Devotion 09 October 2026

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119: 1

READING: Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

The reading above is a true reaction to reading and studying God’s Word, our Scripture.  This knowledge teaches us how to live our lives according to the will and teachings of our Lord God.  It directs our lives and our interactions with others as we share this knowledge. The psalmist in Psalm 119 : 89 – 90 says, “Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; --- Your faithfulness continues through all generations.” And in verse 103 we read, “How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”  We find true freedom when we live according to the will of our Lord Jesus.  God’s law rules and lights our way.  Our hope is born from the Spirit of Christ who lives in us and helps us to interpret the Scriptures.

We are called to be Sowers of God’s seeds.  God will nurture and help them to grow and produce fruit. We must accept that our seeds will fall on various kinds of ground, that is, our message will receive different receptions to God’s message.  This parable of the Sower also refers to our reception and understanding of God’s Word. I find that verse twenty-two very pertinent, “The one who receives the seed that fell among the thorns, is the man who hears the Word, but the worries of this life choke it, making it unfruitful.”  There are many times we read the Bible, and we don’t understand the message, because we are overwhelmed by worries and anxieties.  There are many well-educated people, whose faith is still underdeveloped. They have probably not read the scriptures in depth and not with understanding, so have never really got to know the loving, saving, and healing person of Jesus.  We find our true identity in Christ through reading and studying the Bible.  We should pray this prayer of David as we read in Psalm 25: 4 – 5, “Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God My Saviour, and my hope is in You all day long.”

Prayer

Help us Lord Jesus to become true and fruitful branches of Your vine by learning about You and accepting You into our lives as we study Your Word and answer Your call.  May we always praise Your Holy Name.  Amen