“The message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Mark 4:19 CEV 

In the parable of the sower, Jesus said the seed fell into four kinds of soil. Here is one of them: “The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are…people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything” (vv. 18-19 CEV). Observe what keeps God’s Word from working effectively in your life: (1) Worrying that God won’t take care of you. (2) Thinking if you had more money, a bigger house, a better car, or a more attractive appearance, you would be happier. Here is the question: do you remember when you thought your present career, the house you live in now, and the financial portfolio you have acquired would make all your worries disappear? But it doesn’t work that way, does it? The more “things” you have, the more you have to lose, protect, maintain, and be concerned about. Worrying about material things can “choke” the life out of you! Peace and happiness come from trusting God for what you need—knowing if something is right for you, He will provide it, and if it’s not, He will give you something better. An amazing thing happens when you meditate on God’s promises. Your worries shrink, your mind and attitude are reprogrammed, and you enjoy life more. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT). So today, put prayer and Bible reading at the top of your to-do list.

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024