Pleasure

The believer finds their true identity in Jesus. In Christ, we are significant, secure, accepted, forgiven, and empowered. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die for our sins, and that love continues to embrace us every day. In his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer described the extent of God’s great love.

The world promises freedom but delivers slavery. Here’s what Peter tells believers as his life is coming to an end.

Sex is God’s idea. It was created and ordained by him. So, it’s not culture but God’s Word that gives us the guidelines for marital sex. Here are some important instructions for husbands and wives from the Proverbs.

God’s love is amazing! While we cannot fully grasp its depth, we seek to understand as much as we can. A. W. Tozer explains God’s love in his book The Knowledge of the Holy. I’ll summarize the thoughts of the great theologian in today’s devo. 

When I read Solomon’s statement, “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure…” it makes me pause. That is one audacious statement! Solomon described an unrestrained pursuit of pleasure. Whatever he wanted to have, he took. Whatever he wanted to do, he did. Yes, I realize Solomon may be using hyperbole. But still, this statement puts him as a leading candidate for the Hedonism trophy. 

Sexual intimacy is a gift from God. He invented sex and ordained it to be enjoyed between a man and a woman committed to each other for life. God beautifully described this act as a man and woman becoming one—in body and soul. Sex was never meant to be a physical hook up. God intended it to be an experience of the whole person coming together in a loving and intimate union. 

Money is a neutral object made of paper and metal and confirmed in bank statements or portfolios. Contrary to the adage, money doesn’t talk…or feel or act. Money is neither good nor bad but can be used in good and bad ways. It’s the “love of money” that is the “root of all kinds of evils” (1 Tim. 6:10).

There is this problem with things—we will never have enough. The desire for possessions is like a mosquito bite. The more you scratch it, the more it itches (Eccl. 5:10). We get pleasure from possessions…for a brief time.

Hoping to find something that would make life worth living, Solomon decides to occupy his mind and time with building projects. His “great works” included great houses. He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of the Throne, the Hall of Judgement, and his own luxurious palace.