History Lessons. This mystery novel brings the classroom to the crime scene.When a brilliant but insufferable colleague is murdered, Professor Daphne Ouverture's quiet academic life gives way to a dangerous investigation filled with buried secrets, institutional reckonings, and revolutionary echoes.In the spirit of the assignment, this July 4th, we're turning the spotlight on liberty—not just American, but French too. In this week's savvy conversation, Zoe and I discuss:How Daphne's specialty—Black families in 18th-century France—reframes historical narratives and why fiction can be a powerful tool for expanding the lens of academic research.What it takes to write a compelling mystery with real-world research at its core—and how Zoe's Pitch Wars experience and academic life shaped the story.Surprising intersections between the American and French Revolutions—and what Daphne might rant about if she were giving a July 4th lecture on liberty and institutional power.BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing 41 Unlikely Amateur Sleuths Are On the Case, featuring amateur sleuths who take matters into their own hands- from cozy, small-town investigations to gripping whodunits!Meet Zoe B. WallbrookZoe B. Wallbrook is a recently tenured professor whose academic research has appeared in outlets such as the New York Times and The New Yorker. She was selected for mentorship by LA Times bestseller Elizabeth Little, and History Lessons, her first novel, was a runner-up for the Eleanor Taylor Bland Award. Zoe's hobbies include beginning all emails with, "My sincerest apologies for my slow reply," pretending to understand how astrological signs work, and crying at the end of every Call the Midwife episode. She and her husband live with their stalker, a black lab/pittie mix named Sophie. Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, please check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits. Thank you for supporting my small business!  Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the July Book Club Chat (Husbands & Lovers)BONUS BOOK LIST: 41 Unlikely Amateur SleuthsHistory Lessons by Zoe B. WallbrookKindred by Octavia ButlerDawn by Octavia ButlerParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerPitch WarsDear Daughter by Elizabeth LittlePretty as a Picture by Elizabeth LittlePapillon by Henri CharrierePapillonAmerican Slavery, American Freedom by Edmund S. MorganTyler StovallSue PeabodyQueenie by Candice Carty-WilliamsBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Zoe Wallbrook on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

