READ: Genesis 7-8, Mark 4
EXAMINE: Mark 4: 18-20 – "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. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown." Jesus used a parable to describe what happens to different people when they hear the word of God. Later he explained to his disciples what this parable meant.
APPLY: What do I do with God's word? Reading my Bible plants a seed of God's word in my heart. I have a choice – I can let that seed grow and change my heart, my life, so that others see God's word in me. Or I can just let that seed lie still in me while I focus on the worries, wants, and wishful thinking. I admit that I have done both. But being fruitful is much more pleasing to God and pleasant for me.
PRAYER: Lord God, Thank you for giving me your word. Make my heart a fertile valley where your word can grow and blossom. Cut out the thorns that continue attempting to take over my life. Teach me, Lord, how to be fruitful for you. Amen.
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