October 29 – Hardened Hearts Cause Our Eyes to See Wrong
Today’s Reading: Job 20 ; Mark 3–4
Scripture Focus:
“And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.’”
— Mark 3:5, 23–24 NKJV
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
— Mark 4:14–20 NLT
⸻
Reflection
In Job 20, Zophar describes the fate of the wicked, convinced Job is among them. His heart is hard, and his judgment clouded. He’s speaking what sounds wise but lacks compassion and truth.
Then in Mark 3, we see the same spirit of accusation—religious leaders watching Jesus only to find fault. They are blind to His goodness because their hearts are hard. The result? They cannot rejoice when a miracle happens right before their eyes.
But there’s a contrast. In Mark 4, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. Everyone hears the same Word, but only those with open, tender hearts receive it and bear fruit. Some let the Word bounce off the surface. Some receive it with emotion but no depth. Some let worry and worldly desires choke it out. But those with good soil—soft, humble, teachable hearts—see the harvest.
The twelve disciples and others who followed Jesus were blessed because they believed. They didn’t always understand everything, but their hearts were soft enough for the seed of truth to take root.
Our hearts determine whether we see clearly or misjudge what God is doing. Truly, our hearts matter.
⸻
Lesson for Me
A hardened heart blinds me to truth, but a humble heart makes room for it.
When I stay tender before God, His Word takes root, His Spirit gives discernment, and His blessings grow.
⸻
Application Questions
•What type of “soil” best describes my heart right now—hard, shallow, crowded, or ready?
•Do I let life’s worries or distractions choke out God’s Word in me?
•How can I cultivate a heart that listens, believes, and bears fruit?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, guard my heart from hardness, distraction, and pride.
Make it good soil for Your Word—soft, humble, and obedient.
Help me see clearly and discern rightly.
Let my life produce fruit that glorifies You. Amen.
⸻
🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before Jesus and ask:
“Lord, what is the condition of my heart today?”
Listen for His voice and write what He shows you.
Ask Him to till the soil of your heart so His Word can grow strong roots.
⸻
✨ Takeaway
The same Word is spoken to all—but only hearts that are soft, humble, and open to Jesus will see the harvest. 🌱❤️
Today’s Reading: Job 20 ; Mark 3–4
Scripture Focus:
“And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.’”
— Mark 3:5, 23–24 NKJV
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
— Mark 4:14–20 NLT
⸻
Reflection
In Job 20, Zophar describes the fate of the wicked, convinced Job is among them. His heart is hard, and his judgment clouded. He’s speaking what sounds wise but lacks compassion and truth.
Then in Mark 3, we see the same spirit of accusation—religious leaders watching Jesus only to find fault. They are blind to His goodness because their hearts are hard. The result? They cannot rejoice when a miracle happens right before their eyes.
But there’s a contrast. In Mark 4, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. Everyone hears the same Word, but only those with open, tender hearts receive it and bear fruit. Some let the Word bounce off the surface. Some receive it with emotion but no depth. Some let worry and worldly desires choke it out. But those with good soil—soft, humble, teachable hearts—see the harvest.
The twelve disciples and others who followed Jesus were blessed because they believed. They didn’t always understand everything, but their hearts were soft enough for the seed of truth to take root.
Our hearts determine whether we see clearly or misjudge what God is doing. Truly, our hearts matter.
⸻
Lesson for Me
A hardened heart blinds me to truth, but a humble heart makes room for it.
When I stay tender before God, His Word takes root, His Spirit gives discernment, and His blessings grow.
⸻
Application Questions
•What type of “soil” best describes my heart right now—hard, shallow, crowded, or ready?
•Do I let life’s worries or distractions choke out God’s Word in me?
•How can I cultivate a heart that listens, believes, and bears fruit?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, guard my heart from hardness, distraction, and pride.
Make it good soil for Your Word—soft, humble, and obedient.
Help me see clearly and discern rightly.
Let my life produce fruit that glorifies You. Amen.
⸻
🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before Jesus and ask:
“Lord, what is the condition of my heart today?”
Listen for His voice and write what He shows you.
Ask Him to till the soil of your heart so His Word can grow strong roots.
⸻
✨ Takeaway
The same Word is spoken to all—but only hearts that are soft, humble, and open to Jesus will see the harvest. 🌱❤️