DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, JUNE 25, 2013
FOR PLEASURE OR FOR PURPOSE?
Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. James 5:5
Do you live for pleasure or for purpose? It is so easy to go about life seeking luxury and ease-- but to what end? The book of Proverbs clearly tells us, "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich" (Proverbs 21:17). What is your value system and what are others learning from your life?
Some men and women simply have no purpose except to live luxuriously. For many, this is the goal of life: fine wine, fine food, fine clothes, fine cars. But God warns the man of God to FLEE THESE THINGS. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" ( I Timothy 6:11,12).
God wants to deliver us from this life of vanity, wantonness, and delicacy to transform us into soul winners, men and women who are about our Father's business--just like Jesus: "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:35-38). So, are you a soul winner? I am. And today is the day of salvation!
If you need a Savior (and you do!), Jesus is everything you'll ever need. He will rescue you from a life of emptiness and give you purpose, and focus, and a future. Today, if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness ( I John 1:9). It is Jesus' exceeding joy to present you faultless before the presence of His glory (Jude 1:24). If today, you hear His voice, harden not your heart (Psalm 95:7,8).
Today, may your life be recreated for purpose, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Pray this prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive my sins and recreate my life by the power of the Holy Ghost that I may live eternally in you and through you and for you. I believe you died and rose again. I believe you are the Son of God--my Savior and LORD. Amen
