Author: Christine Wyrtzen

Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit. Matthew 13:8,23

Powerful seeds originate from the hand of God. They land in perfect soil ~ fertile, aerated, and treated. The moment they touch the dirt, germination begins, and with that first moment, the promise of something extraordinary comes to life.

Can you envision it? Don’t you desire it? I sure do. I want pristine conditions for these spiritual seeds. How incredible is it that heaven’s seeds can come and grow inside of me! God is generous to share them without requiring me to go to heaven first. “The kingdom is here, now,” Jesus said.

What makes my heart the perfect place to grow heaven’s seeds? I am perpetually open—ready to listen, eager to learn, and infinitely hungry for growth. I am prepared to set aside my defenses, embrace the possibility of being wrong, and accept the need for change. When these seeds land in my soil, no demonic forces can pluck them away. No unresolved issues will hinder their growth. There are no weeds in sight to suffocate the potential of this new planting. Exceptional results are guaranteed.

Today, I move toward this goal by inviting my personal Gardener to assess my spiritual soil. He searches me and knows what it will take to improve my soil conditions. He never passes judgment to declare me hopeless if I’m asking for His help. He gives specific spiritual guidance. He reveals every rock and why it’s there. He clears the noise of my worries when they threaten to take me down. His desire for my abundant harvest surpasses even my own.

I’m a picture person. Right now, I see Him slowly walking the pathways of my heart. He’s tilling and inspecting the soil, smiling at the possibilities.

Your seeds are empowered by resurrection ~ the same power that brought you back to life, Jesus. Help me not to hinder Your work by being resistant to growth. Speak to my spirit and do not relent. Amen 

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:7, 22

Worry overpowers the clarity of God’s voice. Historically, I come from a line of chronic worriers. My grandmother fidgeted with her hands anytime she sat down to rest. I’ve been taught, by example, to obsess over fears, to turn them around in my hands in every possible configuration until I find a solution. Weighed down by the impossibilities, I work myself up into a panic. How can I still hear God’s voice? I have too many cares and struggle to concentrate.

As someone who used to live with panic attacks, I can give this advice. Tackle the weeds when they are still small! When anxious thoughts occur, grab them and kill them with the promises of God. The apostle Paul called it ‘taking every thought captive.’ I remember that fear is Satan’s primary weapon.

Weeds of anxiety, fed over time, become strongholds. I develop a mindset of anxiety where, by default, my first response to any bad news is fear. I feed the beast without even making a conscious choice. Is the Word powerful enough to rewire the way my brain works? Oh, yes. Can it demolish a toxic mindset and replace it with a new one? Absolutely.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

The word for arguments is ‘logismos’ or logic. It’s the way a person learns to think and process. Paul wanted believers to be assured that the Word of God is a powerful weapon that demolishes hopeless, fearful, and cynical mindsets.

As we reflect on who we were twenty years ago, may we be able to say, “By the glory of God, my mindset has transformed. I no longer resonate with the thoughts of my past; they are foreign to me now. Neither the pursuits of pleasure nor the burdens of worry should overshadow the breathtaking landscape of our spiritual growth.

Give me the grace to let go of the fears that hold me prisoner, the courage to face the unknown, and the faith to believe in Your goodness. Amen

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21

Several years ago, a good friend of ours embarked on his first journey to the Holy Land. Upon his return, one of the earliest stories he shared was about the difficulty he encountered while walking in the desert. He said, “It’s tough to focus on anything other than the rocky ground. If you take your eyes off your feet, you’re bound to trip.” But this is not the kind of rocky terrain Jesus refers to in this parable.

In Judea, just below the surface where the plow breaks the ground, layers of limestone disrupt the potential for a thriving crop. Seeds can be sown into the warm soil and begin to germinate, but once their roots hit the rocky layer, they’re unable to penetrate any deeper. All the energy of the plant is forced upward. Initially, everything appears promising as the plant grows rapidly. The farmer might believe it’s the most fruitful harvest he has ever seen, yet the shallow soil yields a frail plant. After making a strong first impression, the plant ultimately withers away.

If I have a limestone foundation, spiritually, then I have a positive emotional reaction to spiritual things. I hear the message and feel enthusiastic, but ultimately, it remains an abstract idea. My roots fail to dig deep due to inadequate foundations, such as:

   • Major issues I prefer to overlook that stifle the Word.

• Blind spots I was unwilling to see, making the message difficult to accept.

• Stumbling blocks toward God that arose under pain and suffering. Past pain unearthed some bad theology about God’s character, leading me to cling to falsehoods.

