The Devil's Telemarketers

# 338- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18,19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

Let's talk first about the cares of this world. The Greek word used here for cares means “distractions.” A synonym for this word is “solicitude.” Don't let the sound of that word scare you, it comes from the root word of solicit.

The “cares of this world” are the telemarketers of the devil. They are his “door to door” salesmen. They always seem to call on you when you are right in the middle of something else. They waste your precious time. They are distractions.

Here's the thing about distractions, they are sneaky. For example, how many times have you found yourself doing a devotional or praying and suddenly become aware that you are thinking about fixing the lawn mower, or how you are going to attack your spring cleaning chores.

Here's a hint on how to handle such moments. Your distraction wasn't apparent to you until you became aware of it. You thought, “What am I doing? I'm suppose to be praying!” Now think about it. Who would take the time to make you aware of the distraction? Who would take the time to make you aware of any distractions connected with following Christ? The answer is the Holy Spirit.

Listen to Him and thank Him for making you aware of any and all distractions and then get back to the more important kingdom business at hand.

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.