NT Come Follow Me- Individual March 18-24

March 18–24

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13

“Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear”

Matthew 13:3–23; Luke 8:4–15

Why is it that some hearts are receptive to truth while others seem to resist it? 

My Thoughts:

Our choices decide who we become. If we choose to shirk the edges of what is right we will never truly be able to have our hearts be in a place where they can accept the truth.

The eye is the window to the soul but windows go both ways. You can see into the soul but you can also allow things to enter into it by what we look at.

What Others have said:

Joseph Smith

"This is he which receiveth seed by the way side. Men who have no principle of righteousness in themselves, and whose hearts are full of iniquity, and have no desire for the principles of truth, do not understand the word of truth when they hear it. The devil taketh away the word of truth out of their hearts, because there is no desire for righteousness in them. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 96.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"Perhaps the parable about the gospel seed falling on different kinds of soil and not flourishing in one type of soil because there was 'no deepness of earth' also describes the shallowness of those who do not ponder and pursue the basic doctrines." (All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, 98.)

Thomas S. Monson

"Each of us knows those who do not have sight. We also know many others who walk in darkness at noonday. Those in this latter group may never carry the usual white cane and carefully make their way to the sound of its familiar tap, tap, tap. They may not have a faithful seeing-eye dog by their side nor carry a sign about their neck which reads, 'I am blind.' But blind they surely are. Some have been blinded by anger, others by indifference, by revenge, by hate, by prejudice, by ignorance, by neglect of precious opportunities.

"Of such the Lord said, '. . . their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.' (Matt. 13: 15.)"

"Well might such lament, 'It is springtime, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, and yet I am blind.' Some like the friend of Philip of old call out, 'How can I [find my way] except some man should guide me?' (Acts 8:31.) Others are too shy, too fearful to ask for needed help that their precious vision might be restored. (Conference Report, April 1965, Second Day-Morning Meeting 48.)

Carlos E. Asay

"Blindness of mind is really spiritual darkness. It is a condition or state of mind that alienates people, young or old, from godly matters. Those who suffer from this awful condition fail to see the hand of providence manifest in the affairs of mankind. They believe only in that which can be seen and felt and hefted. In effect, a dark curtain of unbelief has been drawn over their minds, causing them to see little or no purpose in their being.

"Much like the sightless man who cautiously makes his way down the street tapping his cane to identify the hazards that lie ahead, the person 'blind of mind' stumbles awkwardly through life. Every step is tentative; each roadblock is almost insurmountable; and progress is painfully slow at best. Of such people it is said they 'have eyes to see, and see not'; 'Their eyes cannot see afar off'; they 'shall see, and shall not perceive.'" (The Road to Somewhere: A Guide for Young Men and Women, 10)

Dallin H. Oaks

"...there are many whose desires are fixed so firmly on the acquisition or use of property, or on other worldly things, that they have no desire for righteousness or the things of God. In the parable of the sower, Jesus indicated that some of the sower's seed 'fell by the way side' (Matthew 13:4). He explained to his disciples that this circumstance represented those who 'heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not' (Matthew 13:19). The Prophet Joseph Smith attributed this lack of understanding of the gospel to a lack of desire:

"'Men who have no principle of righteousness in themselves, and whose hearts are full of iniquity, and have no desire for the principles of truth, do not understand the word of truth when they hear it. The devil taketh away the word of truth out of their hearts, because there is no desire for righteousness in them.' (History of the Church 2:266)

"The seeds representing the word of God will always fall 'by the way side' for those who give their priority attention to traffic on the highway of worldly things. If there is no desire for the principles of truth, the seed that represents the word of God can never bear fruit." (Pure in Heart, 54-55.)

Joseph Fielding Smith

"There are in the gospel such things as mysteries. A mystery is, of course, some truth which is not understood. All the principles of the gospel and all truth pertaining to the salvation of men are simple when understood. Until it is understood, however, a simple truth may be a great mystery.