What is the cure? Allow God to expose spiritual limestone. Through prayer, study, and meditation, God shines His light on what has been firmly embedded over time in my soul. Oftentimes, I don’t even know what’s down there, but God does. Though He brings conviction, grace follows closely. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10

My innermost being is completely known by You, Lord.  I invite You to enter, reveal, and then cultivate a soil bed free from rocks of offense.  Amen

A farmer went out to scatter seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate it. Whenever people hear the word about the kingdom and don’t understand it, the evil one comes and carries off what was planted in their hearts. This is the seed that was sown on the path.  Matthew 13: 3-4, 19 

Christ, the Sower, scatters heaven’s seeds in men’s hearts through the words of scripture.  The seeds are powerful and highly reproductive.  If they are planted in the right kind of soil, they will bear fruit.  But their fruitfulness depends on the kind of soil the seeds encounter.

When someone traveled through the countryside in Jesus’ time, they maneuvered through fields of crops. To prevent damage to their harvests, farmers created footpaths along the border of each field. Consider what happened when many feet traveled those paths. They became well-worn, hardened, almost like concrete. When a farmer, carrying a bag of seeds at planting time, scattered them in the air, some would inadvertently land onto these hardened footpaths. The likelihood of those seeds taking root, let alone germinating, was extremely low.

Jesus wants us to comprehend the state of human hearts. Unbelievers often possess hardened hearts, where the Gospel’s seeds bounce off, unable to penetrate due to spiritual blindness. Yet even among believers, hard hearts can exist. The Word skims the surface of many hearts without taking root because there is a heart of stone.  The Word arrives but feels too threatening to embrace. 

What can soften hardened soil? God seeks to transform my heart of stone into one of flesh—one that feels deeply, beats passionately, grieves sincerely, and celebrates joyfully. As stated in Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not my Word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” If I suffer from a hard heart, two things will soften it.  The Word of God and my willingness to allow God to dismantle the walls that I have built over time.  God’s approach is gentle and gradual. He leads me step by step, understanding the reasons I protect myself. 

He will construct a beautiful bridge of trust, using just the right words to inspire the courage I need to let Him in. Recognizing that I have a hard heart is the crucial beginning.  Choosing to trust Him is my next action step.

Lord, I can know so much scripture and yet be so unaffected by it.  I bring my calcified heart to You.  Gentle Healer, come and find me. Amen

A farmer went out to sow his seed. Matthew 13:3

For many years, this parable has resonated with me deeply, particularly the concept of different soil types. I’ve become almost fixated on the fourth type and I find myself yearning for its fertile conditions. We’re going to take a week to look this parable. It’s too rich to rush through it.

Jesus shared this parable with a gathering in Judea. As He spoke, they sat on a hillside, likely observing farmers sowing seeds, surrounded by the lush fields that embrace the Sea of Galilee. Jesus masterfully crafted His message by weaving it into relatable experiences. While they watched the seeds being scattered, He would reference their surroundings before drawing parallels to kingdom life.

Because of my life’s story, I am often skeptical of Jesus’ words. I stumble over His unconventional methods. It’s as if the seed falls onto unyielding soil. What must happen for poor soil to be transformed into a pristine growing environment? That’s the stuff of what’s coming in the next few devotionals.

I close my eyes and envision what happens when God’s Word falls in nutrient-rich, aerated soil. I see it unfold in slow motion. As the seed touches the ground, life surges within, and then the process of growth begins. Seeds burst forth, and the moist conditions nurture their beginnings. In time, I envision myself becoming the tree in Psalm 1 – spiritually vibrant, branches cascading over the riverbank. My roots are anchored deeply in Christ, making it second nature for me to bear fruit rather than laboring for it. Bad storms will come and go, they will bend my branches, but no matter the ferocity of the wind, the tree will stand tall. What God plants, nothing can destroy. 

You are my Gardener, my Husbandman. Assess the soil of my heart. Amen

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.  “Be careful,” Jesus said to them.  “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”  Matthew 16:5

From a baker’s viewpoint, there’s a simple message about yeast: a small amount can make a big difference. Just half a teaspoon can change an entire loaf of bread. The same principle applies spiritually—Jesus warns us that spiritual yeast can be harmful. Therefore, we should be mindful of the company we keep, as our relationships can significantly impact our spiritual journey.

The disciples, however, missed the point. They thought Jesus was referring to physical matters instead of spiritual ones. He tried to hint that He was talking about the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning that spending time with them could expose them to the spiritual dangers they represented. 

Pharisees were quick to judge others based on how closely they resembled them, believing they were the only ones favored by God. They made no room for diversity; if you were Gentile, you were excluded from worshiping God. This mindset feels all too familiar today. Fundamentalist thinking often causes people to see their own denomination as the only valid one. Protestants might view any Catholic as an unbeliever, while Catholics consider Protestants separated brethren, separated from the fullness of faith and the sacraments. Baptists may see Presbyterians as misguided, just as Presbyterians might find the Baptist culture unappealing. It’s troubling how we categorize people based on differences instead of unifying around the core tenets of the Gospel. 

I’ve traveled to Canada many times over the years. I saw firsthand that denominations collaborate closely because Christianity is a shrinking minority in their country. They recognize that without coming together, spreading the Gospel effectively is a challenge. I was so encouraged by their example.  

