What Jesus Did! 'The Cares of the Crowded Heart' — Mark 4:18-19

Monday, March 4, 2024

[Continuing the explanation of his parable, Jesus said,] "The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced."
— Mark 4:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

I hate thorns. Spending part of my time growing up in West Texas, I had to deal with all sorts of spiny cactus-like plants. Thorns seem to grow better in semi-arid regions than most other plants ... but then they grow better than most other plants in wet regions, too! Having to deal with thorns is just a reminder that our hearts can easily be distracted from what is important by what is pervasive! We need to beware because the stuff we own may come to own us and choke out our hearts' openness to God.

Today's Prayer

Father, please help me keep my priorities correct as I battle with the cares of this life, the lure of money, and the desire to have nice things. Bless me as I seek you and your Kingdom first, and as I trust that you will supply what is most needed in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:18-19 NLT — "The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 4, 2024

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Inspired Songs' (Co. 3:16)
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'We Are Only Messengers from God!' (Acts 14:14-18)
"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard [that the priests of Zeus were about to offer sacrifices to them], they tore their clothing in dismay....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Revelation 21:23
"Quietly contemplate the Lamb as the light of heaven. Light in Scripture is the emblem of joy. The joy of the saints in heaven is comprised in this:..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray for Eyes to See Ourselves as God Sees Us'
"I know what you do, that you are not hot or cold. I wish that you were hot or cold! 16 But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready....."

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.

More What Jesus Did!