Scripture Graphics #92

“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark‬ ‭4:24

This verse comes after the parable of the Sower’s seed (vs. 3-20). Though it definitely applies to receiving the Word for salvation, receiving God’s Word also links to spiritual growth. If we do not accept and apply what God reveals to us, why would He give us more? The question then is not, “am I going to church and reading my Bible?” But, “Am I being obedient and applying what I hear?”

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark‬ ‭4:38-40‬

The first words from the disciples’ lips were, “Carest Thou not?” It is easy to view trials and storms as an example that God does not care for our individual lives, when instead, He is allowing them to grow us in our faith. When faced with storms, we shouldn’t ask, “Do You even care what I’m going through?” But, “What do You want me to learn about You in this storm?”

The disciples’ hardened hearts prevented them from believing the power of God—even though they were eye-witnesses of Jesus’ miracles. Our hardened hearts can affect us too. We have 66 books of testimonies of God’s power, love, mercy, justice, judgment, and commands. Do our hearts believe, or are they hardened?

How often do we do daily, menial tasks with our heart focused on serving the Lord? How many tasks do we truly do “as unto the Lord?” Is our eternal perspective tainted by temporal, selfish desires, lusts, and pleasures?

What verse has kept you going today?