Free Of Thorns

In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-8), Jesus tells about a
farmer who scatters seed on four different types of soil: packed,
shallow, thorny, and fertile. In this parable, the seed refers to
the Word of God and the soil refers to those who hear the Word.

Those of packed soil have hearts which are so hard that they
immediately turn away. Those of shallow soil may quickly germinate
and grow, but they also quickly lose interest and die. Most of us
reading this type of message fall into one of the last two types of
soil. We desire God's Word to grow on the fertile ground of our
heart and produce a bountiful crop, but we seem to continually battle
the thorns.

Matthew 13:22
"The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man
who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the
deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."

We have more opportunity to receive God's Word today than any other
time in history. We can hear good preaching in church, on radio, on
tape, or even over the internet. We can read God's Word in a variety
of translations and receive an abundance of help with
interpretation. Our soil is definitely receiving seed. But the
challenge is to keep our lives free of the distractions which hinder growth.

Here's a simple test of our soil. Jesus said the number one
commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). When was
the last time our heart overflowed with love for God? When was the
last time we considered the sacrifice of Jesus and nearly bubbled
over with "Thank You!"?

God desires for us to love Him. In fact, His entire Word is a
message of calling us back to a loving relationship. If we have a
hard time following His most basic desire, it's no wonder we're
confused about where He's leading. We look for specific direction
with where to live and work, yet we fail to give Him the entirety of
our heart and simply worship at His feet.

When God's Word comes into our life, we should receive it and cherish
it as a precious gift. We ought to immediately look for ways to
apply His Word and make it grow, not process it through the
distractions of deadlines, appointments, bills, and worldly
relationships and ambitions.

Is the Word growing in our life, or is it being choked by unnecessary
demands of the world? "The world and its desires pass away" (1 John
2:17), but the things of God are eternal. He is calling us to live a
life fully dedicated to Him in ALL we do. Let's weed our garden and
remove distractions so the seed of His Word can grow and bear
fruit. Let's begin to develop fertile soil which is free of thorns.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655
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