“He who has ears, let him hear.” – Matthew 13:9Those were Jesus' closing words after telling the Parable of the Sower—a story that invites us to listen carefully, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Today, we'll look at this story and what it reveals about the heart behind our finances, especially the warning about “the deceitfulness of riches”.The Parable of the Sower and the State of Our HeartsThe Parable of the Sower appears in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. It begins with a farmer scattering seed, which falls on four types of soil. Jesus later explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the soils represent different heart conditions. Some hearts are hard, others shallow. Some are fertile and ready. But one soil in particular draws our attention today: the seed that fell among thorns.In Matthew 13:22, Jesus says,“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”Understanding the Thorns: Worry and WealthLet's break that down.First, Jesus points to "the cares of the world"—the daily anxieties and distractions that can crowd out our trust in God. Then, He adds “the deceitfulness of riches.” It's not wealth itself that's the issue. It's the lie wealth tells: that more money will bring more peace, that possessions equal security, and that success means significance.The Bible consistently warns us about that lie:Proverbs 11:28 — “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” 1 Timothy 6:17 — “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.”Wealth deceives us by offering the illusion of control and independence. It tempts us to believe we're self-sufficient. And when we buy that lie, we slowly stop depending on God. Like thorns in a garden, worldly cares and the lure of wealth take root in our hearts, slowly crowding out our affection for God. The space once reserved for trust and obedience becomes overrun with distraction and self-reliance.As C.S. Lewis put it:“Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is 'finding his place in it,' while really it is finding its place in him.”Time for a Heart CheckYou might be saving diligently, investing wisely, and even giving regularly. But if you're trusting in your portfolio more than God's promises—or if your finances have become a source of anxiety—then it may be time to do a heart check. What kind of soil are you cultivating?When unexpected expenses hit, what comes first—prayer or panic? When you think about the future, is your hope grounded in your retirement account or in the One who holds all things together?Jesus said the seed among thorns becomes “unfruitful.” The Word doesn't lose its power, but when wealth and worry take over our hearts, we stop responding to it. Outwardly, we may look faithful, but inwardly, our love for Him is being choked out. So, how do we respond?Jesus points to the solution just a few verses later. In Matthew 13:23, He says:“The good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit and yields.”Receiving God's Word deeply isn't a one-time event—it's a lifelong process of cultivating the soil of our hearts. It means creating space where God's truth can take root, thrive, and grow, without being overtaken by competing desires.Three Practices to Cultivate “Good Soil”Prioritize Your Giving—Start with generosity, not as an afterthought, but as an act of worship. Giving reminds us that money is not our master and that we trust God to provide for us. Check Your Emotional Temperature—If your peace rises and falls with your financial circumstances, that's a signal to lean into God's Word more than your wallet. Rethink Your Financial Goals—Ask Yourself: What Am I Building? And why? Is your financial plan aligned with Kingdom purposes, or is it just chasing comfort or status?As Dallas Willard said, “The main thing God gets out of your life is the person you become.” That includes how you handle money. Generosity, peace, and contentment are fruits of a life rooted in Christ, not one choked out by wealth.What Are You Trusting In?Remember that the condition of your heart matters more than the condition of your accounts. If you want to be fruitful in your finances and faithful in your walk with God, start by asking: What am I trusting in?Let the answer lead you back to Christ, because only in Him will your life bear lasting fruit.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own a two-flat apartment building valued at around $650,000. We've received an offer and are considering buying another building listed at $640,000 in a different area. Since I've never sold a property before, I'd like to understand the full costs involved in selling my current one and purchasing a new one.I recently learned that one of the index funds I invest in holds companies involved in things I don't ethically support. As someone trying to invest according to my values, is it wrong to stay in that fund?I have an IRA that's set up as an annuity, but I'm not sure what the advantages are. Is there a real benefit to holding an annuity within an IRA, or would I be better off moving it into a different type of investment?I've had a sealed monster box of Silver Eagle coins for a while now. Should I hold onto it, or would it be smarter to sell them and reinvest the money elsewhere?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” – Matthew 13:9. Those were Jesus’ closing words after telling the Parable of the Sower—a story that invites us to listen carefully, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. On Faith & Finance Live, Rob West looks at this story and what it reveals about the heart behind our finances, especially the warning about “the deceitfulness of riches.” Then, Rob addresses your questions on different financial topics. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of G220 Radio, we welcome Wes Thomas, founder of Sower of Christ Ministries, to share his heart for evangelism, discipleship, and biblical ministry. Wes joins us to talk about how Sower of Christ Ministries is laboring to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through street preaching, one-on-one conversations, public outreach, and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. As believers committed to the Great Commission, we discuss the importance of sound doctrine in evangelism, the challenges and joys of reaching the lost, and the biblical call to sow seeds of truth faithfully—even when the harvest seems distant. Tune in for a Christ-centered conversation that will encourage you to stand firm in the faith, boldly proclaim the Gospel, and support ministries that are not ashamed of the name of Jesus. #G220Radio #SowerOfChrist #Evangelism #StreetPreaching #ReformedBaptist #GreatCommission #WesThomas #ChristianPodcast #GospelMinistry #BiblicalEvangelism

After Trump's return to power in January 2025, Gaslit Nation launched a book club not just to inform, but to fortify. Each selection is a lifeline offering strategy, moral clarity, and community in an age of disinformation and despair.  This isn't just a book club. It's a survival toolkit for our time.  Read with us. Build with us. Let's overcome the chaos together. Join us on the last Monday of every month at 4 PM ET at the Gaslit Nation Salon for a live discussion of that month's book or film. Recordings are available on Patreon, along with bonus shows, ad-free episodes, and more, at Patreon.com/Gaslit. Discounted annual and gift memberships available. Check out our schedule below:  February – Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl and The Stranger by Albert Camus Survival and absurdity under totalitarianism: one man finds purpose in a concentration camp, another questions meaning under occupation. (Book club recording here). March – From Dictatorship to Democracy by Gene Sharp A handbook of nonviolent action, this foundational text offers strategic tools for dismantling authoritarian regimes. (Book club recording here).  April – Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler A near-future America unravels. A young Black woman builds a new belief system—and a movement—amid societal collapse. (Book club recording here).  May – Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr. How the Montgomery Bus Boycott was won. MLK's essential guide to grassroots organizing. (Book club recording here).  June – The Gay Revolution by Lillian Faderman The LGBTQ+ rights movement through the stories of those who led it, showing small groups of people make the difference. Book club this coming Monday June 30 4pm ET. July – Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry A wartime allegory on wonder, loss, and resistance. Book club: July 28 4pm ET August – The Lives of Others and I'm Still Here Two films where art challenges dictatorship—from East Germany to Brazil.  Book club: August 25 4pm ET  September – Harriet, the Moses of Her People by Sarah Hopkins Bradford Harriet Tubman's story, in her own words based on interviews with The General herself. Book club: September 29 4pm ET October – Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky + Total Resistance by H. Von Dach Poetry and guerrilla strategy: tools for survival and defiance. Book club: October 27 4pm ET  November – Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Indigenous wisdom and science for reconnection and gratitude. Book club: November 24 4pm ET December – The Forest Song by Lesya Ukrainka An eco-feminist Ukrainian play that sings of love, rebellion, and resilience. Book club: January 29  

