Today’s Devotion
Topic: Pleasures or Pressures?
Text: Luke 21: 34 (AMP)
But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose. Amen
If you were ever asked of what controls your life now, what would your answer be? Is it the desire to satisfy your craving for one pleasurable item or another, your desire to meet one goal or another, your desire to succeed at your duties, or just the desire to survive through one day to another?
The statement in today’s Scripture was made by Jesus to His disciples when they asked Him to tell them of the signs that would show that the end of all things was near. Having outlined a number of unmistakable signs (vv 8-33), Jesus Christ our Saviour pointed out that if they did not take heed and be on their guard, they would be taken by surprise.
The Scripture reveals that those of us who are alive at this time are also likely to be living our lives under the influence of one of two main things — the pleasures of life, or the pressures of life. It’s either you are living in the pursuit of one pleasure after another, or you are trying all you can to ‘meet up’ with the pressures and worries of this life. Each of these, in one way or the other, is aimed at getting us to lose sight of the times and miss the second coming of Jesus our Saviour.
But the many of us who claim to be the Sons and Daughters of God can only afford to be led by the Spirit of God. Look at it from either ways; it is He who gives us the power to make wealth, gives us rest from our labours, and satisfies us with good things.
So once again, Beloved, what actually controls your life in these days that mark the end of all things? Are you too busy pursuing your dreams, that you have forgotten to work also on your relationship with the Father? Have you gotten so engrossed in fleshly desires that you can hardly even hear the Spirit of God convicting you of sin?
It’s time to return to your First Love: He’s been patiently waiting for you to turn back to Him. Please take a break from the business of your life and consider where you would spend eternity.
Begin to pray; ask God to forgive you for the very ways in which you have neglected Him and been too busy with other things. Ask Him to give you strength to stay on track with Him and remain focused on your race as a Child of God.
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