June 27, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 1 Samuel and Mark? Here’s today’s reading:
Mark 4 (NIV)
The Parable of the Sower
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 water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:…..Continue Reading
How true the parable of the sower is and it is so descriptive of what we see in people’s lives. God’s word and Spirit grow and make impact when it is sought after and is allowed to flourish without competition. We also need to persevere in it. Just as there are things that choke out the plant grown from the seed, so there are things that choke out the word and its influence in us. But we are the ones who decide what kind of soil we are. Because the Word and Spirit of God come with supernatural power and by definition flourishes and makes its mark. And when we have it and our lives are impacted, we let it shine rather than covering it over. And how comforting to know, when we are part of God’s family and have the family resemblance on us, we are associated with a God that is in control of everything. There is nothing God can’t do and Jesus showed that time and again, even speaking to the wind and the waves and telling them to stop. May we rest in all that He is and all that He provides but continue to foster His influence in our lives.
Jesus told stories (parables) in such a way that intrigued people, kept their attention and made his point in an interesting way. He explained his parables to the disciples so they could understand and share it with others. Jesus told the wind and waves to be quiet and still. We can do the same when our thinking becomes distorted and we feel afraid. Tell ourselves “be quiet, be still” for when we do so, we call upon the power of the Lord, rest in God’s presence and know him more deeply.
Mark 4
When we are in a storm, don`t we often act like these disciples? We say: “Lord don`t you care if we drown in our own problems? But the Lord is always there with us. All we need to do is ask Him to help us. We need to be still in His presence, and He will guide us through it all. God bless.
We are to shine the light that Jesus has given us to share the good news with others. God says that His word won`t return void. Many will get saved but only some of those will actually share Christ. We as individuals make that choice to follow Him. As Jesus asked Peter. “Do you love me more than these? God wants us all to tell others about Christ and disciple many so they too can learn and grow in Him. Melodye and I are trying to help our family understand who God is and that He died on the cross for them. We have for many months have had one of our daughters living with us to help her. Another daughter, we are counseling across states. Then there is our son and his family that we are showing the love of Christ too. Much prayer here is needed for all four of our adult children, and our eight grandchildren. We do miss the fellowship at church, but sometimes it is just not as simple as going to church. Although we do on line every Sunday. There are other things to consider. Can`t give more details. Hope to eventually to be able to come to church. So, we are involved in discipleship. May God grant us all His wisdom. God bless.
It would be great to see you and Melody, Dennis. And we will be in prayer for your children and grandchildren.
1 Samuel 8; Mark 4
Mark 4
Farmers seed. As I read these chapters today. I am reminded why I haven’t read last few days. The things and concerns of this life steal my time and throw my priorities backwards. Love the parable of the mustard seed. As Jesus begins Christianity with just a few men and now a worldwide community of believers. Also, one of my favorite is Jesus sleeping on the back of the boat, knowing that his life is totally determined by his father‘s timetable or what about us in the storms of life we’re gonna worry and be full of anxiety or resisted fear, and put our faith in Jesus
There have been countless times in my life where I spoke to God and He just spoke calm into my situation. When He reminded me that the faith of just a mustard seed can put things back into the correct focus and get you back on track. These parables are simple and so real and we need to hear them and receive them like Jesus tells us in this chapter.
”But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”“
Mark 4:40 NKJV
It is interesting to me that in most cases that I read in the Bible “do not be afraid”, it is in legit situations to be afraid! Joshua and his men going into battle, angels appearing to individuals, or a raging storm while in a boat. It is difficult to not be fearful in those situations. I like what Shelly said, we should preach to ourselves “peace, be still.” God tells us not to be afraid…I think of all the situations where we respond in fear.
Jesus uses parables to explain his teachings.The more our heart is softened the more God will reveal to us.He talks about the sower. Seeds actually secretly. Parables of a mustard seed.