“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” — Matthew 13:23
When we want to make an impact in our world, it’s helpful to see how other people find ways to influence others for good. Michael Guido, for example, found many ways to plant seeds of truth. He knew how to grab people’s attention.
For many years, he broadcast brief radio and television messages. When the devotional started, we heard chirping birds and saw his smiling face in his beautiful gardens. Those gardens are located just off Interstate 16 in Metter, Georgia. Guido used homespun stories to plant many seeds in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls. His devotionals appeared in newspapers and his voice was heard on radio worldwide. Now, his brother, Larry, and other staff continue his ministry for the longterm.
Each spring, people plant flowers, gardens and crops. The seeds produce plants and bring forth fruits and vegetables. The natural world gives us a picture of the seeds of the Gospel planted in human hearts. When Jesus saw someone sowing seeds of grain, he told a crowd that the words of Scripture are like seeds. “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11).
Just as the ground receives seeds and soaks in the rain when it is plowed up thoroughly, we need to open our minds to the Lord’s instructions. If we harden our hearts when God is speaking, we hurt ourselves. “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12).
When we get ready to worship God, Satan often tries to hinder us from hearing the words of eternal life. However, we can resist the devil and receive the good seed in our hearts. “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:23).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Ga.
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