“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23 NKJV
Lord God and Teacher,
You used many parables to teach us about the relationship between us and You. The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) how we need to come to You as our Father and be loved. The Lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) where You show us how You carefully search for us, shine a light on us and rejoice when we are found. The lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) shows Your relentless pursuit of the lost individual and joy when they are found.
And in this parable You show the ways that those You seek and find sometimes respond. By falling away, or not wanting to go Your way. But for those who are planted in You, in Jesus, there is constant growth and the fruit can be seen. So perhaps the good prayer is that we are good soil. So we can grow. Father, thank You that the life of Jesus speaks life into us today. His teaching is still more relevant in every age. Your love, through Him is all encompassing and still each moment individually delivered.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 24th October 2026
Written in 2018, I love this both words and melody.
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, “All is mine”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future’s sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, “I am free”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Lyrics: Michael Farren, Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson