parabalas (sorry, bad humor...)
Topic: actually 2001
Luke 8:11-18
this is the meaning of the parable:

the seed is the word of God.

those along the path are the ones WHO HEAR, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they MAY NOT BELIEVE and BE SAVED.

those on the rock are the ones who RECEIVE THE WORD WITH JOY when they hear it, but they have NO ROOT. they believe FOR a WHILE, but in the time of testing THEY FALL AWAY.

the seed that fell among thorns stands for those who HEAR, but as they go on their way they are CHOKED by LIFE'S WORRIES, RICHES, and PLEASURES, and they DO NOT MATURE.

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.

no one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. for there is NOTHING hidden that will not be disclosed,
and NOTHING concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. therefore CONSIDER CAREFULLY HOW YOU LISTEN. whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

faith in the new year
Topic: actually 2001
hebrews 11:6
and without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.

**** since this is the first verses email of 2001 - please allow me
a little logical progression (review for some of you)

1. pleasing God is a good thing

2. we must have faith to please God
???????? what is faith? - hebrews 11:1 "now faith IS being SURE OF
WHAT WE HOPE FOR and CERTAIN OF WHAT WE DO NOT SEE."

** there are two specific parts of our faith that 11:6 talks about
A. believing God exists.
B. believing God rewards those who earnestly seek him.

????????? is A. good enough? well, according to james 3:19 "you
believe that there is only one God. good! even the demons believe
that and shudder."

we need A. and B.

hmmmm - if i believe God rewards those who earnestly seek him, and a
reward is a good thing and pleasing God is a good thing, maybe i
should earnestly seek him? OF COURSE I SHOULD EARNESTLY SEEK HIM! (but what does the word "earnestly" mean? - let's ask our good
friend Mr. Dictionary...)

"earnestly" - serious in effort; showing depth and sincerity of
feeling; of serious importance, or demanding serious attention

**** well, there you have it. make up your mind today to make 2001 a
year of faith for you - a year in which you "earnestly" seek God -
where do you look? start in His Word and in prayer - go to sunday
school, church, youth group, Bible club, etc. (wherever you can to
learn more about Him) - place your hope and trust in Him and in Him
alone! have a great 2001 :)

2 timothy 1:9-10
God saved us and chose us to be his holy people.
we did nothing to deserve this,
but God planned it because he is so kind.
even before time began,
God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.
now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God.
Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us good news.
it shines like a light and offers life that never ends.