Manna for Your Morning

“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...

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) If our hearts are open to receive God’s love, He continually plants seeds of love within us. His compassions are new every morning. Out of God’s love for us, we grow love and compassion for others. His love, in our hearts, will outgrow any weeds and roots of bitterness, if we let it. If we don’t accept and embrace the love God lavishes on us, we will be barren and unfruitful when it comes to loving others. The fruit of the Spirit is love, etc. (Galatians 5:22). Be fruitful. Make love the constant harvest of your heart.

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).

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!