Key Verse:

“For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem,

Break up your fallow ground,

and sow not among thorns.”

— Jeremiah 4:3

Rooted Truth:

God’s Word cannot flourish in a heart tangled by thorns. To grow in righteousness, the weeds must go.

Faith Story:

In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, the seed that fell among thorns began to grow—but it was choked out by “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things.” (Mark 4:19)

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist revival, often warned believers not just about sin, but spiritual clutter. He said,

“Whatever cools my affection for Christ, that is the world.”

Thorns aren’t always evil things—they’re often good things that grow out of control: busyness, distraction, pride, or comfort. Left untended, they choke out the voice of God and rob the soil of fruit.

The call of Jeremiah is clear: Sow not among thorns. Pull up anything that competes with your devotion to Christ.

Scripture for Deeper Roots:

Matthew 13:22 – “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world… choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”

1 John 2:15 – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”

Daily Practice:

Ask God to reveal any “thorns” in your heart—things that are crowding out your time, attention, or love for Him. Write them down and pray through each one, asking God to uproot them.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, search my heart for the thorns that hinder Your work in me. Remove every distraction, every divided affection, and every worldly desire that keeps me from full devotion to You. Let my heart be clear soil for Your truth. Amen.

Deep Reflection:

• What thorns have grown unnoticed in your spiritual life?

• How can you daily “weed” your heart through prayer and repentance?

• What fruit might grow again if those thorns were gone?

#DeeplyRooted #DailyRenewed

Devotions for a Grounded and Growing Faith