Sowing Seeds

Matthew 13

The Parable of the Sower

Someone who hears the word and understands it

¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes because they see,

and your ears because they hear

This is the one who produces a crop

Freedom because we are the Beloved Children of God

Jesus' Freedom - Henri Nouwen

Jesus was truly free.  His freedom was rooted in his spiritual awareness that he was the Beloved Child of God.  He knew in the depth of his being that he belonged to God before he was born, that he was sent into the world to proclaim God's love, and that he would return to God after his mission was fulfilled.   This knowledge gave him the freedom to speak and act without having to please the world and the power to respond to people's pains with the healing love of God.

The way of Christ - The way of man

Self over Principle

Power over Meekness

Quick fix over Long Haul

Cover up over Confession

Escapism over Confrontation

Comfort over Sacrifice

Feeling over Commitment

Legality over Justice

Body over Spirit

Anger over Forgiveness

Man over God

Find Rest

You will find rest for your souls

John the Baptist

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,

    who will prepare your way before you.’

I can denounce a king,

  but I cannot enthrone one.

I can strip an idol of its power,

  but I cannot reveal the true God.

I can wash the soul in sand,

  but I cannot dress it in white.

I can devour the word of the Lord like wild honey,

  but I cannot lace his sandal.

I can condemn sin,

  but I cannot bear it away.

Behold the Lamb of God,

  who takes away the sin of the world.

 (John Shea)