"Gospel truths appeal more to the spirit, that is, they are spiritually discerned. A man may know a thing to be true by the teaching of the Spirit, but he may not be able to explain it to others. This may not be in keeping with modern worldly teaching, but it is true nevertheless. Revelations through the Spirit of the Lord, many times, cannot be explained...The best educated man in the world may not be able to comprehend the simple truths of the gospel because his soul is not in tune; he has not been enlightened by the Spirit of the Lord. He, therefore, fails to see and feel the significance of these principles. They cannot be seen except through the touch of the Holy Ghost. For this reason Alma explained to Zeezrom how gospel light may be known. Said he:

It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.' (Alma 12:9-11)" (Doctrines of Salvation, 1: 296-297.)

What can you do to cultivate “good ground” in yourself? 

My Thoughts:

It all goes back to the Primary answers, Read your scriptures, say your prayers, love your family. But it is also more. If we truly want good ground it takes work. Good ground doesn’t say good without work. Weeding, tilling, watering adding in nutrients that are needed all go into making and keeping good ground.

Another point that I think we all tend to miss with this parable is that with the work mentioned above any type of ground can be turned into good ground. The hard packed earth will take more than the others but with work and love and time it to can become good ground.

What Others have said:

Howard W. Hunter

"The parable of the sower is really a parable of hearers. In the parable [of the sower, Matthew 13:1-8], the different soils on which the seed fell become the subject-four different kinds of soil describing four classifications of persons...Its very purpose is to show how various listeners respond. There are as many differences in those who listen as there are differences in the soils in which seed is sown." (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 253-4)

Neal A. Maxwell

"How vital it is to be rooted and grounded in order to take the scorching heat that will be a part of that special summer of circumstances which precedes the second coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and majesty. A brief, scorching season, that summer will climax the centuries as the special moment among the millennia of mortal time.

"The unnourished and the shallow will not endure, because they cannot stand the heat...In heavy winds, even large pine trees are sometimes unexpectedly blown down, because though they appeared secure, their root systems were very shallow.

"People who are grounded in the Lord and His gospel have a deep and extensive root system. Having applied the various principles and truths of the gospel, they have specific faith from and experience with each principle in its turn. Their faith is not a generalized feeling, but reflects specific experience with interlocking principles.

"Being settled means that one refuses to be blown or 'moved away from the hope of the gospel.' (Colossians 1:23.) Neither surrounding secular skepticism nor vexing personal trials unsettle him. This settled condition is not the result of a single sudden act, of course. Nor is it an attainment followed by sweet repose, nor is it a static circumstance. Rather, it is like pounding one's pitons into the rocky and ascending surface of the windswept and sun-scorched straight and narrow path. Because one's pitons are anchored, he can inch forward, ever praying that he might 'come off conqueror,' led by 'the good shepherd' who knows the only way up and through the peaks of this probationary estate. (D&C 10:5; Alma 5:60.) When one is so anchored, he can then avoid the most common and fatal forms of falling away, which Jesus described as temptation, persecution, tribulation, and the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. (We Will Prove Them Herewith, 17-18.)

What might be some “thorns” that keep you from truly hearing and following God’s word?

My Thoughts:

Social media and other things we let enter into our lives that slowly chip away at our self esteem. Social media is helpful and fun. It has a great place with my family to stay connected, but too often I find myself looking at one post and then another just to check on people and things and before I know it a hour has slipped by with nothing of value being added to my life.

I watch my 11 year daughter watch things that while not bad also are not adding to her life.

What Others have said:

Bruce R. McConkie

"If the seed falls among thorns, it is in good soil, as is evidenced by the growth of the undesirable plants. But the good plant is soon choked and dies because it cannot overcome the influence of the weeds and thistles. So it is with the members of the Church who know the gospel is true, but who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus, who are not affirmatively and courageously striving to further the interests of the Church. So it is of the saints who think more of the honors of men, the educational standards of the world, political preferment, or money and property, than they do of the gospel. They know the Lord's work has been established on earth, but they let the cares of the world choke the word. And instead of gaining eternal life, they shall be burned with the tares which overcame them." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1: 289.)

