My heart, examine yourself this morning with this scripture. You've heard the word and felt joy; it made an impression on you. But remember, hearing the word is one thing, and welcoming Jesus into your soul is another. A strong feeling often hides a hard heart, and a lively impression isn't always lasting. In the parable, the seed fell on rocky ground, covered by a thin layer of earth. It tried to sprout, but the stones prevented deep roots. So, it withered away.

Is this true for me? Have I shown outward faith without real inner life? True growth reaches both upward and downward. Am I deeply rooted in love and faithfulness to Jesus?

If grace hasn't softened my heart, the good seed might sprout for a while, but it can't thrive in a hard, unbroken heart. I should fear a faith that grows quickly but doesn't last, like Jonah's plant. Let me count the cost of following Jesus. Above all, let me feel the Holy Spirit's power, so I cultivate lasting faith. If my heart stays as hard as it was, trials will scorch it, and my shallow faith will wither. So I ask, Heavenly Sower, plow my heart first, plant your truth in me, and let me yield a good harvest.