Open Heaven 4 June 2026: A Brand-New Heart IV
MEMORISE: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. Revelation 3:15
READ: Matthew 13:7, 22
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
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The third kind of soil Jesus described in His parable about the sower is ‘Thorny ground’. He compared this soil type to people who hear God’s word, but are distracted by many things that prevent the word from bearing fruit in their lives. This type of people appear to love God’s word, but clearly not enough to change their ways or let go of some worldly pleasures. A male chorister in a church choir who serves God fervently but still fornicates is an example of someone with a thorny heart. Such people received the word of God at a point, but they did not allow it to change them.
Some Christians argue by asking questions like, “Where is it written in the Bible that drinking alcohol is a sin?” Some others even say that listening to worldly music is not a sin as long as they do not do what the lyrics of the songs say, or that gambling is not bad so long as the Bible doesn’t say so. Whenever I hear such statements, I know that they are coming from thorny hearts. They want to serve God, but they are unwilling to let go of worldly pleasures. If you find yourself trying to find loopholes through which you can serve God and still do some of the things unbelievers usually do, beware, that is a major symptom of a thorny heart.
Being God’s child is not about following rules and regulations; it is about being like Christ. When the Holy Spirit is truly dwelling in you, you will flee things that can hinder your relationship with God or cause unbelievers to blaspheme His name, whether they are clearly referred to as sins in the Bible or not. For instance, if a Christian man puts his hand around the waist of a woman who is not his wife, it can be argued that he didn’t break his vows to his wife, but it is clearly inappropriate. Also, such an action can make unbelievers speak against the faith.
Beloved, many people have lost their relationships with Christ because they do not want to change completely for Him. They want to do whatever they like and still hold on to Jesus. If you are living this way, you need to have a change of heart today because there will be no fruits to show from your walk with God. I pray that you will live a fruitful life as a Christian, in Jesus’ name.
Reflection
Are you fully surrendered to God, or are you looking for loopholes in His word so you can behave like the world?
KEY POINT
Growing in the knowledge of God through his word is important for every believer.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 35-38
Open Heaven 4 June 2026
