INTRODUCTION

Men get in trouble when they begin to think too highly of their own thoughts. If they are not careful, these opinions will become the driving force by which they make crucial decisions, and the word of God will find itself in competition for the seat of authority. The sad truth is that men often fail to notice the switch in authority. Their actions testify that their opinions are leading the way, while their mouths falsely testify of loyal submission to the scriptures. The Devil is subtle, and he knows how to gradually lead men astray so as to keep them from noticing abrupt changes within their hearts or outward deeds. By the time rebellion is detected, the Devil has a stronghold only broken by prayer.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller 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 thought he had done right (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).
• What leads your emotion and decision making? What gives you joy or frustration? What moves you to the point of 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

LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK

Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.