INTRODUCTION

According to the apostle Paul, the last days would be marked by an ever greater love for pleasure than a love for the Lord. This lack of love for the Lord might manifest itself in various ways but ultimately results from a heart problem. For instance, an individual might forsake Bible reading or prayer in order to enjoy some form of amusement. He might choose not to take part in his church’s outreach because he is instead consumed with pleasure-seeking. He might forsake the assembling together with the saints of God in a worship service because he is consumed by seeking out worldly entertainment. Though men justify these things, this is an open manifestation that men choose pleasures over the God who sent His Son to die for their sins.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The rich young ruler was sure he sufficiently loved God until he found out what was really in his heart (Luke 18:20-23 [20] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. [21] And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. [22] Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. [23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
  See All...). Many times we know what we should do, but our desires get in the way (Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
  See All...). God must always come first (Matthew 22:37-38 [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Do you ever allow pleasure to get in the way of your devotion to the Lord? Does it ever keep you from your Bible study, prayer, witnessing, or church attendance?
• When you choose the pleasures of this world over the Lord, what does this suggest to the Lord? What can you do to ensure that this does not happen?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a stronger love for Him.
• Ask the Lord to help you choose Him over pleasures.

HYMN

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

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