“Desire realized is sweet to the soul; But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned].”

Proverbs 13:19 AMP

Today we are given some very practical advice, work for what you want! When we talk about wants and desires, we always need to remember that our flesh wants it now but our spirts say wait for the Lord! Immediate gratification is more additive than a drug! In actuality, gratification is partly a chemical response and partly an emotional high. The word desire used here is the Hebrew word meaning to “have a physical appetite, longing for food.” It has both advantageous side and a dangerous side. Without the desire for food, we would not eat. Part of that necessary experience is pleasure. I love Pizza. You love broccoli. Every one of us get a pleasurable chemical response to our favorite food. The danger is when that response becomes the pursuit of our lives! This is also the root word of lust. Lust drives one to acquire the pleasure immediately and if not fulfilled results in sin. The flesh will find a way to fulfill its desire! I remember how much pain I caused my family by stealing from them to feed my drug habit. It didn’t matter to me as long as “I” could be fulfilled or at thought I was fulfilled. That is the lie of sin. The more you use the drug, whatever it may be, the more you need of it! In dealing with this kind of person the Scripture directs says to let them go and,

“He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

2 Timothy 2:26 AMP

It isn’t that we give up on a person, it is simply the fact that some of us need to hit the bottom before we can see the way out! I clearly remember the night when I surrendered to God. I cried out with everything in me, “Your Word says the blood of Your Son applied to the bondage of my sin will set me free. If you do not make good on that promise, I am going to die!” That night I was finally able to surrender to God and He was able to set me free! The second half of the verse is the warning about those who are still perusing their flesh and not God.

The word detestable is the Hebrew word meaning to be “physically repugnant or repulsed” about an issue. Literally it could be said that one is “sick to the stomach” over the issue! This word is often used to describe how God fells about His children worshiping false idols. 

“Furthermore, He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great repulsive acts which the house of Israel is committing here, to drive Me far away from My sanctuary? But you will again see greater repulsive acts.” 

Ezekiel 8:6 AMP

This is the attitude of those trapped in sin. The very thought of giving it up isn’t even in their minds. They are so committed to the sin that they will sacrifice everything to get that fix! There is an interesting verse in the book of Deuteronomy.

“They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods [by denying Him the honor and loyalty that is rightfully and uniquely His]; And with repulsive acts they provoked Him to anger. 17“They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods whom they have not known, New gods who came lately, Whom your fathers never feared.”

Deuteronomy 32:16-17 AMP

This verse is so applicable today. Demonic forces are ripping our world to pieces. How many “new gods” have taken over God’s rightful position? New gods which not even conceivable in the past; Social media, Television, Internet, Celebrity worship, Athletic star worship, I could go on but I think you understand my point. Demonic activity and influence is real. Many today are oblivious of the reality of the spiritual battle and have become fodder in the battle.  Remember that the word fodder means “regarded or considered as expendable! Many today are being used by the forces of evil and will ultimately be expended! But those who submit to the Lord will be apply rewarded and are guaranteed to be totally fulfilled in Him!

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken