One of the strongest weapons against the enemy is a made up mind. He hates those who have their mind made up to serve God. If you want to have a successful relationship with Jesus Christ, this is one of the prerequisites. In Matthew 13:18, Jesus told His disciples about the parable of a sower: "The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spoke many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty-fold, some thirty-fold." In this story, Jesus mentions four different places the seeds fell on; "Some fell along the path" (v. 4), "Some fell on rocky places" (v.5), "Other seeds fell among thorns" (v.7), and "Still other seeds fell on good soil" (v.8).

1. Seeds that fell on the Path

"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path" (v. 19, emphasis added). It is important that when we hear the word of God, we make sure that we also understand it. If we don't understand it, not only are we not going to be able to apply it in our lives, but the evil one (Satan) will come and snatch away what was sown in our hearts. James warned us about this. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22-25, emphasis added).God wants us to learn how to apply His words in our lives because it draws us closer to Him.I encourage you to start applying God's word in your life daily. When you read your Bible ask yourself this question: "How can I apply this in my life?" If you do not understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. You can also ask someone knowledgeable about the Bible like your pastor or youth pastor. Apply it and watch it change you for the better.

2. Seeds that fell on Rocky Places

"The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away" (vv.20, 21, emphasis added). If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything. A firm foundation is crucial as a disciple of Christ especially in today's world. A firm foundation helps you through those times when you doubt your faith. If you do not have a solid relationship with Jesus Christ, you are going to believe whatever people tell you. Persecution, trials, tribulations, and temptations are some of the ways that will test how grounded you are in your faith. The Christian walk seems sweet until you get to that point. Nevertheless, as we say in the hood, "don't be scured." "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4). Trials and tribulation will test your loyalty to Jesus Christ.

3. Seeds that fell among thorns

"The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful" (v. 22, emphasis added). I use to worry about everything?school, finance, and girls. Sometimes when you look at your circumstances, you cannot help but worry. You worry about how you will pay your bills, what you are going to eat, how your college education is going to be paid, and so many other things. When you worry too much about everything, you become "unfruitful." Learn how to entrust God with all your worries. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus encouraged us to, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Jesus affirms our safety in Him. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, emphasis added). It feels good to know that I do not have to worry about anything. Do not pray and then worry.

4. Seeds That Fell on Good Soil

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown" (v. 23, emphasis added).These are the types of seeds that God wants His children to be?fruitful and productive. The people that produce fruits are the ones who did not let the enemy snatch the word of God away from their heart. After reading God's word, they applied it in their everyday life and grew. They stood firm throughout the trials, tribulations, temptations, and persecutions. In spite of the drama in their lives, they trusted God and never gave up. When they could not see how their bills were going to be paid, they did not worry or doubt because they knew that, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19, emphasis added). A woman was asked about the secret of winning the spiritual battle. Her reply was, "When the devil knocks, I let Jesus answer." Whenever it feels like your world is crashing down on you, call on Jesus, and He will be there for you. "For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). Without His help, we cannot do anything on our own. Remember, when Satan knocks at your door, get Jesus to answer.