I am kinda in a fog right now. Not even sure why I am blogging about it instead of journaling because I don't feel my thoughts are out of the blender yet. They are mixing around in my mind right now.
I identify with those who try to make things complicated when it come to Jesus' words to us. He is simple, but we make Him complex. The things He says are straight forward, but by the time His words reach our minds they are not so simple.
I read this last night:
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 8:14)
Jesus was talking about His word in our hearts. It is like a seed. We tend to choke out His word with the "stuff" we add to it. When I got to the part where He says the word was choked out by, "life’s worries, riches and pleasures" it just hit me.
I have felt a lack of maturity on my part in recent years, what Jesus is saying here is probably why. I have worries. I love pleasure and riches.
It's time to take Him for His word, as it is. No "stuff" added.
I’ve thought about this parable many times and often think that my entire life has been a mission of God’s mercy. I have seen myself as having heard The True Word of God but allowed His Spirit to be choked out by life in general as I went “on my way,” my own way, by going after the enemies counterfeits that he so strategically places along the wider path. When we are young (and I was twelve when led to the alter to the tune of “Just as I am”) we need older and more mature Christians to disciple us, to lead us along the narrow path where we find true joy in the fulfillments of the longings that God placed within us. Those places in our hearts and minds that only He can fill. Instead, I ran after idols, not God and the abundant life He offered me. I have sufferred consequences and caused other’s but especially My Heavenly Father much pain. I stand convicted. “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.”. He knew if we were to turn to anything or anyone before Him, this very lie would choke the Life out of us and we would either be destroyed or rendered ineffective. I am grateful for His relentless pursuit of my heart and even more grateful for His relentless pursuit of yours. Love, Mom.
I can always rely on you for encouragement 🙂 Thanks for always commenting. I would like to go to that event on April 1st. Is Michael going?
I’m hoping he will go. It might be nice if you would call him and ask him if he would like to join you. We need our men. In the fight against sexual-slavery and exploitation, it has up to this point, included mostly women. I hope you enjoy it!