Introductory Thoughts
The means by which any individual seeks and finds pleasure exposes the condition of his heart. The Bible points to those who find pleasure in rioting, while others in backbiting or carnality, and yet others in selfish indulgences. At first, the individual tries to hide his carnal pleasures. As these things become more amusing to the carnal Christian, he begins to do them in the open, or as the scripture says, “in the day time.” All these things point to a cold heart toward the ways of God and a warming toward the things of the world. Yet, the people of God should find pleasure in spiritual things such as Bible reading, talking with the Lord, singing His praises, fellowshipping with like-minded believers, and witnessing to others of God’s goodness.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): We are supposed to love and please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1). Jesus did (John 8:29). With His help we can resist worldly pleasures (Galatians 5:24). But sadly, we do not choose His way (Isaiah 66:4) but instead find pleasure in wrongdoing (2 Thessalonians 2:12b).
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(For everyone): Would you rather read your Bible or your favourite novel? Would you rather sing about God or of worldly things? Do you find greater enjoyment speaking with God or gossiping with and about others?
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How can one find pleasure in spiritual things? What can take Bible reading from being boring to being a blessing? What can take singing from a monotonous undertaking to an overflow of the heart?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help spiritual things become pleasurable to you.
- Thank God for His goodness to you.
Song
NOTHING BETWEEN
