1. Are You Choking Spiritually?

2. Luke 8:4-15 "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it." (v7) “those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature (v14).”

3. Is it wrong to:  Watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play football or the Pirates play baseball?  Watch “appropriate” television shows or to read a good fiction novel?  Cleaning the house or doing yard work?  Go out to dinner with a friend, or spend a weekend golfing?  Spend time on the internet checking out all of your social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, etc.

4. What should our priorities be?  Bible Reading and Study 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. -2 Tim 3:16-17 profitable

5. What should our priorities be?  Bible Reading and Study  Encouraging Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ  Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. -Heb 10:23-25

6. What should our priorities be?  Bible Reading and Study  Encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ  Evangelism ( Matthew 28:19-20)  Great Commission or Great Omission? "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

7. What should our priorities be?  Bible Reading and Study  Encouraging Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ  Evangelism Are these things priorities to us?

8. Luke 8:14-15 "Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. “ WHAT ARE YOUR THORNS THAT ARE KEEPING YOU FROM BEARING FRUIT FOR GOD?

9. Are You Choking Spiritually?

10. Your Heimlich Maneuver…  "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.“ -John 15:5-6