Open to the Truth

Luke 8:1-21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Ministering Women

8 Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, ² and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, ³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

Parable of the Sower

⁴ When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: ⁵ “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the ^[a]air ate it up. ⁶ Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. ⁷ Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. ⁸ Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.” As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, ^[b]let him hear.”
⁹ His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. ¹⁰ And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
¹¹ “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. ¹² Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. ¹³ Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; ^[c]they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. ¹⁴ The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. ¹⁵ But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with ^[d]perseverance.

Parable of the Lamp

¹⁶ “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. ¹⁷ For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. ¹⁸ So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he ^[e]thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”
¹⁹ And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. ²⁰ And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” ²¹ But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”



God I want to thank you for today. You didn't have to wake me but you did. I thank you that I am blessed to have a roof over my head. Even if I have squirrels who want to inhabit it with me. Lord, I want you to know that finding a squirrel in the toilet, alive was crazy. The animal control guy said this was his weirdest call of the day. Let's stop the weirdness. Let today be non eventful with the animals. We have had them in the attic. They are cold and wanting to come in, I get that Lord, but let them find some place else to inhabit. I am taking care to watch my words. I'm sure there is some lesson for me to learn. This has been a year of battling nature in and around the house. I want to watch my tongue so that I am not speaking something that is influencing the response I seem to be receiving. I just pray for no wild animals in the house please. Forgive me for scaring my grandson yesterday. He said I needed to go to confession for that so I am asking here and now to be forgiven. I pray that I realize the power of the tongue each and every day. Good or bad, there is influence. Why didn't I ask you to dinner? I just didn't let the words come out. my doubt said, it was too late, you already had many invitations, you might not like my food, you would not drive this far, you wouldn't feel comfortable, you would just say thanks but no thanks as nice as possible. I had a million reasons why you would say no, but I wanted to have been able to say I asked and I don't have that opportunity.  I ask God to guide me to the truth. I am about to spend the day cooking and thinking of you and my thoughts could have been at peace knowing, at least I asked. That was the goal, to at least ask. Yes or No whatever the answer, at least I would have asked. But now, its just what if. But I will not be discouraged. Enough of that. Today is a new day and new opportunities. Sadness is gone and I am believing God for the truth and moving forward. I ask God to guide me to the truth and make me always open to what he has to say. I will pray for courage to reach out to those around me and to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Come what may, I am not going back to despair over every situation that does not go my way. I have little control over many things. What I do have control of I will control better. Time to start the cooking. I love you very much.