“That lay on the good ground for that seed which fell whether among thorns, are they that turn and are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:14)

parable of the sower seed is the Word of God choked by thorns and thistles received the Word but choked by weeds be not anxious faithless anxiety worldly worries fretting cast our cares upon Jesus enjoy Gods provision riches and deceit worries worry caring for father in bed for weeks suit tie casino bus pension check quick riches gambling get rich quick smoky one arm bandit coin and lever factory workers vision of heaven vision of hell no sure thing face to face with Jesus what did you do with what I entrusted to you investments speculative bets love of God love of others false god St John the love of the world is enmity with God no man can serve two masters soul pulling us away from God cry to Jesus temporal things love lasts pleasures of life smoking recreational marijuana the enemy doesn’t create he destroys give ourselves over to pleasure bondage death hedonism pleasures are God given corn empty stalk take root Adam Eve expelled angel guarding the gate with a flaming sword the earth brought forth thorns Jesus crowned with thorns