INTRODUCTION

Men get into trouble when they begin to think too highly of their own thoughts. If they are not careful, these opinions will become the driving force in their decision making. This will mean that the word of God finds itself in competition for the seat of authority. The sad truth is that men often fail to notice within themselves this substitution of authorities. While their mouths may falsely testify of a loyal submission to the scriptures, their actions testify that their opinions are instead leading the way. The Devil works subtly because he knows how to gradually lead men astray by keeping them from noticing any abrupt changes within their hearts and outward deeds. By the time rebellion is detected, the Devil has a stronghold only broken by prayer and heartfelt submission to God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): King Saul knew what God wanted him to do, but he only partially obeyed (1 Samuel 15:3Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
  See All..., 7-9). Yet, he still failed to see what was wrong with his actions (1 Samuel 15:13-15 [13] And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. [14] And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? [15] And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
  See All..., 20). He was greatly fooled (1 Samuel 15:10-11 [10] Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, [11] It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
  See All..., 18-19, 22-23).
• (For everyone): What leads your emotion and decision making? What gives you joy or frustration? What moves you to the point of making a decision? What is driving your mind and heart?
• Have you ever heard someone suggest that you should merely follow your heart? How can that be wicked counsel that is contrary to the word of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you hide His word in your heart.
• Ask God to give you a proper perspective on your own thoughts.

HYMN

HE LEADETH ME

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