Devotion for Wednesday, November 19, 2025

“These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (Mark 4:15).

“I do not agree with that!”  How many times do you see someone saying this as if their opinion were equal to God’s declared truth?  Pride gets in the way and we think more of ourselves than we ought.  Satan feeds this.  God’s word falls on our ear, but the self will not receive what the Lord gives us.  Which is true?  Is it what the Lord has said or what you think?  The word of the Lord is the Word of the LORD.

Lord, in the absurdity of this sinful world I act as though I can negotiate with You.  Either I go to the place where I am harsh with others or else I say to myself and others that Your grace is sufficient –  the devil may care –  and You will sort it out in the end.  Take me away from either being the sin police or being uncaring about consequences and instead help me reside firmly in the word You give.

Lord Jesus, You have given me the words of truth in a world filled with lies.  The world, the flesh and the devils come along and tell me what I want to hear and Your word falls off me.  Do whatever it takes so that I am receptive to the whole of Your counsel.  Guide me ever deeper along the narrow path of salvation so that I live into the life You are giving me by faith.  Save me, Jesus, from the insanity of this world and help me to hold fast to the truth You have spoken.  Amen.