"Deep" Faith #114

Matthew 13:3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed (NIV)

Matthew 13:5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, be-cause the soil was shallow.
Matthew 13:6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, andthey withered because they had no root. (NIV)

Matthew 13:20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears theword and at once receives it with joy.
Matthew 13:21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a shorttime. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. (NIV)

What is the depth of your walk with Christ? In Jesus’ own words he admonishes those who are shallow in their faith. Actually He gives an emphatic warning that those who have a superficial faith will find their faith withering away when trouble or persecution comes. Some translations use the word tribulation to describe the cause of falling away.

Notice that this person is an ‘immediately’ person. They respond to the word with enthusiasm,quickly, and with joy. They like what they hear. The problem comes in that they have no root within themselves. The result of the word only lasts a short time. The result being that as quickly as the word was received it also abruptly left with no evidence of ever having been received.

Trials, tribulations, persecution, adversity are all causes for the recipients of the word to fall away. It is like a river that is a mile wide but only six inches deep. The river is disturbed by drought, floods and algae. So is someone who receives the word into a life that is shallow.

What kind of recipient are you? Do you have roots that run deep into Christ? Do you flounder when things get tough? Anchor your life into the depths of Jesus and find strength to weather the worst storms. God bless you in your spiritual growth into a deep relationship with Jesus.

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from wet and cool Tempe, AZ!

Thanks for your prayers for the liver tube change last Monday. IT NEVER HAPPENED! The Doctor looked at my scans, ultra sound and blood work and said he thought I didn't need it changed for now. In fact he is talking about removing it completely in November if I continue to do well. Praise the Lord.

We had other great news this past week. Our daughter, Mandy, and her husband, John, have been married for nine years and unable to have children. This past week they announced that in May Sandy and I would be grandparents. We all hugged, and yelled and even cried a little with the wonderful news. Mom, Dad and baby are doing fine. Continue to lift them in your prayers. Needless to say Sandy and I are really excited.

We continue to minister to people when and wherever we can. We will be sharing in a weekend seminar at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem, VA October 23-24. Pray for us and the people at Tabernacle. We pray that they will be encouraged in Christ.

A BIG THANK YOU for praying for us and for hitting reply last week. It is always good to hear from you. I pray God will bless you and your family this week and that you will find encouragement to face your every challenge. Love you all. ~ DGW