Church of God Offerings

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Church of God Offerings The Word

Rob Montgomery is pastor of The Church of God at 1850 Bethesda Rd in Batesville. He and his wife Amy have four daughters, Emma, Madison, Kaylee, and Lydia. After serving over 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, Rob and his family now call Independence County home. After a life of service in the military, Rob is dedicated to a life of service to others in the ministry.

Mark 4:4 – “And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and fowls of the air came and devoured it up.”

Mark 4:15 – “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.”

In this parable, the way side is simply the traveled road. Life is often described using such a metaphor: the traveled road. There are ups and there are downs. There are turns and there are detours. Sometimes you go fast and sometimes you’re just a slow moving vehicle. There is a definite beginning and there is a definite ending.

On life’s journey, we are told the seeds of God’s word are sown here. Paul tells us in Romans 10:7, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In verse 15, Jesus tells us that after hearing the word, the seed moves into our hearts. Isn’t that interesting! Any time you hear God’s word, it’s like a seed is planted directly in your heart. However, lurking in the distance is Satan. Jesus calls him a thief in John 10:10 and says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal…” In fact, Jesus says that as soon as you hear the word, Satan comes immediately to take it away.

What can I learn? In our busy lives on the way side, we need to learn to stop, listen, think, and pray. The word of God is lifegiving, life-creating, life-altering, and powerful. Of course Satan wants to take it away! He doesn’t want you to be changed. He doesn’t want the seed to take root. He doesn’t want something powerful, something amazing, to grow inside of you. I want to encourage you today and every day, when you hear God’s word, take time to stop, listen, think, and pray. Don’t let the seed be taken away immediately. Let it take root in your heart so that God can accomplish something amazing in you and in your life. N

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