What about your church? Is there a sense of exclusivity? Do they speak poorly of those outside your denominational group?  Be careful of such influences. We each need to guard against spiritual arrogance.  We are bent that way in our flesh, and we must starve the beast.  To hang around with spiritual elitists is to endanger our hearts with the most dangerous sort of spiritual yeast.  

Make spiritual arrogance repulsive to me. In Jesus name, Amen

Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:52

Every child of God has a unique history in their faith journey. Some come to Jesus with a blank slate, having no prior experience with Christianity. Their hearts are open and ready for God to write a story that’s uniquely theirs. It’s a beautiful beginning, free from preconceived notions. Others, however, bring years of church experience with them. They know the scriptures inside and out, having been well indoctrinated in many teachings. Yet, if their past has been marred by rigid legalism, it can feel tempting to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with Jesus. But is that truly necessary?  

In this simple parable, Jesus shows us the beauty of blending the old with the new. He reminds us that while teachers may be flawed, the truths they share can still be sound. These truths are treasures worth holding onto. As we grow in our faith, it’s vital to separate the gold from the grime—to appreciate the wisdom that remains while letting go of what doesn’t serve us anymore.  Maturity in faith is all about recognizing these truths and allowing God to guide us in discerning what is beneficial. 

God is always with us, guiding us to let go of the teachings that hinder our growth while keeping the gems that enrich our journey. So, whether you’re starting fresh or carrying years of church experience, remember that each of us has a unique path—we should embrace it and feed it voraciously, letting the Holy Spirit guide us into all Truth.

And finally, as we navigate this journey, we can maintain a calm and relaxed mindset, allowing ourselves the space to grow and learn without the pressure of perfectionism.

If there is more of the old I need to embrace, reveal it.  If there is more I am to discard, I am willing.  Be the sifter, Lord Jesus. Amen

“There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, `They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” Matthew 21:33-46

Those who heard Jesus share this parable understood it well. The hills of Galilee were full of vineyards, and it was common for owners to lease their estates to tenants. Although the Pharisees grasped the illustration, they felt offended by Jesus’ implication. They saw it as prophetic and a direct warning, because they knew that God regarded the Jewish nation as the ‘vineyard of the Lord.’ Isaiah 5:7

The message from Jesus was clear. You are not aligned with God’s plans. Although you believe you are acting effectively as religious leaders, you are wrong. You are mistreating faithful servants, and furthermore, you are rejecting me, the very son of the Vineyard owner. 

Jesus has graciously entrusted His kingdom to us to steward in His absence. Before leaving, He demonstrated how to tend it properly. His leadership approach is rooted in service, prioritizing relationships over rituals, and heart over intellect. Is it possible, however, that we are behaving like Pharisees?  

In Jesus’ absence, I’m given the freedom in Christ to run the vineyard any way I want.  The tenants in the parable could abuse, even kill, servants.  When the ‘son’ came, the one with ownership rights to the vineyard, they took his life because he threatened what they wanted for themselves.

As I govern my sphere of influence today, I am compelled by Christ to prioritize the heart over intellect, grace over performance, and relationship over religion. The Son is returning and will one day evaluate how well I cared for His sheep. Will the harvest look like what it might have been if Jesus had stayed to oversee it? That’s humbling to consider. 

How does this apply to me?  I will be quiet and be teachable, as Your Holy Spirit brings this home.  Amen

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:25-37

Each of us knows that we are called to love others. This is easy to accept when it is vague, but we often convince ourselves that we’re excused from showing love to certain people. We’re eager to share Jesus with those we believe deserve it. Jonah was willing to speak difficult truths to the people of Israel, but when God told him to go to the Ninevites, he simply couldn’t stomach the idea. The Ninevites were a bloodthirsty people and had long inflicted cruelty on God’s people. Jonah’s heart had its limits, but they weren’t God’s.

For the Jews during Jesus’ time, enemies were no longer Assyrians but Samaritans. Although ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ was one of the laws in the Old Testament, they only saw ‘neighbor’ as including people of their own nationality and religion. It was for this very reason that the following conversation happened. 

A Jewish teacher of the law approached Jesus and asked, “Which of the commandments is the most important?” Jesus answered, ‘Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ The seeker was insightful enough to ask the next question, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ Jesus could have directly answered, ‘Well, a Samaritan is your neighbor!’ But sometimes the truth is so threatening that someone needs to discover it on their own through a non-threatening approach. What a wise teacher Jesus is. He avoids giving a sermon and instead brings truth in through the gentle persuasion of the Jewish teacher’s heart.

Are you facing a tough conversation with someone today? You might feel nervous because the truth could seem too threatening if stated outright. However, the truth needs to be uncovered and embraced. Following Jesus’ example, a series of thought-provoking questions might be the way for something spiritual to unfold. The Holy Spirit promises to provide wisdom, and He will fill your mouth with words beyond your own ingenuity.  

Lord, I ask that You show me who my Samaritans are.  Forgive my prejudices, Lord.  Amen