Come now, let us reason together

Jesus was straight up telling the truth in the parable of the sower. Good intentions notwithstanding, it is too easy to be affected by the "cares of this life". Matthew 13:22 records Jesus's instruction on sowing seed. Reception of the word is unfruitful unless it is nurtured and cared for in the heart of a person. The pitfall is obvious.... "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches" choke the word.  So what is a person to do?  Turn your eyes on Jesus! Look up! Make a decision to intentionally appreciate the love and grace of God. How? With His word.  Consider these encouraging verses: Nehemiah 9:5; Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 95:1; Psalm 96:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:58. The list could go on and on.  God wants us to know there is something better than carrying the burdens and cares of this world all by ourselves. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures provide hope. There is one thing more:  There is Truth in God's Word. If you are worried that you’ve sinned too much and you are far away from God, Consider the power in the prophecy of Isaiah!  ““Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”(Isaiah 1:18 ESV) What a terrific antidote to "the cares of this life". Praise God!