Category: Pleasures

Matthew 6:20 (NIV) – But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

“If I find myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” [C.S. Lewis, Weight of Glory]

“Heaven should affect our activities and ambitions, our recreation and friendships, and the way we spend our money and time. If I believe I’ll spend eternity in a world of unending beauty and adventure, will I be content to spend all my evenings staring at game shows, sitcoms, and ball games? Even if I keep my eyes off of impurities, how much time will I want to invest in what doesn’t matter? What will last forever? God’s Word. People. Spending time in God’s Word and investing in people will pay off in eternity and bring me joy and perspective now… When we realize the pleasures that await us in God’s presence, we can forgo lesser pleasures now… [and] store up treasures in Heaven.” [Randy Alcorn, Heaven]

Prayer: “Lord, help me live for eternity in the here and now. Fill me with passion for you and for others around me. Give me a heart and passion to invest in things that will last. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Let us worship to the song “God of Revival” by Bethel (click here).

-GW

Let’s read aloud together from Psalm 36:5-9 (NIV):

5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

    your justice like the great deep.

    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house;

    you give them drink from your river of delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;

    in your light we see light.

“One of [the] false assumptions is that spiritual people should shun physical pleasures. But who is the inventor of pleasure? Who made food, water, eating and drinking, marriage and sex, friendship and games, art and music, celebration and laughter? God did. Created with purpose by an omniscient God, they’re not disposable. Because they’re part of God’s creation, they’re fully within the scope of his redemption.” [Randy Alcorn, Heaven]

Let’s pray aloud together: “Lord, your love reaches to the heavens and your goodness and faithfulness abound. Today, help me turn from all the lesser pleasures and feast on your abundance. May I embrace all the joy and delight you have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Let us worship to the song “Fullness” by Elevation Worship (click here).

– GW

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
11 You will show me the way of life,

    granting me the joy of your presence

    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Eric Liddell famously said, “When I run, I feel the pleasure of God.” Do you feel God’s pleasure at this very moment? Let’s receive afresh the truth that our greatest pleasure is found in God’s pleasure.

“God dwells in endless pleasure and happiness and in deep joy. Our desire for deep joy comes from God’s deep dwelling in God’s own deep joy. God is a happy God; God is full of joy; God is all pleasure and designs all pleasure. Our enjoyment of pleasure is participating in God’s own pleasure.” [Scot McKnight, The Heaven Promise]

Prayer: “Lord, I say yes to your invitation to join in your pleasure. Help me to experience renewed delight in you today. May your pleasure be my pleasure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Let’s worship to “Touch of Heaven” by Bethel (click here).

– GW

Let’s read aloud together from Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV/NLT):

17 The Lord your God is with you,

    the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you.

    With his love, he will calm all your fears.

    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

It is amazing that God delights in us and takes pleasure in you and me. Who are we to deserve this? Yet, this is who God is and how he relates to us. In light of this truth and reality, let’s shout aloud and be filled with joy today.

Pray this prayer aloud: “Lord, thank you for your love. I sing to you because you sing your song of love over me. I can find pleasure in you today because all delight begins with you. May worship and adoration fill my life today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Let’s worship to “Forevermore” by Jesus Culture (click here).

-GW