Daily Devotional April 22 - Three Excuses

"Matthew 13:18-23, "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. V19 When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandet it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  V20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the a\same is he that heareth the word, a anon (immediately) with joy receiveth it.  V21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  V22 He also that received seed among thorns is he that heareth the word; and care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. V23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Why is it so hard for those who have said no to God to come and say yes at a later time? There are three examples Jesus gives us, the excuses are a little different, but the end result is the same

The first example are those who heard the word - The call of God.  They didn't understand it - satan comes along, tweaks it a little, makes it pallitable and they build a personal religion on it.  How does this happen?
Because there was no one there:

• Discipling them
• Teaching them
• Mentoring them
• Praying for them
• Fellowshipping with them
• Training them

The second example are those who heard the word - the call of God. They received it with joy for a short time - but tribulation and persecution come along and they are not at all prepared for this. No one told them, they were offended and turned away.
Because there was no one there:

• Discipling them
• Teaching them
• Mentoring them
• Praying for them
• Fellowshipping with them
• Training them

The third example are those who heard the word - the call of God.  But they didn't want to change anything. They found out about the sacrifice and discipline and they, like the rich young ruler turned away sad, but turned away.
I'll bet you can guess where I am going with this.
Because there was no one there:

• Discipling them
• Teaching them
• Mentoring them
• Praying for them
• Fellowshipping with them
• Training them