Excerpt

Scripture: Mark 4:18-19
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.

I hear The Word, I can meditate on The Word, absorb The Word and feel great! Then, the desires for “things” gets me focused on earthly things and I get absorbed in them and I feel great too. I feel great in both situations however; I am unfruitful in the latter. My main focus in not on God. I might be fruitful in earthly ways but not God’s way. My thoughts are turned toward outward stimuli-not inward. What I am thankful for is God always stops me before I go too far. Then it’s up to me to respond. Do I stop and read The Word or do I continue to choke The Word and make it unfruitful?


Scripture: God Moments
Points to Ponder

Are the words in the Bible just words to you or do they come alive? If they are just words to you, then the Bible is no more than a mediocre novel. Sure, you read the Bible in a year, you underline certain verses--but, ask yourself--do I really understand this chapter, does it feel like God is talking to me? If the answer is no, then you are no better off than the person who has never heard. Both of you have never “heard” Him speak. If the Word comes alive, then my friend, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you and letting you understand what you are reading. The veil has been lifted thanks to the Holy Spirit! So many people I know carry their Bible and never let it come alive and walk and talk and teach. It’s just for show and it’s dormant.

Scripture: John 21:21B
Lord, what about him?

I can’t spend all of my days wondering why I have been chosen as one of God’s own and why others haven’t. He knew long ago that I would accept His Son Jesus Christ. He knew that I would search for Him with my whole heart. Why doesn’t everyone desire to know God? I can’t answer that so, I don’t even need to try! I am set apart. Christians are to be set apart. Don’t question--“what about so-and-so?” or “why can’t everyone…?” Let God work it out! I need not be so preoccupied with wondering why! I need to be obedient to my calling and my relationship with my Father (God). Not His relationship with Susie or Nick or Jessie or Steve or…