I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:
Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you. It is yours. I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there. Speak to me during these moments. I commit them and myself to you.”
II. Prayer of Confession:
“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you. I confess my sin(s) of ______________. Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)
III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________. Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”
IV. Scripture Reflection
Read: Proverbs Chapter 5
Reflect:
Proverbs 5:7-8
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from her [Adulterous Woman],
do not go near the door of her house,
We live with a clear and present danger. Sexual temptation is everywhere. The message we hear from culture is to get all the sex you can. One could read Proverb 5 and think, this is outdated and not relative to life in the 21st century, but that would be a huge mistake. Sexual temptation has led to the fall of many. Things have not changed since when this warning was issued. Think back over this proverb, then think of the ways many people approach sex and life today. If we’re honest, this warning could have been written in our generation.
In verses 7 and 8, we find Solomon restating the plea to his son. Don’t turn away from my word, but instead turn away from the immoral woman! Don’t hang out by her house; get away from it. If you don’t, you’ll fall to her temptation. However, the warning is not to the son only, it’s for us too! We would be foolish not to heed the father’s advice.
Yet, many think they can dabble in sexual immorality, “I’ll go right up to the line, but I won’t cross it.” “Oh, I like to flirt, I don’t mean anything by it. It’s all in fun.” “I would never do anything. I love my wife, but it’s good to know I still got it.” Sadly, these are actual comments I’ve heard guys say before. How foolish is this! This attitude has already crossed the line! Read through the Beatitudes and you’ll see how. Our relationship with God has to do more with our heart than it does with our physical actions. Our heart reveals who we really are.
We can’t dabble in sexual immorality. We need to run from it! Play with fire long enough, and you’re going to get burned. Who are you going to live for: yourself or God? If you haven’t already done so, settle the issue. Decide! And then live decidedly for Christ. Know that God’s boundaries are sufficient! Trust Him.
Respond:
How have you been living in regard to God’s boundaries concerning sex? Living for your own sexual pleasure always brings sad consequences. You may feel like you’re getting away with it for a time, but eventually you’ll pay dearly for those brief moments of pleasure. Will you heed the warning, stop, and run within God’s boundaries? You can live this way. It starts with a decision, a choice to follow God!
V. Prayer for others:
Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others.
VI. Prayer of commitment:
“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.” (Luke 10:27)
This Week’s Scripture Memory:
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.