Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. Mark 4:7
We have been talking about the war to keep the Word of God from finding ground in your heart.
Today I'd like you to think about the seed that was sown among thorns. The seed in this verse began to grow and grow but all of a sudden thorns began to grow around it and choke it. The thorns are the worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things. I was talking to the church in one of the prison units and I was telling them the reason I thought the church was flourishing in the prisons.
The reason that God is so alive in the church in the prisons is that there is no "escape" for them. You and I can, "go home," if we are weary from life's trials and even if we want quiet time away from others we can close the door. Think about it though, in the prison they can't do that. They are around people who are using foul language and being unkind and they can't get away from it. When they come to church they are ready to hear from the Lord and to fellowship with other believers and receive from the Word of God.
I've told the men that the very danger this particular parable talks about becomes evident when they get out of prison. The first thing they do is get a job and then after a while they get two or three part time jobs because they say they need to buy some of the things they need now. They begin to be consumed with work and obtaining things they think they need now that they are on the outside. They forget the very God that met them in the prison and to neglect the Word of God that is their very life.
How about you? In your community and world have you neglected one on one fellowship with Jesus? Has the worries and cares of this life caused you to pursue things other than the fellowship with the church and hearing the Word of God? If you will cast your cares upon God and then get still and hear what the Lord would speak to your heart, He already know everything you have need of.
This work that He has begun in your life He wants to complete it but you need time with Jesus, you need to not neglect fellowship with other believers. Those that will challenge you to do what is right and encourage your walk with the Lord. If you will make that time to spend time with the Lord and His Word and to get still with Him, God will prepare you for the place He has for you. The divine purpose you were created for will become a reality as you make time with God a regular, consistent priority in your life.
Lord I pray this very day for everyone reading this devotional, that there would be a sense of peace and joy that arises within them that you are involved in their circumstances. You know the worries and cares of their lives because you care for them. You are their provider and their purpose in Life and as they turn their hearts to you today, may they find their happiness in fellowship with your Holy Spirit. I pray they will embrace a renewed vision to make fellowship with You a priority in their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
For further study today we invite you to enjoy this video message:
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