Magnificent Life

"Still, other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted." Matthew 13:8 It's a familiar story: A farmer scatters seeds on the ground, and some of them take root and grow while others don't. What makes the difference? The seed that falls on good soil and produces a large harvest is a metaphor for how people succeed in life. The parable of the sower teaches that success depends on being attentive and reflective. Seeds that fall on fertile ground will grow if they get enough water and sunlight; this analogy also applies to people. The seed on good soil refers to those who are faithful, humble-minded, caring, and perseverant. For every seed to grow to its potential, you must faithfully plant it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise because unfaithful farmers are unproductive and unfruitful and will not prosper. Therefore, honor the word of God in your heart; let it be deeply rooted so that it can become the source of all that is

"Let us examine our ways, test them, and return to the LORD." Lamentations 3:40 When we consider the spiritual life, it is natural to think of it as a field in which we sow good seeds and reap a rich harvest. But this is not always the case. Remember, our spiritual aims may be beyond the comprehension of our conscious minds, and our toils may yield little or no reward. Why is this so? Before we look into the parable of the good soils in our next episode of the Sower, let us first examine three things that may bring failure to the Sower's efforts. And these are inattention, lack of reflection, and incapacity to stand the test. The seed that fell on a footpath can be related to inattention or carelessness. One of the main reasons the seed failed to produce fruit was inattention by the Sower. The Sower was careless and paid no attention to what he was doing. He was not mindful of what was happening around him and did not consider the conditions necessary for the seed to grow. Likewise, inattention to our spiritu

The Parable of the Sower! Part Three "Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up with them and choked the seedlings." Luke 8:7 When Jesus spoke this parable, He was trying to help His disciples understand why some people who hear the gospel don't get saved. The seed that falls among the thorns represents those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature (Luke 8:14). As a result, they never get around to doing anything with the gospel they heard nor allow God's given dreams to take precedence because they're too busy living for themselves. As Christ instructed us in Matthew 16:24 (paraphrase) - if you aspire for growth in life, you must employ the duty of self-denial. It would be best if you avoided the care of the world and the deceitfulness of riches that will make your seed miserable and die because allowing them is like planting your seed of greatness among the thorns. Remember, the world is full of greed and e

The Parable of the Sower! Part Two "The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it joyfully, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the testing time, they fall away." Luke 8:13. Listen to what's being said with care as the word is being said because the world around us speaks in a proverbial voice. So, as we continue on the parable of the Sower, today we look into the Seed on Rocky Ground Seed. This seed falls on rocky ground, with little soil and no moisture. As a result, it does not grow because there is nothing to nourish the feeble life. For this seed to grow, it needs deep soil that will hold moisture and nutrients. The rocky ground represents people who hear the word of God but do not reflect on it or put it into practice. These individuals quickly forget what they have heard and do not allow the word to take root in their hearts. They may be superficially interested in spiritual things but are not committed to growing in their faith. The rocky ground seed also me

"A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it." Luke 8:5 In Luke 8:4-8, Jesus uses a parable to communicate a powerful message to his listeners. The parable of the Sower tells the story of a farmer who plants seeds in different parts of his field. Some seeds grow and produce fruit, while others do not. The parable's point is that everyone has a role to play in life and whether they succeed or fail depends on their actions. For example, the seed on the wayside! The wayside seed means avoiding carelessness with God's word and dreams in your heart. The seed is the word of God that is supposed to bring greatness to your lives and make you better. However, a careless attitude will allow the enemy to take over the seed and destroy it. When you are careless about what you do or carry, it can be perilous and easy for someone to take advantage of it. The seed you don't guard will be effortlessly eaten by a goat (e

To show that we are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Father, my Father." Galatians 4:6 A good father is one of the most important things a child can have. Are you a good father? As you know, our lives as children of God or Christian have been powered by God's love. Pure and pristine love from the Father has been unadulterated from the beginning. He had loved us before we came into existence. He has loved us that he made available from the beginning a way of escape for us. We are all blessed by Heavenly Father's love and mercy. Even when Adam fell in the garden, God still promised victory that would last. He was faithful to his word and never wavered in his faith. In Genesis 3:15, God said that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent — for the human race through his love that will happen in Golgotha on the cross of Calvary. Our daily life is mapped out in this magnanimous love of the Father shown to us, and He also wants us to understan

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32 Fathers play an important role in their children's lives. They provide guidance, love, and support. Studies have shown that fathers who are involved in their children's lives are more likely to have children who are successful in life. A good father is someone a child can admire and depend on. Fathers can help teach their children how to be responsible, independent adults. They also provide emotional support, which is crucial for a child's development. Fathers are often the ones who help their kids weather the storms of life. Children need their fathers' love and guidance, and fathers need to be there for their children. A father's love is unique and irreplaceable. Fathers can help children develop a strong sense of self-identity. Just as our heavenly Father, God is a good father. He provides for us, protects us, and loves us unconditionally. Some might not think God is a good father, but I know He is. He has a

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you." Psalm 20:1 When Zion was feeling hopeless, God reminded them about the promises. He introduced himself, saying, "I am the LORD your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." Isaiah 49:26. Likewise, God wants to introduce himself to you as Jehovah Jireh at this current moment when you feel like nothing has changed. He will turn every bitterness of your life into good news, so you can know He never leaves or forsake you. I remember the story of the children of Israelites. After traveling three days in the desert without water, the Israelites came to Marah, which means "bitter." The water was too bitter to drink, as thirsty as they were after three days in the desert. So Moses cried out to the Lord to provide water for His people. The Lord directed Moses to a tree that was then cast into the water and turned into sweet drinking water. So if you need anything, don't hesitate to call on Him. He will never let y

"And my God will supply your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 There are times in all of our lives when we feel like we just can't handle things anymore. We may be facing a difficult situation at work, our health may be failing, or we may be going through a tough breakup. In these moments, it's easy to feel like we are all alone and that nobody understands what we are going through. But the truth is, even in our darkest moments, we can always rely on Jireh, the God who is always enough solutions to every problem. Your situation might seem hopeless, but if you keep believing in God of possibility and hold on to your faith, knowing that He will provide, everything will turn out fine for you. I am sure many people have been through similar situations, but they never give up. Instead, they believe in God and his power to bring them back up again, and He did. There's no doubt that storms in life can be incredibly tough. They can knock us down and make us feel like we're

"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 When I think about Jireh, the first thing that comes to mind is "the Lord is more than enough to provide." He is enough for me, for this moment, for every situation. He is enough when I am feeling overwhelmed and stressed. When I am feeling depleted and alone, He is enough. He is always enough. In the Bible, Jireh is listed as one of the names of God. It means "The Provider." And that is exactly who He is - our Provider. In every situation, He provides for us no matter what we face. He provides for our physical needs, our emotional needs, and our spiritual needs. He is always there for us, ready to meet us with His love and provision. Jehovah Jireh is our constant Companion, our Comforter, and our Friend. He is always with us, ready to help us and guide us. No matter what we face, we can always rely on Jireh, the God who is always enough. He provides for us and meets our needs, even when

"For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and overseer of your souls." 1 peter 2:25. Following Christ is not a destination but a journey. In the New Testament, believers of the gospel are regarded as sheep due to sheep's representation of the divine nature. However, if not led or direct, the sheep will go astray and may never be found. Previously before the shepherd and bishop of our soul reconciled us to himself, we were living in darkness (Ephesians 5:8). However, after the grace of God found us through Jesus Christ, his son, we were returned to him through many sacrifices paid by our shepherd. Only those who understand the grace of God manifested on the cross will be moved to respond to the one that can lead them to salvation and watch over their souls. Listening to the voice of your shepherd and bishop of your souls will equip you for every good work to do his will. The worship and meditations of your heart would be acceptable in his sight (Hebrews 13:20-21).

"I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which has sent me." John 5:30. God's omniscience plays Greater roles in our lives than we may realize. Whether or not we are aware of it, God is always working behind the scenes to guide and direct us, even when we don't know it. Remember, if there is a plan for this day, this month, and the year, then a master planner in heaven will direct your path with the auction of the Holy Spirit. Remember, you cannot do anything of your own unless God helps you. He will help you through all things, even when it seems impossible to accomplish because God will direct the plans for you so that they may be done according to his will. Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. John 8:28. Everything that Jesus accomplished in this world was done with the help of God, t

"Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end shall greatly increase." Job 8:7 Don't be afraid to start small or start over again because small beginnings with faith and humility will always lead to success. Remember, a task is not complete or accomplished until the end is seen. There is something attached to the end of a thing. The ending is very important. We should understand that the Lord sees the end from the beginning, and until we see in God's perspective, we will not live life to its fullest capacity. Lacking a clear vision of the end from the beginning may lead to being disappointed. Job, a rare man in the scriptures, was met with sudden destruction and degradation, but he confessed' "though my beginning was small, my latter end would greatly increase." He never limits himself to his immediate situation but holds on firmly to what the Lord Brings out in the latter scene. A small beginning never means a small ending. Do not accept the lie and deception of the devil and what your situation pose

