River Depths 9

  Note: All scripture references and word definitions are taken from  the Blue Letter Bible.  It's an awesome tool! Check it out. [Mat 13:18-23 KJV] 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the Sower. 19 When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom and understands [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the word, and with joy receives it; 21 Yet he does not have root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understands [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringet...

  What has God been talking to you about lately?  The other day, I was sitting by the fire, enjoying the peaceful feeling that accompanies watching the flames dance. I asked God, "Why is it that something that can cause such destruction be so peaceful to watch?" He answered, "Because I am fire and in Me is peace." That's had me meditating on fire all week. How He is an all-consuming fire, how fire consumes that which is not eternal. The Bible says our works that are not of Him will be burnt up like wood, straw, and stubble. How fire is also associated with hell and how there is no place we can go to escape from God … So much good stuff! 

Note: All scripture references and word definitions are taken from  the Blue Letter Bible.  It's an awesome tool! Check it out. When Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter responded with force, cutting off the right ear of one of those sent to arrest Jesus. [Luk 22:50-51 CSB] 50 Then one of them struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus responded, "No more of this! " And touching his ear, he healed him. [Jhn 18:10-11 CSB] 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me? " There are some very interesting things about this incident. To most of us, Peter’s response is justified. He was defending the Son of God. Their purpose was to kill Him. Peter’s response was from fear, which sets off the fight-or-flight mode in all of us. Wouldn...