A Divided Heart

Reading: Luke 8:7, 14

"Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked the tender plants.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, riches and pleasures of this life. And they never grow to maturity."
Luke 8:7, 14 NLT

"Plow up the hard ground of your hearts!
Do not waste your good seed among thorns."
Jer 4:3

Thorns in the heart, ouch! How do you pull them out of such a tender place without damaging the good plant? Remember the hard soil? Same thing... you soak the thorny soil and in a few days the root loosen their grasp in the soil. Bath yourself in the word and these things slide out much easier. There are three things mentioned that crowd God's word from growing to maturity in your life..cares, riches and pleasure. Here are some verses for each:

Cares, worry and anxiety:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
1Peter 5:7 NLT

"So don't worry about these things, saying,
'What will we eat? What will we drink?
What will we wear?'
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
So don't worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring it's own worries."
Matt. 6:25-34 NLT
 

"Don't worry (or be anxious) about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God's peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT

Hallelujah! Oh, God yes we believe in You, but please help us with our unbelief that we may trust You completely as a small child trusts their parents.

Riches and pleasure:

"Don't store up treasures here on earth...
store your treasures in heaven...
Wherever your treasure is,
there the desires of your heart will also be...
no one can serve two masters...
you can be devoted to one and despise the other.
You can not serve both God and money."
Matt. 6:19-24

Also see Ecclesiastes 2, 11 and 12

In conclusion, how do we allow the seed of God's word mature in us? Do not let the thorns of worry grow up and choke the tender word He has given us. Rather we must trust God for every part of our life. Also we should be mindful of not letting the temptation of worldly riches and pleasure to steal our hearts desires away from loving the one who loves us most.

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
and all these things shall be added to you."
Matt. 6:33