"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 verse 15 A healthy heart is a key to a healthy life,  so a Good Heart is Key to Productivity.  We must all work to keep our hearts pure and free from the distractions of this world so that we can be open to God's will and become the change we want to see in the world.  If our heart is tainted with selfishness,  greed,  or hatred,  then we will not be able to understand or accept the truth.  We must also be humble enough to admit that we don't know everything and need God's help to find the truth.  Only then can we receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  The Bible is clear that we should guard our hearts because they determine the course of our lives.  In Matthew 13 verses 1 to 23, Jesus tells a story about a farmer who sowed his seed in different ways.  Some seeds fell on rocky ground where they couldn't take root.  Some seed fell amon

"Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, why do you entertain evil thoughts in your heart?" Matthew.9:4 A mind at peace with God, unpolluted by negativity, is stronger than any charm or incantation. In our scriptural verse for today, Jesus seemed surprised to see the people harboring and entertaining evil thoughts in their hearts. He marveled at what the people permitted as guests into their hearts. Jesus, on seeing this asked why they chose to, as though demanding an explanation from them. Why allow bitterness and hatred to creep into your heart where the issues of life spring? Your heart is the center of your life. When you guard your heart, you guard the course of your life. Solomon said in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." In other words, above everything else, guard your heart because it determines the course of your life. If you let your mind wander, you will not be focused on what you are doing. This can lead to mistakes and poor decisions. Romans 12

"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36 Mercy is often seen as a sign of weakness. Many people think that those who are merciful are not strong enough to be tough and punish others. However, the truth is that mercy is one of the noblest badges a person can wear. We all need mercy. We are all broken in some way, and we all need healing. Mercy heals our brokenness and makes us whole again. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to show mercy to others even when they do not deserve it. There are many stories and testimonies of people showing mercy, even when it is not easy. I have heard about a young man who shared Maglife Daily Devotional with his enemy (as he called it) who was going through some difficult times in his life that needed the same message to be delivered from the point of death. He forwarded the message to his called enemy and delivered him from suicide. This young man could easily ignore his enemy, but he chose to show mercy instead. Today, they have become a business partner.

"But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who believed in him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16 Mercy is the breath of life, and it is the most important quality a person can possess. Mercy is not just a feeling or an emotion but also an action. Mercy shows itself when we help others without expecting anything in return. It is the ability to forgive and forget. Remember, being merciful and forgiving is not just a process of the word but an action of deed that comes from the heart. Mercy is the key to living a happy and fulfilling life. The mercy you show to others is what makes the world less cold and brings glory to God. The society that shows mercy towards each other is the one that loves peace and orderliness. "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mer

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6 Fear is like a virus in the computer; it can infect your mind and prevent you from achieving success. This is something that we should all remember. Fear can keep us from achieving our goals and living our lives to the fullest. When we are afraid, we can't think or focus on anything else. We need to let go of our fears and trust that God will take care of us. We need to focus on what we want to achieve and not what could go wrong. Fear can also cause us to make mistakes. We may avoid trying new things because we are afraid of failing. Or, we may make bad decisions because we are fearful of what might happen. When we give fear control, it can ruin our lives. We need to learn to overcome our fears and trust God. We need to remember that God is with us and that he will help us achieve our goals. Likewise, we can't let fear stand in our way. No matter what happens in life, we ca

"But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Exodus 14:13 You won't find it advisable to be anxious during your turbulent time if you never overlook God's presence and power in your life. Fear fortifies the person's ability to be quiet and distracted, but faith gives us the ability to focus and think clearly. Fear is a powerful tool for controlling our thoughts and actions. The more we use fear, the stronger it becomes. Fear can be used as a weapon against us or an excuse to avoid doing great things. Jesus went out to meet the disciplines one day. He took a walk on the sea, and the disciples were in much trouble when they saw it. However, immediately, Jesus perceived that they were troubled. So he had to identify Himself and tell them not to worry. At that same point, Peter also decided to try what Jesus was doing; he was able to walk the same way. But got to a point where fear began to fall on him, a

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 When our minds are focused on God, we can avoid being intruded upon by the worries and concerns of this world. Today's Bible verse says God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, everyone who fixed their thoughts on God (Isaiah 26:3). When we an on God, He becomes our stronghold and protector against every spiritual force of worry that comes our way. Psalm 119:165 says, "Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble." Remember, our mind is sometimes in a conflict between Flesh and God. We are constantly pulled in different directions sometimes or most of the time by the things that interest us in this life. However, when we fix our thoughts on Him, we can find true peace and freedom from worry and make the right choice. The book of Ezekiel 11:5 and 20:32 shows that things, sometimes naturally, encroach into our minds. Ezekiel 38:10 shows that the things that co