we welcome Ethan Branscum, a farmland investment leader with a deep background in ag finance, to explore the growing intersection of agriculture and alternative investment. As Partner and Director of Farmland Investments at Sower Farmland Fund and Legacy Farmland Fund, Ethan helps manage a portfolio of properties that connect farmland owners with investors—all while prioritizing legacy, flexibility, and profitability.Ethan shares his personal path from his upbringing and education at the University of Arkansas to over a decade in ag finance and credit. He breaks down the mission behind Legacy Farmland Fund: giving landowners a new path to transition their asset without selling out their identity. Listeners will get a refresh on how Legacy enables contributors to trade farmland for ownership shares—maintaining long-term exposure to farmland returns, gaining liquidity, and relieving themselves from day-to-day operations.We dive into today's land investment landscape, exploring what investors are looking for, how farmland compares to other asset classes, and which U.S. regions are catching the most interest. Ethan also unpacks how technology and data are changing the way land is valued, managed, and selected for investment.For farmers, this episode provides guidance on what makes a strong farmer-investor partnership, what Ethan looks for in operators, and how Sower supports profitability and growth from the ground up. He offers candid advice for producers considering leasing versus owning, and shares examples of farmer success stories made possible through Sower's model. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

Mark 4:1-20

Send us a textIn our last episode, Ryan referenced a teaching from the Parable of the Sower. Kenneth Copeland twisted this story to make it about financial prosperity. But the words of Jesus have to do with fundamental truths of the gospel. This message was originally preached at Centerpointe Community Church on May 28th, 2023z Support the show

In this episode, Harriet talks about the Parable of the Sower and draws references to how we should receive the word of God

Mark Kline :: Creekside Church :: Sun day, June 29, 2025 When Jesus taught in parables, His purpose was two-fold: To conceal the truth from hard-hearted listeners and to reveal the truth to sincere seekers. Mark Kline preaches about the 4 types of soil described in Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, a picture of the various heart responses to the seeds of the Gospel. Mark also explores why some lives are transformed by God's word and others don't grow at all. This message follows several announcements. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.

Unfortunately, many people are Christian in name only. It was true in Jesus' day as well, and that's why He shared the parable of the Sower. That will be our topic of discussion once again today as we look at Mark chapter four. Here Jesus describes four kinds of soil, and we'd do well to see which best describes our heart , to see whether or not we are who we think! 

This week we have Leon Nicotra bringing the word on how God brings seed to the sower! We apologise due to technical difficulties we lost the last part of Leons message!

Happy Pride! For this year's Pride episode we read How We End by LM Juniper, which follows a group of seven strangers as they navigate a zombie apocalypse. Show NotesWe fell in love with all of these characters and the little family they create for themselves!Don't worry, the dog lives.If you want more Frances (who wouldn't want more Frances?), you can read her short story, 'Til I Die, available on LM Juniper's website as an ebook. There's also a novella in this world, called How We Began, that is not really a sequel, but a companion book. It's recommended to read How We End first!As you know, we read all the queer books all year long, including the two books we'll be reading in July.Our next episode we'll be talking about Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy.And then the long awaited third instalment of Her Majesty's Royal Coven! We'll be talking about Human Rites by Juno Dawson mid-July.Other Books and Media MentionedThe Walking DeadThe Last of UsParable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Pastor Eric discusses the importance of having a receptive spiritual heart using the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, illustrating how various heart conditions impact the growth of God's word. He urges personal responsibility in nurturing one's faith and invites listeners to commit their lives to Christ, encouraging support from the church community.

On May 3rd, 2025, the Beyond team hosted another THRIVE ladies' Bible study in north Wilmington at Calvary Assembly of God. God's desire is for His children to thrive in all areas of life. Join us in our third session, taught by Laura Piraino, where the focus was on the sower and the four soils of our hearts. 

