CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 759

“Choke Hold”

Matthew 13:22 (ESV)  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

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Kudzu is called the plant that ate the South.  It has been named one of the 100 worst alien invasive species on Earth.  This fast growing plant quickly blankets the land and trees, effectively blocking out the light such that the underlying vegetation and trees eventually die.

The ‘cares of this world’ mentioned in our reference Scripture are the things we worry and are anxious about.  How will I pay the bills?  Will I be in the next round of layoffs?  Will I be able to find work?  Is it cancer?  Worry is like a dark cloud that hangs over us and overwhelms us.  Just as Kudzu prevents sunlight from reaching the vegetation it has overtaken and chokes the life out of it, so also worry blocks the light of Jesus Christ and effectively suffocates the life out of the truth of the Living Word of God planted in our heart.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life … which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? … Therefore do not be anxious … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matt 6:25

The cure for worry and anxiety is to make your relationship with God and Christ your number one priority.  Seeking first and foremost His kingdom is to seek to walk closely with Him every moment of every day.  It is as if every breath we exhale is exhaled in prayer and worship.  Seeking His righteousness is to make it a priority to live a pure life, obedient to His Word.  It is as if you are so close to Jesus that His righteousness is wrapped around you like His cloak.  Seeking first is to have an intensity of desire like the thirst of a deer that has been fleeing hunters.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. – Psalm 42:1

In seeking first the kingdom and righteousness of God you invite in the power and presence of His Holy Spirit, who like a mighty wind will blow the cloud aside and let the comforting warmth of the light of Christ shine upon you and give you peace.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you …” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:21

Sometimes we think that more money is the cure to all of life’s problems. ‘If only I could win the lottery, then I would have nothing to worry about.’  This is the deceitfulness of wealth.  It promises what it cannot give.  Our security, our trust, hope, and faith in this life and for eternity must be founded upon Jesus Christ.  An abundance of greenbacks in this world, like the lush green of Kudzu belie the truth that they choke out life.  Don’t seek first the wealth of this world.  It will choke out of the Living Word of God in your life.

People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich are always worrying and seldom get a good night’s sleep. – Eccl 5:12

May you always walk in the light and presence of Father God.  May His peace always flood your soul.  May your life be abundantly fruitful for the Kingdom of God and may the Lord provide for all your needs as you seek Him first in your life.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God.