Get In Tune

Initial Thoughts and Observations Gratitude for the opportunity to preach. Acknowledges the challenges of preaching, but emphasizes that “the good times carries us through the hard times and the bad times.” Humorous observation about Duke being “short in training” to become a song leader. Compares Duke to his father. Jokes about Duke finding a lady in a few years. Encourages joy and laughter in faith, contrasting it with the somber demeanor sometimes seen in Christians. “So many times, the Christians look like they’re going to a funeral all the time. They ain’t got a smile on their face. They ain’t happy in their heart.” Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:24-30 (Parable of the Tares) The parable describes a field where an enemy sows tares (weeds) among the wheat. Servants ask if they should remove the tares, but the master says no, to avoid uprooting the wheat as well. The tares and wheat are allowed to grow together until the harvest, when the tares are gathered and burned, and the wheat is gathered into the barn. Prayer Asks for guidance and direction in preaching. Prays for those with sin in their hearts or who have backslidden to return to God. Additional Thoughts and Encouragement Excitement about sharing thoughts received from God. Emphasis on focusing on God and tuning into Him. “Hey, I’m pretty excited. There’s a Lord of you out there listening to me out of tune. I’m what you need, brother. We need to focus on me.” Stresses the importance of loving one’s neighbor and brother. Acknowledges personal experience with backsliding and growing cold with God. Explanation of Tares (Darnel Grass) Darnel grass imitates wheat but produces no seed and has no value. The message is that God wants you. God’s Purpose in Difficult Situations Even in jobs we dislike, God has us there as a witness. The remedy is not to pull them up. Understanding the Difference Between Wheat and Tares Farmers who sow seeds regularly can distinguish between wheat and tares. The Bible will preach to the world. During harvest, tares will be gathered. God’s Knowledge and Judgment God sees your heart, knows your sin, guilt, and shame. “You got everybody fooled but you ain’t never gonna fool God who sees your heart he knows your sin he knows your guilt and he knows your shame.” Explanation of Matthew 13:36-43 Jesus explains the parable of the tares to His disciples. The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. Pranks and Iniquity Recalls playing pranks in the past, such as egging car windows and toilet papering houses. Stopped when they realized it could lead to jail time. In Jesus’ time, enemies would sow tares in a person’s field as a prank. Those who do iniquity will be cast into a furnace of fire. The righteous will shine forth as the sun. Living a Life That Reflects God How you live your life shows every day. If you cuss around the boys, God knows your heart. God knows everything good and bad and is searching your heart. “He’s got you under magnifying glass and He’s searching your heart.” The Parable of the Tares in the Wind God has us in this world for His glory. It’s all about Him and the tares. Transformation Through God Wheat and tares will remain what they are when they grow up. God can change a tare into wheat at any point, even near death. “God, but God, but God, He can change a tare anywhere from His birth until it’s almost dead, into a wheat. Only God, only God can do that.”