Are U Up for the Challenge?

“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. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:5-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.8.5-8.NLT

““This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 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 ‭8:11-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.8.11-15.NLT

Dear Heavenly Father, You know the soil of our hearts. Please til and work the ground by removing all rocks, thorns, and weeds that crowd the word of God out. Please help us to produce a magnificent harvest for your glory. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏

Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. Several stories in the Bible depict the compassion Jesus had for others. I have wondered for years why people don’t seem to have compassion for others as they did in the past. Have we become numb to horrific disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, and floods that devastate people’s lives. Are we more concerned about ourselves than others? I don’t have the answer, but I do know that I pray for the entire world to share God’s love, compassion, kindness, and grace with others.

Jesus gives us an excellent example of how His heart overflowed with compassion.

“A funeral procession was coming out as Jesus approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:12-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.7.12-15.NLT

bible.com/bible/116/psa.42.8.NLT

Dear Heavenly Father,

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:1-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.42.1-8.NLT

The storms of life are temporary. God is forever lasting and will see you through whatever you are going through, health issues, failed relationships, financial difficulties, grief, depression, addiction, nothing too big or small He is always victorious; He overcame death and is sitting at the Father’s right hand. He loves you and is full of mercy and grace.

Jesus said, “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.”
‭‭”It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:47-49‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.48-49.NLT

May you—on a much deeper level—know and experience the generosity of God. May His promised kindness bring assurance to your soul. May His faithful attention to detail settle your trembling heart. May His unshakeable love for you help you to rest even amidst your storm. You’re anchored to Him. He misses nothing. He’s forgotten nothing. And He refuses to leave you with nothing. If your hands are empty, it’s because He intends to fill them. Wait on Him. Wholeheartedly trust Him. His good plan is already in motion and soon you will see it. Susielarson.com

Psalm 23:6 (ESV) ~ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

bible.com/bible/116/1co.6.19-20.NLT

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.6.19-20.NLT

bible.com/bible/116/job.19.25-27.NLT

““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

‭‭Job‬ ‭19:25-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/job.19.25-27.NLT

bible.com/bible/116/luk.5.31-32.NLT

bible.com/bible/116/1co.3.16.NLT

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.3.16-17.NLT

If you’ve been blindsided by life, this blessing is for you: May hope arise within you and help arrive very soon. God is with you in this place. Your best days are NOT behind you, in fact, they’re right in front of you. Though the enemy knows how to wound us, God knows how to heal us. Though the enemy is a crafty liar, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and He is for you! Yours is to rest in Him and remember His promises. Jesus will heal your heart and restore your soul. He’ll clear out a path ahead of you and give you a firm place to stand. He’s got answers to questions you haven’t even asked yet. He has solutions to current problems that you’ve not even thought of yet. He is a brilliant King and He is for you. Don’t panic; don’t grab for quick solutions; just find your place of rest in Him. He will faithfully lead you onward and upward. His plans for you are good. May you seek His face and sense His presence today. Susielarson.com

Psalm 27:13-14 (NLT) ~ Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.