May 22, 2025 | Be God's Family
Be Land that Produces Things for God
Scripture: Hebrews 6:7-8(NIV)
7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Devotional
I always wonder what God expects from me. Hebrews 6:7-8 tells me God sends rain on both the good crops and the bad weeds. The good crops are harvested and the bad weeds are burned. Matthew 13:1-9 shares Jesus’ parable of the Sower. Seed falls on good soil, bad ground and shallow soil. When I hear these parables in the Bible it causes me to take notice of the opportunities I get to share God’s Word with others. It is my job to share God’s word. I can’t be responsible if it falls on good ears or unhearing ears. I can only be responsible to share the Word when I have the opportunity. God charges you and me to plant the seed, to share his good Word, to share stories of how He has made a difference in our lives.
I must admit that there are times I did have the opportunity and said nothing. I didn’t want to be embarrassed or to embarrass the person I was speaking with. Later, upon reflecting, I felt guilty that I didn’t share meaningful conversation with that person when I had the chance. I have since begun to call those missed opportunities “practice.” When I recognize I missed the chance then, the next time I get that chance, I will take it. I also will not feel guilty if my words are not taken seriously and are ignored. The rain (the words) will fall on both good soil and bad soil. My witness will also fall on good ears and unhearing ears.
I must let God’s word be shared. That’s what I think God expects of me (and you).
Dear God, please help me recognize the opportunity to witness your love, your wisdom, and your caring to others when you give me the chance. Amen
Poem
May The Soil Of My Heart
Psalm 85
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
Psalm 85:11-12
May the soil of my heart
Daily receive
Not only morning dew
But gentle rains
Allow the roots
Of Your seed
To extend deep
Finding springs from
The earth
May the Son of Your heart
Daily shine
Not only in my dawning
But throughout my days
Allow the chlorophyl
Of your Spirit
To feed richly
Every cell of the budding
Of fruit
