TODAY’S 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
Read: Mark 4:1-19
Listen: Mark 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus tells the crowd a parable about a farmer spreading seed. The parable is really about God (the farmer) working to produce his character (a good crop) in us (the different soils). In the first three types of soil, something causes the seed not to take root. This first soil represents where hearts are hard and the word doesn’t sink in, others fall away when trouble comes, and the last group gets distracted by the things of this world.
Pastor Aaron Buer tells us God wants his words to take root in our hearts and grow his character in us. In Galatians 5:22, the Apostle Paul talked about the Fruit of the Spirit—characteristics of God the Holy Spirit helps to develop in us. This is the growth God wants to see.
However, there are many things that can distract us and keep us from this growth. Distraction and challenges to our faith look different for each of us. Maybe the distraction is money as we look for career advancement and financial security. This security can be a blessing, but it can also choke out God’s voice. Perhaps instead, we struggle financially. Worrying about the future quickly chokes out God’s voice. For others, it might be “the next new thing.” It might be a phone, car, trip or a house, but desiring and fixating on the next thing chokes out the voice of God. May today be the day where we recognize what is choking out God’s voice, confess it and pursue God anew.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
In your journal or mobile device, reflect on which soil best describes your heart. Then write down one thing you can do to help eliminate the things in your life distracting you and choking out your faith.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
