Planting Seeds

Today’s scripture: Mark 4:26-29 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (David Zier):

This week just happens to be the week we celebrate the mission work of LifeJourney Church. This scripture passage reminds me of the seeds that we plant around the world: through the thirty-five children we sponsor through Child Fund International with education and medical supplies; through the scholarship for girls in Nimule and Naruse that gives them a chance at a richer life rather than being sold into marriage at 12 or 14; through building homes in Guatemala and Navajo Nation; through paying teacher salaries for a school and orphanage in a poor area of Guatemala City; through emergency funds provided to women and children via the South West Indian Foundation; and through the Native elders and Native children we sponsor, providing food, medicine, and shoes.

Can you imagine the harvest from all of these seeds planted? Children are educated, ready for a better life. People have homes and a place to live, providing a safe place for their families. Native elders and children have food and medicine, able to live more freely and more healthy. This is just an example of what a harvest can look like. Imagine this done over and over again.

If the Kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground and it results in such a great harvest, just imagine if we all were that “someone” scattering seeds. Jesus said it, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).

Thought for the Day (Prayer): What seeds are you planting? How is your harvest?

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.