TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2024.
TOPIC: The Thony Heart.
MEMORY VERSE: Genesis 3:18
[18]Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
FOCUS: Matthew 13:7
[7]And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.
Even though we are commanded by God to bear fruits, this is not an automatic process at all because there are a lot of factors that aid fruitfulness.
When we are in the flesh, we are conditioned by darkness, we are enslaved to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. We inherited the habits and natures of the sinful life.
A thorny-hearted person is a believer who loves money more than Jesus. Many people are slaves of money, they are stuck with the cares of this world.
This type of person lacks devotion and dedication to purpose, one time they are with God and at another time they are carried away with the deceitfulness of this world, they are neither cold nor hot.
They are always bothered and worried about mundane things.
This type of heart can never nurture a seed to maturity, it receives the word and then goes ahead to choke it with the cares of this world, he is anxious and unsettled, and his priority is always self-centered.
It is important for us to constantly examine the kind of hearts we possess especially when we desire to be fruitful.
LESSON: Matthew 6:33-34
[33]But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[34]Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
The Joy of this is that these thorns can be removed from our hearts.
Fruitfulness is a decision and not a destination.
Everyone who desires to bear fruit must be willing to let go of these thorns and embrace the right heart and this can be done through the following;
- Live a life of contentment
- Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.
- Don’t struggle with desires rather practice self-discipline over lust.
- Learn to rebuke your thoughts especially when it is not in alignment with the divine will for you.
- Learn to work on your priorities
- Spend your time on profitable things.
- Seek freedom from the right knowledge.
- Avoid unhealthy competition
- Make friends with wise people
- Be prayerful
With all these points, I believe you will deliver yourself and also help others to live a healthy life.
PERSONAL CONFESSION: I am a new creation, my heart is not covetous.
PERSONAL PRAYER: Father, give me a new heart, create in me a right spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Until you are worry-free, you can never be problem-free.
NOTE: March on and fear not the thorns or sharp stones on life’s path.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.