Mark 4:18-19
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
You may recognize today’s Scripture as being part of the parable Jesus told of the farmer who cast out seed. The problem was that some of the seed fell into areas that prevented growth. In these two verses Jesus relates how seed thrown among thorns prevents it from producing a crop.
It reminds me of the second trip Joyce and I took to Hawaii. A Christian businessman had built a beautiful retreat on the Island of Maui for Pastors and wives to spend two weeks virtually free. That was a price we could afford!
Our first trip was fantastic with no problems. The second trip resulted in somewhat of a challenge. If you do not know what a gecko is, it is a small nocturnal lizard that makes itself at home outside or inside the house. They have the remarkable ability to climb walls or walk across the ceiling with no problem.
The gecko’s ability to grip onto a smooth surface at ease might have been fascinating to me, but it did not interest Joyce one little bit. She had the heebie-jeebies all the time we were there, thanks to the resident gecko population.
You know there are geckos in our spiritual life as well. We should be enjoying a paradise of walking with the Lord in victory and joy. Unfortunately there are things (like geckos) that interfere with our walk—worrying about this life, being deceived by the glitter of wealth or wanting what we do not have. Are there geckos in your life?
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil