TUESDAY 21ST FEB.,2017
TOPIC: THE SNARE OF MOMENTARY PLEASURE
TEXT: Genesis 25:29-34 “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom….”
You probably read the story of Jacob and Esau today and thought, I can’t believe Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. How foolish! Honestly, let’s think beyond birthrights and soup. Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth? In other words, what is your “bowl of soup”? Here are some assumptions we check out. As a single, have you pursued wealth and career at the expense of marriage? Maybe your busy schedule has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day. Some people become involved in extramarital affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires. Others sacrifice their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by over indulging in food. The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless because we are encompassed by fascinating things the world seems to entice us with daily (2 Tim2:15)
Some of the decisions we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give us. When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you’re actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure. We can’t afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings. Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting. The harvest will come, and we’ll reap what we have sown–and more than we’ve sown. Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning? A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action. Don’t let “a bowl of soup” hinder God’s wonderful plans for you. Search God’s heart today concerning the bowl of soup. The Holy Spirit will help you- as a witness that you know Christ. Meditate on (1 Jn 2:3-6)
MEDITATION: 1 Jn. 2:15-17, Rom. 12:2
BIBLE STUDY – Exodus 4; Luke 7; Job 21; 1 Cor. 8