Thorny weeds: they have no value, but they steal space, water, sunlight, and soil nutrients from plants. The bigger they get, the harder they are to pull out.
No wonder Jesus used this analogy for worldly treasures and earthly worries that choke the growth of God's Word in our hearts (Matthew 13:7; and verse 22).
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” 1 John 2:15
Those are strong words ... and true.
We can't serve two masters because we'll end up hating one of them (Matthew 6:24).
If we nurture the thorns in our hearts, they will strangle our productivity and effectiveness as Christians and we'll never have a mature faith.
Just as a gardener must regularly pull up the thorns in his garden, we must identify and pull up the thorns in our hearts.
Are you willing to do some "weeding" today?
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Hi Gail,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your inspiring and helpful Bible Love Notes. They are encouraging and aiding me as I am working my way through a difficult period in my life.
Would you please send me the free booklet that I saw mentioned on your website?
Thank you. 🙏🏻
Dear Sherri, I'm so sorry that my comments were not working right for several months. Please hit "reply" on your next Bible Love Note you get in the mail and let us know if you still need the free booklet. And I pay that you continue to feel God's presence and strength during this trying time in your life. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWe all grow thorns. . .Living life everyday in this world discipline can become tiring. I don't wanna live scared that I would end up "not" in the arms of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteObviously discipline is being obedient n Prayer is Powerful. God's armor must be worn daily in order that obedience can be made. Thanks for this teaching. Thorns are sprouting gotta take care of them right now... Blessing
Thank you for allowing God to use you to write these devotions. They have helped me so much during a difficult time right now. I'm learning God uses these times to remind
ReplyDeleteme of my contant need of Him daily.
I pray you will feel God's comfort and rely fully on His strength as you go through this difficult time. I'm blessed that my devotions are helping.
DeleteHi Gail,
ReplyDeleteI am a born again Christian and I love reading your posts! I needed some encouragement and God used your words to give me a boost. God bless you and thank you so much!
Very inspiring thoughts
ReplyDelete