Day 15

16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Mark 4:16-19

Verses 17-19 talk about different distractions and challenges that choke out the word of God from really taking root in our lives. Jesus specifically mentions tribulations, persecution, the deceitfulness of riches, cares of this world, and the desire of things other than God.

1. Welcome God to come in this time and begin by expressing gratitude, praise, and worship.
2. Has God’s word and voice in your life been challenged by what you see and hear around you? When you watch the news or scroll through social media, do the painful realities burden you? Do daily responsibilities and challenges bring you down? Do you try to meet your own needs through striving, coveting, or hoarding? Jesus knows that these are some of the worst conditions for His word to thrive in. His gospel is all about His grace, truth, peace, generosity, freedom, provision, and empowerment. The examples given in this parable go against His Kingdom through doubt, despair, worry, fear, pride, and greed. Take five to ten minutes in prayer and ask the Lord to show you the places where His word is being challenged by what Jesus mentions in verses 17-19.
3. Hebrews 2:12-14 (The Passion Translation) reads, “For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts. There is not one person who can hide their thoughts from God, for nothing that we do remains a secret, and nothing created is concealed, but everything is exposed and defenseless before his eyes, to whom we must render an account.” God’s word has the power to change us from the inside out. It has the power to reveal truth, and bring peace, clarity, strength, courage, alignment, and more. This is why it is so important that we not only identify what’s uprooting His word in our lives but also to repent from those ways and turn back to Him. Take time in His Presence to pause and listen. Invite His word to search you with conviction. When ready, simply say you’re sorry and turn back to Him. Allow His mercy and grace to wash over you as you return to your first Love.

4. Listen to "Nothing Else" by Cody Carnes. Reflect on how the Lord has provided for your needs in the past and restored broken areas of your life. What He did then, He promises to do now.
5. As you close out this time, ask the Lord for a specific word and or Scripture for today. Whatever He says, write it down or speak it into the voice memo feature on your phone and listen to it throughout your day or whenever you feel troubled or discouraged. Step into your authority as Christ’s son or daughter and receive His renewing truth today.