Choked up in Life

^{S: 10} He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

   “‘though seeing, they may not see;
   though hearing, they may not understand.’^[a]

¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.  

^{Luke 8:10, 14}

^O:  Jesus explains that those who have the Holy Spirit in their hearts have the ability to depict God's will and message. But those who don't know Christ, will only hear and see, but won't  grasp the concept of God's intentions. Though I can't verbally hear Jesus speak through his parables, I know that God moves in my life. I was given the ears to hear, and eyes to see, but I do not practice it all the time. If I were to measure where my life is at, I would be the seed that feel among the thorns. I never really mature because I'm so caught up in life. Need it be relationships, money, fun, family, friends... its always me first then God.... This needs to change

A: Put God at the center of my life. How?... Read more, pray more, sing more? I'll try those for now. 

P: Jesus, show me how to free myself from the thorns of life. I can see that being caught up in worldly desires is choking my spiritual life, so I ask you Jesus to help me to change. Thank you for the cross.

In Jesus name

Amen.

 

Awaken from Spiritual Slumber.

S:
³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

O:
Simeon was righteous and devout man who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Upon waiting for the consultation of Jerusalem, the HS revealed to him that he will meet the Messiah before his time on this earth ends. After seeing Jesus, Simeon prophesy that he will be not only the Messiah that was promised in the scripture, but the one who will separate the flock. Men will either "fall or rise", but none will be the middle. Jesus is that sword, the one who cleaves and separates the soul from salvation or destruction.

A:
Jesus did not come to fulfill our earthly needs, but he came to serve God's purpose of raising the believers from those who will fall. I feel like the Holy Spirit is directing me that I can no longer fall within amongst the crowd and blend in. God calls me forth to no longer be lukewarm, as He will spit them out, but to be on fire for Him. Be bold, the sight of Jesus will empower me to stand up for my faith.

P:
Jesus, thank you for your precious grace that I don't deserve. I pray as I start my day with you, that you would continue to remind me to have my soul cleaved from the patterns of this world. Pierce my heart and awaking me from this spiritual slumber, that I will be able to serve you and obey you today.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

³⁵ All the peoples of the earth
   are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
   with the powers of heaven
   and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
   or say to him: “What have you done?”
 ³⁶ At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. ³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.