Hugh B. Brown

"Just as the garden needs fertilizing, cultivating, weeding-constant care and eternal vigilance-so our lives, if they are to be productive of good, must be constantly renewed by increasing knowledge, cultivated by activity, and weeded by repentance and good works. The rankest weeds in the garden may be found in the most fertile soil unless desirable crops are planted, watered, nurtured until the harvest. The prairie farmers in Canada have learned that it is better to leave the native sod unploughed unless one is willing to follow through with continued cultivation and constant war on weeds." (The Eternal Quest, 425.)

Matthew 13:24–35, 44–52

Jesus’s parables help me understand the growth and destiny of His Church.

The wheat and the tares (13:24–30, 36–43)

My Thoughts:

Wheat and Tares look very similar when they are first growing. They also often have their roots intertwine, so to rip one from the other really wont  work.

How is this like the local Ward and neighborhoods. We really cant tell evil doers or those that are not on our side, from the solid member. Well not at first, soon their works will betray the true self.

I find it interesting that whenever the scriptures discuss the end of the world it really means the end of those that are Wordly. The world will still be here.

What Others have said:

The mustard seed (13:31–32):

My Thoughts:

The church started with one small boy asking a question. It has grown into a World wide Church. Much like those that heard this parable could envision. They were familiar with the spread of the Mustard trees all along their hillside. All from a small tiny seed.

What Others have said:

Joseph Smith

"And again, another parable put He forth unto them, having an allusion to the Kingdom that should be set up, just previous to or at the time of the harvest, which reads as follows-'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but, when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.' Now we can discover plainly that this figure is given to represent the Church as it shall come forth in the last days...And it is truth, and it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth, and righteousness begins to look down from heaven, and God is sending down His powers, gifts and angels, to lodge in the branches thereof.

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a mustard seed. Behold, then is not this the Kingdom of Heaven that is raising its head in the last days in the majesty of its God, even the Church of the Latter-day Saints, like an impenetrable, immovable rock in the midst of the mighty deep, exposed to the storms and tempests of Satan, but has, thus far, remained steadfast, and is still braving the mountain waves of opposition." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 98-99)

Ezra Taft Benson

"That the Church of Jesus Christ would have an inconspicuous beginning and then enjoy phenomenal growth was predicted. Jesus used the comparison of the small mustard seed to describe the early beginning of His Church. But eventually, He declared, that insignificant seed would become a great tree and many would find refuge in its branches. (See Matthew 13:31-32.)

"As men have attempted to assess the Church at a given period of time, in many instances they have not been able to see its forward movement and potential. The growth of the Church, like the growth of grass or trees, has been almost imperceptible to the eye, but little by little, line by line, precept by precept, the Church has matured." (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 169.)

The leaven (13:33):

My Thoughts:

Unlike the other two parables about the growth of the church where the start was visible, this uses leaven which is really hidden. Just like the spirit that dwells with us, just like the Spirit that prompted 3 good men to become witness’s to the Book of Mormon for the World to judge.

What Others have said:

Matthias F. Cowley

"The leaven must be a symbol of the Gospel, as its effects upon the meal to lighten and prepare it for use are like the effects of the Gospel of Christ upon the hearts of those who obey the same, viz., to refine and purify that men may be prepared for the kingdom of the Father. The three measures of meal doubtless are representative of three divisions of the house of Israel. These were, according to the Book of Mormon, the Jews in Palestine [who produced the Bible], the seed of Joseph on the Western hemisphere [who produced the Book of Mormon], and the ten tribes in the North country [whose leavening record is yet to come]. These all were visited by the Savior. They heard His voice and were taught of Him 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism,' that there might be 'one fold and one shepherd.'" (Cowley's Talks on Doctrine, 179.)

 hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (13:44–46):

My Thoughts:

What Others have said:

Delbert L. Stapley

"This parable is most significant and meaningful; to appreciate its purpose is to understand the message. The desire of the merchantman dealing in pearls is to find the most priceless one of all. Therefore, he earnestly seeks and may travel extensively to world markets before he discovers the fabulous jewel which measures up to his expectations in standards of quality value, and iridescent beauty. Having found the pearl of great price, his joy and happiness is not complete until the gem becomes his personal property. To satisfy that desire, according to the parable, the merchant was willing to sacrifice all he had for ownership of the goodly pearl.

"Allegorically the Savior likens the kingdom of heaven unto the merchantman seeking goodly pearls, signifying that the true pearl of great price is God's kingdom which, for man to be happy and exalted, he must diligently seek.

"This parable accords with the Savior's teaching upon the Mount when he admonished:

'. . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.' (Matt 6:33.)

"When we relate the parable of the goodly pearls and the challenge of our Lord to seek first the kingdom of God, we receive a more comprehensive understanding of the parable dealing with the pearl of great price. Pearls have always held a high place among gems, and merchants have been active and diligent in seeking the largest and richest to be had. Unlike the man in the parable of the hidden treasure, who, with little or no effort on his part, found concealed in a field a precious treasure of great worth, the merchant devoted his whole energy to the quest for goodly pearls; to find and secure the best was his greatest ambition and business.

"When finally he beheld the pearl that excelled all others, he gladly sold all his other gems. Indeed, he sacrificed all that he had in gems and other possessions and purchased the pearl of great price. Seekers after truth may acquire much that is good and desirable but not find the greatest truth of all, the truth that shall save them and bring about their eternal exaltation and glory. Yet, if they seek persistently and with right intent and are really in quest of pearls of truth and righteousness and not imitations or substitutes, they shall find, for the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of truth, shall guide them." (Conference Report, October 1965, First Day-Morning Meeting 12.)

Mark E. Petersen

"We have always felt that that merchant was an extremely wise man, because he was willing to give up all that he possessed in order to acquire the pearl of great price. But let me ask you, what would you have thought of that merchant had the parable been reversed and he had given up the pearl of great price in exchange for something of little or no value?

"We have some among us who are doing that very thing. In their own lives they reverse the parable of the Lord and they give up the pearl of great price for a fleeting fancy. They actually sell their birthright in the kingdom of God for less than a mess of pottage...[for instance] individuals who have been excommunicated from this Church. These excommunicants at one time were all members of the kingdom of God, and at one time they all possessed the pearl of great price. But each one of them has reversed that parable in his own life and has given up the pearl of great price with all its values and with all its blessings. What a pity! What a tragedy!" (Conference Report, October 1945, Afternoon Meeting 88.)

The net (13:47–50):

My Thoughts:

We are all going to be sorted or judged. May we all be found to be of good character and with the light of Christ within us.

What Others have said:

Bruce R. McConkie

"When those whom God hath chosen to be 'fishers of men' (Matt. 4:19; Jer. 16:16) go forth preaching the gospel, they catch men of all sorts in the gospel net. Rich and poor, bond and free, Jew and Gentile, learned and ignorant, sincere and hypocritical, stable and wavering-men of all races, cultures, and backgrounds accept the gospel and seek its blessings. But all who are caught in the gospel net are not saved in the celestial kingdom; church membership alone gives no unconditional assurance of eternal life. (2 Ne. 31:16-21.) Rather, there will be a day of judgment, a day of sorting and dividing, a day when the wicked shall be cast out of the Church, 'out into the world to be burned.' For those then living the Second Coming will be an initial day of burning, sorting, and judgment (Matt. 25:31-46; D. & C. 63:54); for all men of all ages the ultimate day of sorting and dividing will occur, after all men have been raised from the dead, at the final great day of judgment. (2 Ne. 9:15-16.)

"Joseph Smith, in applying this parable to latter-day conditions, wrote: 'Behold the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad. So shall it be at the end of the world-the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.' (Teachings, p. 102.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1: 302.)

Joseph Fielding Smith

"Those who receive the fulness will be privileged to view the face of our Father. There will not be such an overwhelming number of the Latter-day Saints who will get there. President Francis M. Lyman many times has declared, and he had reason to declare, I believe, that if we save one-half of the Latter-day Saints, that is, with an exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God, we will be doing well. Not that the Lord is partial, not that he will draw the line as some will say, to keep people out. He would have every one of us go in if we would; but there are laws and ordinances that we must keep; if we do not observe the law we cannot enter.

