Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 26, 2015
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
My retention of truth is an ongoing process. I may hear the truth and receive it, but somehow it moves on without lodging in my heart. Repetitive truth is good because it reminds me of what’s important. If I hear the truth—explained different ways—it tends to stick. For instance, Rita and I had a creative date night. We identified a movie clip defining how we like to be loved. As we viewed the end of Pride and Prejudice—visual images of how Rita needs to be loved stuck in my soul—kind words from an understanding heart. Truth is retained with an engaged, heart.
Jesus uses a simple but profound process of how truth is retained. It is a process that requires regular oversight. Farming depends on weather patterns, but every other aspect needs active attention. Just as customer retention requires a relentless pursuit of their feedback, so the retention of truth requires a passionate pursuit of instruction from the Holy Spirit. The rich soil of surrender to God allows the roots of truth to be rooted and grounded in understanding and application. A humble heart takes the topsoil of truth and allows it to germinate in God’s will.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
Truth tends to stick to our soul when we understand the “why” behind what we need to do. For example: we know we need to be grateful, but do we really know why we need to be grateful? Gratitude protects us from self-pity and pride. It brings joy to our being and contentment to our soul. Gratefulness keeps us focused on God’s goodness. A stronghold of truth stabilizes the soul. Understanding the why behind truth helps us retain truth in our heart.
Most of all, the more we experience a harvest from the fruit of truth the more we retain truth. A harvest of truth is knowing God and understanding His will. It is knowing how we are uniquely made by our heavenly father and being comfortable with our uniqueness. Truth’s fruit is knowing how to love those around us in a way they feel loved and cherished. Truth retained invites the truth—Jesus living His life through us. Truth is retained in a heart that is conducive to living truth.
“Invest in truth, sock it away! Never cash in wisdom, guidance, or insight” (Proverbs 23:23, The Voice).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to live out truth and with humility, retain it in my heart.
Related Readings: Jeremiah 5:3; Romans 1:28; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 John 3:18-19
Post/Tweet this today: Truth is retained in a heart that is conducive to living truth. #truthretained #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- JJ Weeks: Let Them See You
Help the Poor: Consider a $35 monthly child sponsorship, our goal is 1,000 for 1,000 days
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
