Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's Word with you, so let's get started.

Welcome this morning into our study together from Mark Chapter 4. Jesus addresses his followers. He shares the

parable of the sower and the seed. The seed is spread in all directions. It falls on four surfaces,

the road, rocky ground, among the thorns, and into the good soil. The seed fails to grow in the first three soils,

but prospers in the good soil. Jesus later explains the soils represent different hearts.

Only one of the four would befit the kingdom. Jesus adds two more parables that teach that growth

is possible in swift and powerful ways, the overnight sprout and the large mustard plant.

An event at sea tests the personal spiritual growth of his disciples, a great storm comes up and

their faith falters. Jesus expects them to grow in faith and eliminate the fear that holds them

back. Here's some things for our benefit. Jesus uses parables

to challenge the hearer. If we have a heart for him, these stories transform our lives.

If we are not seeking truth, they'll have little impact. The parable of the sower reinforced

Jesus' teachings, quote, many will be called, but few will be chosen.

Some will not listen. Some will hear and then be overcome with fear. Some will hear, but let worry and

greed rule their lives. The seed, the word of God, is perfect and powerful, and can completely

transform us. But we must open our hearts, put aside all else,

and receive his word deep within us. Even then, faith will be tested by the elements, by storms,

and by trials. We must trust in Jesus. Here are some thought questions to challenge you on that journey today. Number one,

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