"Many come into the Church, like fish that are gathered into the net, that have to be sorted and thrown out again or put into piles where they belong. And so it will be with us." (Doctrines of Salvation, 2: 15.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"Since life in the Church presents to us, painfully at times, our own defects as well as the defects of others, we are bound to be disappointed in ourselves and in others. We cannot expect it to be otherwise in a kingdom where not only does the 'net gather of every kind,' but those of 'every kind' are at every stage of spiritual development. (Matthew 13:47.) When people 'leave their nets straightway,' they come as they are. (See Matthew 4:20.) Though they are already in the initial process of changing, the luggage reflects their past. Hence, this is a developmental journey that requires patience, understanding, and meekness toward others who join the caravan, as, together, we disengage from one world and prepare ourselves for another." (Meek and Lowly, 88.)

The householder (13:52):

My Thoughts:

This is all about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

I heard it once said that Great books are like old friends. We need to drop in on them once in awhile and see how they are doing. The scriptures to me are good old friends.

What Others have said:

S Michael Wilcox

One of my favorite parables of Jesus covers only one verse, but I have thought of it often as I have taught the scriptures over the years…The scriptures are our treasure. Some stories we return to again and again—like old friends. They strengthen us with atheir familiar power. But if we continue to search, we will always find new gems of wisdom to inspire and lead us.

(Don’t Leap with the Sheep.)

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world.

What truths in this parable inspire you to remain faithful in spite of the wickedness in the world?

My Thoughts:

We must be in the World but not of the World. We are surrounded by worldly things and people but we are to remain strong and in the end they will be put to their place and we to ours.

What Others have said:

Harold B. Lee"We don’t pray that you may be withdrawn into a ‘Shangri-la’ away from the evils of the world, because you are to be a leaven wherever you are, to bring about righteousness, but we are pleading with the Lord with all our might that while you are in the world, you may be kept from evil."
( Decisions for Successful Living [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973], p. 223.) 

James A. Cullimore

There is a great challenge in living in the "world." The concern is not where we live—but how we live. Obedience to the laws of the Lord will bring happiness and peace. We never need apologize for living the standards of the Church. Listen to two stalwart members of the Church who have proven this in their lives… Everything in the world is not evil. There are many things of virtue, many great men and women working for the finer things of life, who have high standards and live righteously. ‘Possibly a good definition of the world would be: "Exposure to things about us, whether good or bad—right or wrong." (, "To Be in the World but Not of the World," Ensign, Jan. 1974, 119 ) 

L. Tom Perry, 

The spheres of influence we can radiate from our associations can make worthwhile contributions in the world. A righteous example can attract others to living a standard which has been established by the Lord, for the conduct of His children here in mortality. It can be a source of bringing souls to the light of the gospel, causing some to join the Church, while others do not. Embracing the gospel is a personal decision, and we always respect and understand the rights of individuals, but how can we ever expect the world to embrace the righteous principles the Lord has declared to govern His children here if we do not extend our influence outward?… Sometimes I think we fear participation because of the opposition we may face. We
find again in the example of Daniel someone who met the opposition of being "in the world" head-on and was able to influence those around him for good. As Daniel’s talents were recognized by the king, he became a trusted counselor.  Many were jealous of the position this outsider had obtained, and they
sought to do away with him. They devised a new law that would prevent Daniel from praying to God, the Eternal Father. The penalty for breaking the law was to be cast into the lion’s den. Daniel was discovered praying, and the penalty was executed. But because of Daniel’s faith in God, the lions inflicted no harm on him. ("In the World," Ensign, May 1988, 13 ) 

Dallin H. Oaks

Spirituality is not a function of occupation or calling. A scientist may be more spiritual than a theologian; a teacher may be more spiritual than an officer. Spirituality is determined by personal outlook and priorities.
("Spirituality," Ensign, Nov. 1985, 61) 

