“The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time; afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cars of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4: 14-20
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Hold onto your pass with your life. It’s your ticket into the party. It will also give you access to the private shuttle that will drop you back off to your cars.” The old driver barked out the orders as if he had been reciting them since before Hef was born.
He carefully passed out the priceless invitations. They dangled from corded neck chains and looked like the ones cute girls at rock concerts always showed off.
I turn the plastic card in my hands in wonderment, finding it hard to believe that I was actually on my way to the infamous Playboy mansion.
“You’re first time?” The blonde next to me tucked the plastic card into her cleavage without a second glance.
“Yes. Have you been to the mansion before?” Obviously, my excitement wasn’t concealed very well.
“A million times.” She laughed at the wide-eyed brunette sitting next to her.
“I’ll give you a private tour. Hef’s cool with me. Just stay close.” She winked and threaded her arm through mine. The smell of her cotton candy perfume added to the circus-like atmosphere.
It was late and the private road was dark. The driver artfully weaved around the curves of the mountain like a pro.
I stood up, not wanting to miss a thing. It was important that I burn every moment of this historic night into my brain.
The shuttle began to shift into a lower gear, climbing up the steepest part of the hill. All conversations quieted down reverently.
“Look! It’s just like I saw on True Hollywood Story!” A man from behind me proclaims. His finger pointed to the bright yellow sign sprawled on the hilly lawn in front of the bus.
The sign read: “Slow down. Bunny Crossing.”
I giggle with excitement as the bus quickly comes alive again. All conversations re-kindle with a whole new fervor and energy. The bus driver finds his familiar parking spot under an old oak tree.
Linking arms with my fragrant and buxom tour guide, we step off the bus together. My heart leaps with each step. It feels as if the mansion itself is drawing me in. I can’t shake the feeling that my life will never be the same. It never was.
Mark 4:14-20 warns of the dangers of this seductive world. Many people have been exposed to the wisdom of God’s word. Some are powerfully changed by the supernatural wisdom received from it; others don’t seem to be affected in the least.
If the power of God’s word isn’t making a marked impact on your life, it might be wise to consider the condition of the soil of your heart.
Are the pleasures of this life stealing from your eternal blessings? Nothing this world has to offer can compare to the riches God has for His children in this life—and the next.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
When I read Mark 4:14-20, it makes me very aware of the reality that I can give away my salvation. It’s quite clear that someone who claims to love you can be seduced by the world and change their minds and allegiance.
Lord, keep the soil of my heart rich with desire to always have you be the Lord of my life.
I know that there are many temptations that this world has to offer, but nothing is worth giving up a personal relationship with the Almighty God of the Universe.
You have been so merciful and gracious to me. It’s an honor to call you my Heavenly Father. Help me to remember this when my allegiance get’s challenged. Help me to be strong to proclaim your name no matter what the cost. You are so worthy and so worth it.
In Jesus’ precious name, carve my name permanently in the Lamb’s book of life and into your heart; as I carve your name into mine. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Mark 4: 14-20
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan