Wednesday, 12th July, 2023
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts“ (Mark 4:14-15 KJV)
Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15 record a simple story Jesus used to illustrate and teach spiritual lessons: the parable of the sower. In explaining the parable, Jesus said the seeds that fell by the wayside represented those who hear the Word of God and don’t understand it. Thus, Satan comes immediately and steals the Word from their hearts (Mark 4:14-15).
This means Satan is watching out for the Word. When the Word of God comes to you, Satan comes also. Recall that the first time the Word of God came to Jesus openly, Satan came also. In Matthew 3:17, God said from heaven, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Immediately, Satan also came and tempted Jesus, saying,“…If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3). He challenged the Word that came to Jesus. But Jesus responded with the Word, saying, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). He affirmed scriptures back to Satan.
When the Word comes to you about the glory or the power of God for your life and future, receive it with your spirit, and through meditation, drive it deep into your heart. Refuse to allow Satan to steal or take the Word away from you; he will try. He’ll throw his darts at you like missiles. But do what Jesus did; respond with the Word!
The Word of God in your mouth is the sword of the Spirit that cuts the adversary in pieces and discomfits his agenda, stratagems and manoeuvres. Hallelujah!
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, by your Spirit, I have an accurate understanding of the Word and apply it rightly to produce results in my life, family, ministry and all that concerns me. I hear and receive the Word into my heart with faith, meekness and gladness for it to take root in me and produce the fruits of what it talks about, in Jesus’ Name. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY
Mark 11:23 (KJV); Ephesians 6:16-17(KJV); Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 21:17-36 & Job 29-31
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 8:19-25 & Joshua 8