Marion G. Romney

I assume, without elaborating, that we can all agree that we are living in a day of confusion and bewilderment. As conditions worsen, it becomes more apparent every day that we are on a collision course with disaster.  I am persuaded that nothing short of the guidance of the Holy Spirit can bring us through safely. I call attention to our unpleasant situation not because I want you to be discouraged, but because I want you to see and clearly recognize the predicament of the world in which we live. Personally, I am not disheartened. I am concerned, but I do not live in terror. It has been said that the late President J. Golden Kimball once attended a stake conference session in which the speaker who preceded him occupied
nearly all the time with a scorching call to repentance, and that when Brother J. Golden followed him, he simply said, "Well, brothers and sisters, I suppose the best thing for all of us to do is to go home and commit suicide."
Serious as are our times, however, I do not recommend Brother Golden’s prescribed course, because I have an unwavering confidence that if we will heed and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Lord can and will preserve and bring us through safely. Our arrival at the brink on which we are now poised is no surprise to him.
(, "Guidance of the Holy Spirit," Ensign, Jan. 1980, 2)

Luke 8:1–3

In what ways did “certain women” minister to the Savior?

My Thoughts:

The fact that Joanna was married to a man who served Herod is an important detail. Have you ever wondered how the detailed story of John's beheading reached the disciples (see Mark 6:20-29)? The intimate conversation between the queen Herodias and her dancing daughter (Mark 6:24) has been preserved. But how? We imagine that Joanna's husband Chuza was the most likely source of that information.

The other women it is believed to have had money and means to help support the Savior and His work. Much like today, the good sisters of the ward and Church are what holds us all together.

What Others have said: Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

"Who was this Mary Magdalene that she should be honored with the first vision of the risen Christ? The account is brief, but we know that she was an influential woman from the town of Magdala, one of several women who gave her substance as well as her devotion to Jesus' mission. The scriptures tell us that she stood close by the cross when others, even the apostles, tarried afar off. When Jesus asked John to take his mother away, Mary Magdalene remained. The high regard in which the gospel writers held her is evidenced by the fact that she is mentioned by name fourteen times.

"Unfortunately, since medieval times Mary has been much maligned. Her name, 'Magdalene,' has come to mean 'reformed prostitute,' and artists have repeatedly depicted her as an immoral woman driven to the Savior by her sins. All this has come about because Bible scholars, beginning in the fourth century, chose to identify her with the unnamed sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50 who washed Jesus' feet with her hair. The first mention of Mary Magdalene in Luke 8:2 follows closely the account of the sinful woman, but there is no reason to assume that the two women are the same. And what is more, the early Christians did not regard Mary as a reformed prostitute. In light of that fact, I think it is safe to assume that Mary Magdalene was never a harlot." (Jerrie W. Hurd, Our Sisters in the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 128.)

Sterling W. Sill

"Jesus went among people casting out devils. Before Mary Magdalene could solve her problems, the record says that seven devils had to be expelled. (Luke 8:2.) It is one of our primary responsibilities of life to learn to cast out devils in a very real way. The apostle James gave us one method when he said, 'Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' (James 4:7.) However, if we do not resist him, we will soon have him on our backs. A little favorable entertainment, and Satan always tries to take us over... Satan has no power over us except as we give in to him…

"...Certainly our generation needs to work a lot harder on this technique of casting out devils and getting rid of our own weaknesses. If everyone in the world would always keep all of the commandments of the Lord, Satan would be completely powerless, and this earth would be God's paradise. It might help us in this art if we got a little more practice in casting out those seven devils-selfishness, weakness, sloth, hate, alcohol, immorality, and atheism. Then if we would like to try casting out another seven devils, suppose we start with our indecision, our ignorance, and our indifference. We sometimes develop a devil of a temper that we allow to rule over us. We also develop a devilish habit of rebellion against right. We would be a lot better off if we would cast out the devil of falsehood and the devil of unfairness." (Principles, Promises, and Powers [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973], 211 - 212.)

Matthew 13:3–23; Luke 8:4–15

What can we do as a family to cultivate “good ground” in our hearts and in our home? (Matthew 13:23).

My Thoughts:

Read, pray, study love each other. Again the basic answers are the best.