Matthew 13:1-17.
Jesus sits in a boat on the lake and tells the crowds the parable of the sower.
His disciples ask why he speaks in parables and he tells them it is to fulfill a prophecy from Isaiah about the people hearing but not understanding.
He says the disciples are blessed to be hearing what they see and hear because so many from the past longed for it.
I came to Sunday School Summer Camp straight from my school yesterday(Thu).
On the bus I finished reading Jim Bakker's story of his fall from grace and years in prison where he re-read the Bible, understood God's message in it and saw that he was in prison to meet God and repent of his false understanding.
Being a Sunday School teacher and prayerfully preparing for this camp has been a time for me to open my eyes and ears more than before.
I went to a camp when I first came to Wooridle. I was not a Sunday School teacher then and I went because my wife invited me and I was a teacher.
I went with the heart of humanism not God.
I had a horrible time because I had no love for the children and was not prepared to serve them.
I complained about everything because I wanted my comfort, especially sleep.
I was blind and deaf to God's word.
This time the camp is wonderful!
I am getting even less sleep but the activities and prayers are opening both the kids and me in a new way to receive more of Jesus.
Some of the kids don't care, of course, but most do and all the teachers are loving them and playing with them with God's heart.
Last night just before midnight we were all together in a big hall, sitting on the floor or standing and a pastor led us in QT and then we prayed for an amazing hour.
It was a Holy Spirit sauna! So many tears of healing!
At 2 a.m. we were eating chicken and hotdogs.
We didn't have enough blankets in our room because boys from other rooms liked ours better and just joined us.
Maybe we slept for three or four hours. We woke refreshed and peaceful.
I am a blessed witness to how God's word produces a crop 100 times what was sown.
Years ago my heart didn't have room for anyone but me and one of God's feet.
Last night there was room for everyone!
Last night I began to understand more than before.
Lord, continue to enter my heart and open me to your grace. Give me your eyes and ears this day to love my boys more.
