Eagle Brook Church Blog

RYB: Luke (Day 9)

By Kenny Bristol
Worship Pastor, White Bear Lake

Luke 8:1-25

Scripture: The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:14-15

Application: If you are like me, someone could poor out 10 compliments/great things about me and one bad or critical thing, and I will almost always focus on the critical element.

As I read these verses I’m getting the same sense about myself.  I very well may have a great harvest of character and inspiring work, but I always lean toward the things I need to fix?  What do I need to get better at?  What aspect of my character needs sharpening?  And when I really examine my heart, many times the message I need to hear is being crowded out by the noise of life.

Now I do not blame anything but my own decisions for this.  I have ownership over my life and spiritual growth and so the things it lists in verse 14 like the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, I see as my decisions.  I can actually choose the thorns or the good soil.  Again I probably choose the good soil 9 times out of 10, but always seem to get hung up on the fact that I choose thorny ground once in a while.  I am not there yet; I have not arrived, but more and more I want to make wise choices so that I can be planted firmly in good soil and tended to by the Master Gardener.

Prayer: God, make me aware of the times when I am choosing the thorny ground.  Remind me that it’s useless and bears no fruit.  Lead me to the fertile soil of great decisions all the time and allow my life as a husband, father, worship leader, and Christ follower to grow and thrive 10 times out of 10 and nothing less.  It’s all you deserve. I love you.

During the “Text: Get the Message” series, we began reading through the book of Luke together as a church. Join us Nov. 7-18, as Eagle Brook campus pastors and worship pastors share their scripture reading with us. For more information on The SAP method, click here.