Devotion for Thursday, November 20, 2025

“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away” (Mark 4:16-17).

All you or I need to do is look around and this is what we see.  Many have gone to church, and now no longer go to church.  The game is becoming more apparent.  As long as I get what I want, I’ll be a part of it, but as soon as things change, I’m out of here.  We see a great deal of this in our day.  People are not bonded to one another, let alone the Lord.  It is a free-for-all in our world.  Give and take but take more than you give: this is the world’s message.

I love Your word, O Lord.  Then I go into the world and forget what You have said.  Much of Your word has fallen off of me.  Or maybe I do not love Your word.  Create in me a new and clean heart.  What I am able to do in this world begins with You.  The comfort of habit is easily shattered.  Your word rooted in me may be cut to the ground, but the roots are still there.

Lord Jesus, teach me through Your word.  You have given me the words of everlasting life.  This world gives me words of temporary comfort or pleasure.  Take me from where I am to where I need to be so that I may live into the life for which You died.  Help me to see the simple reality of this as I live my daily life in order that I would grow in this faith You have given me to become more like You.  Amen.