In this episode, I'm joined by land steward, farmer, and ethnobotanist Aleya Fraser for a rich conversation about ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and the deep connections between land, community, and purpose.We talk about how Aleya's  journey from aspiring medical professional to full-time grower was shaped by a dream and rooted in the teachings of elders. Together, we explore the role of food as medicine, how spirituality shows up in farming and herbalism, and how storytelling helps pass down cultural and plant knowledge through generations.This conversation touches on:- The importance of elders and intergenerational wisdom- Farming as a spiritual practice and form of resilience- The connection between feminine energy and land stewardship- How plants like elderflower carry ancestral stories across cultures- Gardening and herbalism as tools for healing and climate adaptationWhether you're a gardener, herbalist, or simply curious about the intersection of culture, plants, and purpose—this episode offers inspiration and insight into what it means to live in relationship with the earth and our ancestry.

Pastor Dan preached from Matthew 13:1–23 on the Parable of the Sower, highlighting how the condition of a person's heart determines their response to the Word of God. He explained the four types of soil as four types of hearts—hard, shallow, distracted, and receptive—emphasizing that true discipleship involves deep, enduring, fruit-bearing faith. Ultimately, he challenged listeners to examine their hearts and asked, “What kind of soil are you?”#HeartCheck #ParableOfTheSower #Matthew13 #SpiritualGrowth #BearFruit #FollowJesus #GoodSoil #DiscipleshipMatters

Episode 984- Jason Interviews Damien Duffy Parable of the TalentsThis gripping graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler's groundbreaking dystopian novel stands beside the acclaimed previous graphic novel adaptations, Kindred, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and Parable of the Sower, winner of the Hugo AwardSet against a background of a war-torn continent under the control of a Christian fundamentalist fascist state, Parable of the Talents is a modern masterpiece that resonates powerfully.This graphic novel adaptation is brought to life thrillingly by Damian Duffy and John Jennings, the creative team behind the #1 New York Times bestselling adaptation of Kindred.Parable of the Talents is told in the voice of Lauren Olamina's daughter, Asha Vere—from whom she has been separated for most of the girl's life—interspersed with sections in the form of Lauren's own journals.Asha searches for answers about her past while struggling to reconcile with her mother's legacy—caught between her duty to her chosen family and her calling to lead humankind into a better future among the stars.Octavia E. Butler's bestselling literary science-fiction masterpieces are essential works in feminist, Afrofuturist, and fantasy genres, and this compelling graphic novel adaptation of Parable of the Talents is a major event.Buy It: https://www.amazon.com/Parable-Talents-Graphic-Novel-Adaptation/dp/141974948XTheme Songs by Drew: Seeds in the Ashes & Starlit PathLike & Subscribe on Youtube www.youtube.com/@comicsforfunandprofit5331Patreon https://www.patreon.com/comicsfunprofit Merch https://comicsfunprofit.threadless.comYour Support Keeps Our Show Going On Our Way to a Thousand EpisodesDonate Here https://bit.ly/36s7YeLAll the C4FaP links you could ever need  https://beacons.ai/comicsfunprofit Listen To the Episode Here: https://comcsforfunandprofit.podomatic.com/

In this first episode of the new series 'Stranger Things of the Parables', Pastor Scott Engebretson introduces the idea of the "upside down world" of the kingdom of God, contrasting it with the fictional world of the show "Stranger Things". He explains that Jesus's parables are peculiar and are designed to both reveal the secrets of the kingdom to those who desire them and conceal them from those who do not. This sermon focuses on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, highlighting the four types of soil and describing God as a "prodigal God" who lavishly spreads His word everywhere. The episode encourages listeners to cultivate the soil of their hearts, acknowledging that it is a constant process of tending and nurturing. For more information about the church, please visit Northwestvineyard.org.

Jonathan Kerhoulas. Matthew 13:1-9. The Sower

Curtis Bronzan 

Curtis Bronzan 

This Sunday we're kicking off a brand-new summer series called Stories That Shape Us: Unveiling the Heart of God Through Parables. Jesus didn't come handing out abstract theology. He came telling stories that stuck. Stories that spoke to fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, and everyday people like you and me. And those stories still speak. They don't just inform us; they form us. They hold a mirror to our lives and a window into the Kingdom of God. I'll be introducing the summer series with a message that helps us understand why Jesus spoke in parables and how they reach into the deepest parts of our hearts today. We'll see much more than good moral lessons, we'll see Jesus Himself. He's the Sower, the Shepherd, the Samaritan, and the Father running to meet us. These are His stories, but more than that, they are invitations to examine what we're building our lives on, to receive grace, to give forgiveness, to live in light of the Kingdom. This week, we'll also reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew 13, where He reveals that parables both reveal and conceal truth depending on the heart of the listener. It's a powerful reminder that spiritual growth starts not with more information, but with humility and hunger before God. As Jill and I prepare to step away for a few weeks of sabbatical, I'm encouraged knowing that you'll be well-fed with the Word each Sunday. Next week, you'll hear from a man who shaped my walk with Jesus, Pastor Darryl DelHousaye. In the meantime, every three weeks or so, I'll be sharing a few books and podcast recommendations. You can find these in the weekly update or on our website. Let's be a church that leans in to listen well and responds with obedience to the good words of Jesus.

