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Mark 4:19 - and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 

Did you know that there are things in your life that can choke your spiritual life if you allow it? Many of these things are not even sins, but rather distractions that can cause your desires and affections to go in the opposite direction from the Lord.  

We must learn to guard our hearts against things that will take up all of our time and attention. We live in a busy, fast-paced world, and if you are not careful, you can become too busy for God. 

It's too easy to get so busy, so over-scheduled, that you don't have time to go to church. Our weeks can get filled with school activities, team sports, work, and other commitments. We justify our actions by saying, "I worked hard all week, I need a day off."  Yes, everyone needs a day off; that was God's idea, but we don't want to neglect our spiritual life. Nothing should be more important than attending church or personal spiritual growth.

You can do the same thing with your daily devotions: “I am too busy to pray or read my Bible today.” May I suggest that if you are that busy, you need to take some things out of your life? Don't let yourself be consumed by everyday things and life's cares. Learn to prioritize the important things in life.  

You need to see your relationship with God as valuable and essential.  

2 Timothy 2:4 - No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

The apostle Paul encourages Timothy, a young minister, that as a good soldier of Jesus Chris, he should not allow his life to be consumed by natural things.  For many of us, it's the everyday things that capture our attention, consume our time, and leave us too busy. 

Spend time in His Word and prayer. Make time for church and worship with a body of believers. These things will keep your heart right and help you keep your priorities in their proper place. We all have the same choices every day; we all get the same 24 hours, so make sure that you make some time for God in your life. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that you forgive me if I have let other things come into my life and choke out spiritual things. Help me prioritize our relationship and make time for us every day. Show me where I need to eliminate or cut back on those things that keep me from attending weekly church services. Help me have a stronger desire for the things of the spirit. Help me to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.