Manna for Your Morning

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. — Luke 21:34 (NKJV) Don’t let the cares of this world distract you and choke the living Word out of you. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. (Luke 8:14 NLT) These people let the enemy steal the Word away from them and therefore, it does not bear any fruit in their lives. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4 NKJV) As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, let us stay mission-minded and bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God.

“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” — Mark 4:18-19 (NKJV) Once you have heard the word, don’t let the worries and cares of the world choke it out of you. Psalm 119:165 says, great peace have those who love His law, and nothing causes them to stumble. The entrance of His words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) The Word of God gives us life. (Psalm 119:93) His word is a lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. (Psalm 119:105) Unlike the things of this world that are temporary, the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) Instead of being distracted with concerns about all the things you have to do and all the things you want to get, be like those who receive the word on good ground. “…they hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold...

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, while her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. (Luke 10:39-40) The Message Bible says: She sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. Jesus said Mary chose the good part. The worries and distractions of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and superficial pleasures will choke the word of life right out of you. Don't let the cares and demands of this world sidetrack you away from what is really important, spending time with the Lord and listening to His Word. The Word of God will give you the guidance, wisdom and strength you need. A few moments alone with Jesus at the beginning of your day, will set you on the right course for the rest of your day.

  casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. — 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) The worries of this world will choke the living Word right out of you and replace it with anxiety and fear. Instead, cast all your cares on the Lord. Don't believe the lies of the enemy, our heavenly Father deeply cares about you. No parent wants to see their child struggle under the weight of a heavy burden they were never meant to carry. In Hebrews 2:6 (AMP), the LORD is asked, “What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You graciously care for him?” His thoughts about you are more than can be numbered (Psalm 40:5). Cast all your cares on the LORD and know that He will take care of you.

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” — Luke 10:42 (MSG) Don’t get so worked up about the events of this world. The worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and will cause you to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22). May we be like Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:39). Why consume an unhealthy snack, when you can feast on a full course that will sustain you and give you strength? Choose Jesus, the main course! He is the bread of life. (John 6:48).

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. — Psalm 55:22 (NIV) First  Peter 5:7 (AMP) tells us to cast the whole of our care [all our anxieties, all our worries, all our concerns, [once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you… The LORD lavishes His love on us and does not desire for us to be overburdened with the cares of this world. They will choke the life out of you. Surely God is our help; the Lord is the one who sustains us (Psalm 54:4). Cast your cares on Him and do not take them back again.

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. — Matthew 13:22 (NKJV) Weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it (Matthew 13:22b, The Message). Don't let the worries of this world choke the Word out of you. First Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon God. When we clear our hearts of worldly cares, we allow the Word to grow, take root, and bear much fruit in our lives. Get rid of the thorns and thrive! Stand on the Word, no matter what, and you will persevere through all seasons of life!