Get ready for a blast from the past as we count down the most epic fantasy and sci-fi books of the 1990s! From classic series like Harry Potter and Red Mars to groundbreaking novels like Snow Crash and A Game of Thrones, we're diving into the decade that defined modern fantasy and science fiction. Join us as we explore the books that shaped our imagination, influenced our favorite authors, and continue to inspire new generations of readers. Whether you're a nostalgic 90s kid or just discovering the magic of these iconic novels, this episode is for you!#FantasyForTheAges #ReadingRecommendations #Classics #ClassicLiterature #HugoAwards #SciFi #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #FantasyFiction #SSF #BestBooks #Top3 #Top10 #booktube #booktuberWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Barrayar: https://t.ly/yoDxaBlue Mars: https://t.ly/ENDc1City of Bones: https://t.ly/c2lE8A Clash of Kings: https://t.ly/UYaFHThe Death of the Necromancer: https://t.ly/Ug5QRA Deepness in the Sky: https://t.ly/A62tbThe Diamond Age: Or, A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer: https://t.ly/t1sUqDoomsday Book: https://t.ly/MebqFEarth: https://t.ly/yjFUzThe Fall of Hyperion: https://t.ly/7EucCA Fire Upon the Deep: https://t.ly/FxnVSForever Peace: https://t.ly/2BLxbA Game of Thrones: https://t.ly/o7bq0The Golden Compass: https://t.ly/7n5sNGreen Mars: https://t.ly/g-8IrHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: https://t.ly/XxEGrHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: https://t.ly/3_MH7Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: https://t.ly/_SxSWMirror Dance: https://t.ly/c5sGyMoving Mars: https://t.ly/Y1AsuOutlander: https://t.ly/tmVjPJurassic Park: https://t.ly/S9O7eParable of the Sower: https://t.ly/ZmygjParable of the Talents: https://t.ly/cZPa5Red Mars: https://t.ly/Qhd1HSlow River: https://t.ly/tiu_sSnow Crash: https://t.ly/auBgEThe Sparrow: https://t.ly/vlmFjStations of the Tide: https://t.ly/FHhzqSteel Beach: https://t.ly/khsNuA Storm of Swords: https://t.ly/FEoNcThe Terminal Experiment: https://t.ly/qQfeiTo Say Nothing of the Dog: https://t.ly/sO2pOTowing Jehovah: https://t.ly/JxbvHVirtual Light: https://t.ly/TwFiJThe Vor Game: https://t.ly/C0a7AWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 ————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

We're continuing our journey through the Kingdom Parables in Matthew 13 with Pastor Derrill Corbin. This week's message, “Soils of Our Hearts,” dives deeper into the Parable of the Sower, unpacking what Jesus revealed about the condition of our hearts. We revisit the foundational truth that the heart is the soil of the Kingdom—designed to respond to His word and destined to bear fruit. Through the lens of four types of soil—footpath, rocky, thorny, and good ground—Pastor Derrill explores how the pressures of life, repetition, and time can compact the soil of our hearts, making them resistant to the transforming seed of the Kingdom. From personal stories to scriptural insights, you'll discover how to break up the fallow ground, admit the hardened areas of your life, cultivate holy desire, and respond in obedience to the Spirit's leading. This message is a powerful call to examine the condition of your inner world and allow God to restore it for a fruitful future. Join us as we lean into His presence, soften our hearts, and receive the fresh rain of His righteousness.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor James Crawford delivers an inspiring message centered on the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8:4-15, urging believers to examine the condition of their hearts as soil for God's Word. With heartfelt worship and a call to root faith deeply in Jesus, Pastor Crawford challenges the congregation to move beyond shallow faith, overcome distractions, and produce lasting spiritual fruit through humility, repentance, and trust in God's faithfulness. This transformative message, filled with personal anecdotes and practical applications, invites viewers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and live out their faith with purpose and perseverance.Verse References: Luke 8 verses 4-15, James 1 verses 2-4Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

Psalm 138 (LSB)Andrew and Edwin discuss the darker side of the Psalm 138. The kings give thanks, but David does walk in the midst of trouble and he needs deliverance from enemies. We walk on a protected path, not a primrose path.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21722The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/