Scripture:  Mark 4:18 (NIV) 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Observation:  What comes to mind when I hear the word "choke" is of an opponent in a MMA fight. One of the things that can happen is a choke hold. It is at that point the person is choked out where he knows if he doesn't submit he'll pass out because of lack of oxygen .  So he taps out to indicate to the referee that he has given up and he loses the match.

Application:  In the same manner when we allow the world's desires and worries choke out God's word we too may pass out so to speak.  Pass out meaning giving in to the worldly desires, temptations or simply sin that will rob us of God's blessings for our lives and family.  When we take in the poison of this world and submit to Satan's temptation we become unfruitful.  God's word helps us to breathe spiritually in freedom and liberty.  The bible tells us in John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  Jesus wants the best for us we simply need to choose and follow God's word instead of bowing to the desires of this world and getting choked out.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you that you sustain me, that you refresh me, that you keep me focus, that you prepare a banqueting table before me to feast on, that you know my struggles, that you know my triumphs and that you know every part of me. Lord I pray you would keep me close to your word, that a crop would be harvested—"some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” So much to do Lord, be my guide this day in Jesus name...Amen