August 9th, 2026
Scripture – “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Mark 4:18-19 NIV
Observation – Jesus is explaining the parable of the four soils. The seed that fell among thorns is the person who hears God’s word, it appears they understand the Gospel and agree that it is true but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Application – Isn’t this true of many that claim to follow Jesus. They have a testimony that Jesus revealed himself to them, they confessed their sins, accepted Jesus death on the cross and gave their life to him. They will tell of their life before Christ, how they came to know him and how their life is different now. And their lives are different now “but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” How can a person worry, trust that money will take care of them and pursue other things and still fulfill the purpose that God has for their life? What are you worrying about that keeps you from Jesus? How has the accumulation of wealth clouded your vision the Kingdom of God? What are you pursuing that is preventing you from serving Jesus and producing a crop some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown?
Prayer – Lord Jesus, deal with us each directly and make it clear what we need to do so that we can be counted among the faithful. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 