Trail Life Troop
NC-613
Devotional – Enjoyment
Opening
- We learned today hobbies can be fun, now let’s see what the bible says about finding enjoyment in life.
- Read, or someone read the Teaching verse. FYI: The memory verse is further down
Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in his work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.
Devotional
Big picture We will find more enjoyment in the long run by choosing activities and actions that please God.
- Q: Did you know God wants you to have fun? It’s true, God created fun, just like He created all things.
- Q: Speaking of fun, what are some fun things you boys like to do? (or share yours)
- The Teaching verse tells us God wants us to find enjoyment in life. Think about it. God is commanding you to find fun things to do!
- And, hobbies are one of the most enjoyable things to do in life.
- Q: Why do you think God wants you to have fun? (e.g. He loves us; He knows fun is good for us)
- But God also wants you to choose activities and actions that please Him, not ones that are bad.
- Doing bad things may seem fun in the short term, but in the long run, they will make you sad and empty.
- We are teaching you today about finding hobbies that are pleasing to God. That give you lasting enjoyment. We don’t want you to choose bad hobbies like stealing or gambling or things like that.
- Unfortunately, like sin, there are bad hobbies that people choose to do. But in the long run, choosing good hobbies will please God and you will be a much happier person.
- In the long run means, years from now when you look back on your life, you will be much, much happier if you choose activities and actions that are pleasing to God. He blesses those who do good.
- Even choosing good hobbies can turn bad if you do them more than you should or do them instead of the doing the things you are supposed to do.
- For example, if you are playing video games when you are supposed to be doing your chores, that is wrong. It turns the good thing you are doing (having fun) into a bad thing (disobeying).
- As we will learn in some of our next devotionals, God has appointed a time for everything, and that includes a time for having fun. But we need to do those things in God’s good timing.
- One way to know you are doing the right thing is to stop and think before you do something, “Will this please God?” or think, “Might this hurt me or someone else?”
- If it pleases God, then do it. If it might hurt you or someone else, then don’t do it.
Memory Verse #3
Ask if anybody knows it yet and can say it? Read it together 2X. Consider having a memory verse pamphlet for kids take home.
Note: we are moving to verse #3.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Topical Questions
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What was a time that you did something enjoyable that you feel also pleased God?
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How does taking up a hobby honor how God created you?
God didn’t just say we should have fun, He actually made us for fun. Think about that: we are made for fun! We hope you choose to find hobbies that please God and yourself. Those are the best hobbies! -
What are some examples of good hobbies and bad hobbies?
Closing Prayer
Dear Father God, this life is filled with so many fun things to do, like hobbies. You are the perfect Father. Thank you for loving us so much that You provided such a wonderful world. You know what is best for us. You know us better than we know ourselves. Help these boys to find hobbies they can enjoy for life. Help them to see Your goodness and love. In Your Son Jesus Christ’s name, we pray. Amen!
