“Would you rather?” Here’s an interesting game that you may have played. It’s a conversation game where you’re faced with a dilemma. You’re given two options. The only rule to the game is that your answer can’t be “both.” Here in Romans, Paul compares our suffering in Christ with the glory that you and I will have with our Savior in heaven. But in this case, it’s not a game of “Would you rather?” It isn’t an either/or question. It’s a package. With one comes the other.

Heading out on the road this summer? Check your mirrors to see what’s behind you, be aware of what’s around you, and look ahead. This is also a great reminder for us as life, with all of the circumstances we face and concerns that come with them, come hurtling toward us.

As the people listened to Jesus tell the “Parable of the Sower,” they must have been amazed at how the farmer spread the seed generously in all directions. Who farms this way? The farmer continues to spread the seed generously. In love, God broadcasts the Gospel in every direction. It’s a reminder of the incredible love of God, who as Paul describes in 1 Timothy, “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” What a blessing it is when it takes root in our lives and sets down deep roots.

Weeds may be pesky for petunias but it’s a killer when it comes to crops. In the "Parable of the Sower," Jesus compares the cares of the this world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, to weeds when it comes to hearing the Gospel and growing in faith. He describes how, if we're not careful, worship and hearing God's Word can lose their priority and struggle to find room in our busy lives.

If our faith is grounded in nothing more than an emotional high, entertaining worship, or the hope for material blessings, then it will soon wilt in the face of the hardships that come with following our Savior. By contrast, God invites us to be rooted in Him and His word.

If you have a broadcast spreader, for your seed and fertilizer, it may have come with an "edge guard" to prevent the seed from going where you don't want it. But our Savior sows the seed of the Gospel everywhere – even knowing full well that some may tread it under foot and treat it like bird food. But there's a good reason that He sows it lavishly and unsparingly!

Parables are some of the most amazing parts of the New Testament. About one third of Jesus’ recorded teaching in the Bible was in parables. And Jesus’ first parable, recorded in the Scriptures, is the one that we’re going to look at today and over the course of the rest of this week. It’s the "Parable of the Sower."

"Rain, rain, go away ..." That little rhyme is the last things that farmers might be singing right now. Farmers this July are looking at long-range weather reports which seem to indicate that it may in for a dry stretch. In Isaiah, God compares His Word with the beneficial effects of the rain on crops.

Have you ever taken note of all of the greetings that are recorded in the New Testament? For example, take a look at Romans 16. Clearly, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit God Himself made sure that these greetings were recorded for us to read. So, what are we to make of all of these different salutations and hellos, well-wishes and kind regards?

“Keep Calm and Carry On.” That slogan became famous on a motivational poster to raise the morale of the British citizens in preparation for World War II. In Psalm 91, the writer encourages you and me to “Keep Calm” in the face of all of the physical and spiritual attacks the enemy. But then he actually goes on to give us the basis for these wonderful words of assurance.