INTRODUCTION

According to the apostle Paul, the last days would be marked by a greater love for pleasure than for the Lord. It might be manifested in divers manners, but it is ultimately a heart problem. 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 busy taking part in pleasure. He might forsake the assembling together of saints in a worship service because he is busy seeking out worldly entertainment. Though men may 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 smaller children) The rich young ruler was sure he loved God but 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 ought to do, but what we want to do gets 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 always comes 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...).
• 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?
• What does it suggest to the Lord when you choose the pleasures of this world over Him? 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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