God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

A Gardener’s Hope

Read Matthew 13:18–23

Seed catalogs emerge shortly after the beginning of the New Year, giving avid gardeners substance for their springtime dreams. Greenhouses, grow lights, and nutrients help to sprout the seedlings.  But the most important factor is the condition of the soil. It must be receptive to the seeds, having a texture that provides the correct environment for growth.

“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 13:23).

The pressures of this world and wrong choices can make us resistant to God’s work in us. To have a softened heart and understand His Word, we must humbly seek God and pray for His intervention. When we read God’s Word, the seeds of truth are planted. A receptive heart, like good soil, receives that truth and acts upon it. Spiritual growth results and produces a harvest that pleases God.  

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, let the seed of Your Word take root in my heart so I might bring glory to You today.

Quicklook: Matthew 13:19–23