Scripture Visit

Luke 8:8,15  Still other seed fell on fertile soil.  This seed grew and produced a crop that was hundred times as much as had been planted!....And the seeds that fell on good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's Word and cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. 

Luke 8:15 (the Message Bible)  But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.

Do you want to bear fruit?  Cling to God's Word.  Simple.  Sometimes Scripture just needs no explanation, no expounding.  It tells it like it is.  Cling!  And be patient!

Cling:  to adhere closely; stick to, to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing; cleave, to be or remain close, to remain attached, as to an idea, hope, memory, etc.

Patient: bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like. characterized by or expressing such a quality:
a patient smile. quietly and steadily persevering or diligent, especially in detail or exactness:
a patient worker. undergoing the action of another

I've read these verses a thousand times.  It's the parable of the sower.  And I deeply desire a heart that is fertile soil and bears good fruit for the kingdom, bringing honor and glory to my Savior.  This parable tells us how to do that.  Cling!  And it kind of goes along with  John 14:4-5   Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.  “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  

How do we cling?  Memorize.  Study.  Have on hand (like index cards with Scripture verses on them).  Look at Scripture often, pray without ceasing...constantly connected to Jesus.  We can even pray Scripture verses in the first person to personalize them. 

Hold tightly God's Word in our hearts and in our everyday moments.  Not only will they comfort, correct, direct and strengthen us, they will cause us to bear much fruit! 

I love how the Lord takes His Word and makes it new in my heart.  There is always more when we spend time in the Word. 

Thank You Lord for a fresh look at an old favorite.  Help me to carry Your Word in my heart more and more...I pray this for all of us.  Let it flow throughout our lives, causing us to live out Your Gospel and share Your love.  Lord, I want to cling to You, remain in You and live my life for and in You alone.  Thank You.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen

Memorize one verse that speaks to you today.  Write it down and read it often until it's a part of you.