What Jesus Did! 'The Threat of Too Much' — Luke 8:14

Sunday, May 14, 2023

[Jesus continued his explanation of the parable of the sower and the seeds:] "The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity."
— Luke 8:14 NLT

Key Thought

We live in a busy time. Most of us who read these devotionals on electronic devices have more things than most people who lived previously could have ever imagined. However, rather than making our lives so much better, our things tend to crowd out our allegiance to and passion for the Lord. Too many voices are competing for our attention, and Jesus' voice gets overlooked. We become stunted in our spiritual growth — believers but ones who do not develop in our discipleship as we should. Let's realize that we face a huge battle with complacency, passion, commitment, and allegiance simply because we have so much.

Today's Prayer

O gracious and Almighty Lord, the God and Father of Jesus Christ, thank you for your powerful deliverance. I now ask that you deliver me from the threat of having my eyes diverted away from you by the things I possess. Through your Holy Spirit, please help my heart to always be completely devoted to you. May my faith in your Son be strong, and help me to follow him with passion and devotion. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Timothy 6:6-10
  • Luke 18:24-28
  • Luke 16:13

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:14 NLT — "The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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