“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” —Luke 8:14–15
Jesus never played by the world’s rules. He flipped the script, over and over again—placing the crown not on the powerful but on the humble, not on the loud but on the faithful, not on the platform but in the dirt where seeds take root and grow.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus isn’t just talking about agriculture. He’s talking about us—about the condition of our hearts and the daily choices we make to let God’s Word grow deep and real within us. Life throws thorns—worry, wealth, comfort, fear—but Jesus calls us to cultivate something different: radical love, faithful service, and quiet perseverance.
And let me tell you, when I think of all the incredible knights in shining armor God has placed in our midst, I’m moved to tears. People like Toni Othieno, Tony Woods, Duff Simpson, Frank Eaton, Violet, Emily Boyce, Don James, Joanne Vath, Jane Bishop, Scott Nicholls and Marcy Marquez. None of them went looking for applause—they just lived the gospel. And in doing so, they surprised the heck out of everyone. That’s what good soil does, it bears unexpected, world-changing fruit.
Luke also reminds us of something quietly revolutionary: women—often overlooked and undervalued in Jesus’ time—were front and center in His ministry. Mary Magdalene, who had every reason to shrink into the shadows, instead becomes the first to witness and proclaim the risen Christ. That tells us something huge: Proclaiming the gospel isn’t just for preachers—it’s for everyone who dares to follow him.
So maybe the question today isn’t just, “What kind of soil am I?” Maybe it’s, “Who around me needs their story heard? Whose voice needs lifting? What love can I plant today?”
Quote of the Day:
“Do small things with great love.” —Mother Teresa
Joke of the Day:
Why did the seed go to church?
Because it needed a little spiritual growth! Okay, not funny but funny because it’s not funny 😄
Let’s be people who practice heaven now. Let’s listen closely, love deeply, and live like Jesus really meant it.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White