Tag: pleasing God
Undivided devotion to the Lord
Scripture reading for July 15: 1 Corinthians 7
“I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Life has lots of issues that call for our attention and cause us to worry. Married life complicates each person’s life because we must continually be seeking the other person’s well being and good. We may be devoted to the Lord, but now in devotion to the Lord we must also give attention to our spouse and their needs and any children that may come. Paul was offering advice but not necessarily strict rules of conduct. He was seeking their highest good and calling. He himself was married and could speak from experience.
What God wants for each person is their highest good. Each person has a calling and gift to either marry or stay single. Paul noted that those who were single could give greater attention to how to please the Lord. Their attention was not divided with care of a spouse. He also was promoting God’s order in the church and world. Faithfulness to marriage was also a calling and blessing. Singleness was not a curse, but an opportunity to fully commit to pleasing God and doing His will. In whatever state of life relationship, we should seek to please God and put Him first.
Have you ever struggled to keep the Lord first as a person with a spouse and family? Do you feel that our culture and even the church looks down on those who live singly? Does this passage help you understand God’s view of your life, either as a single or married?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this insight on marriage and singleness. Help me to live with grace as a married person, pleasing my spouse and our Lord. I want to live with Your divine order and blessing on my life and to fulfil Your calling on my life. I also applaud those who choose to remain single. Amen.
Are you really fasting for Me?
Scripture reading for September 30: Zechariah 7-8
“Then the Word of the Lord Almighty came to me: “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?'” Zechariah 7:4-6
Many times we who are the Lord’s children go through the motions when we seek to worship or serve the Lord. We do what is expected or required, but don’t really put our hearts into it. I know that I have done that before with fasting. As soon as I seek to fast, my flesh acts up and distractions come faster than ever before! I have difficulty focusing for prayer and thoughts of food or irritations distract me.
God used Zechariah to preach to His people on this subject as they returned to work on the temple. You see, God did not want them just to not have food and mourn during the fast. He wanted them to administer justice and show mercy and compassion to one another. He wanted them to care for the needy and poor and help the widow and orphan. He wanted their hearts to truly love each other instead of thinking evil. (Zechariah 7:8-10) Real fasting that pleases God has to do with refocusing on what God really loves and doing that. It was to produce progress in godliness.
God’s people just went through the motions and so God became angry with them, and scattered them among the nations. This is why the land became desolate and rested for the seventy years. Hard hearts and disobedience had brought their inevitable consequences.
But now, God was again jealous for Jerusalem! He would now show good and blessing to this city and favor them. The true fast would be a joyful time and the festivals would be filled with happiness as they loved truth and peace. God would gather His people back to the land and many peoples and nations would also come and join themselves to the Jew! (Zechariah 8:15-23)
Fasting has always been a way for God’s people to draw closer to Him and find their true appetites satisfied. God, Himself, is enough for us. A true fast brings cleansing to body and soul. The body cleanses itself from toxins and waste as we quit eating and drink lots of water. The soul quits focusing on bodily appetites and focuses on the Lord and His will. Toxins of the soul include bitterness, depression, apathy, unforgiveness, lack of truth and injustice. The water of God’s Word washes the soul clean. Take time soon for a true fast! It will work wonders for body and soul!
Abundant generosity!
Scripture reading for February 15th: Exodus 35-37, Psalm 26, Philippians 4
Philippians 4:16-20 “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
A secret to living a life of abundance is willing and cheerful giving to God’s work. It is difficult at first to let go of our money, possessions, or our time. The world has conditioned us to believe that what we have belongs to us and it is the means to secure what we need and want. The Israelites in Moses’ time had been slaves in Egypt. They were given an abundance of silver, gold, and treasures of Egypt under the plan of God to pay them for their work and provide for His work. When asked by Moses to willingly give, the people gave generously from the heart to bless God’s work. They gave so much, that Moses had to restrain them. Paul explained that the church’s giving to God’s work was a fragrant offering and pleasing to God. God loves a cheerful giver, and promises to meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus!
Exodus 36:3-6 “They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the Sanctuary.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your example of abundant generosity in sending Your Son to live and die for us who are so unworthy and selfish! Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for every material blessing that has come from Your hand. Move my heart by the Holy Spirit to give to Your work because I love You and Your ‘house’, the people who believe!
Psalm 26:3, 8 “For Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in Your faithfulness.” . . . “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.”
Prayer and godly living!
Scripture reading for January 5th: 1st Timothy 2
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 2:1-6 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For their is one God and there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave His life as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
Prayer and godly living go hand in hand. Paul taught Timothy and us that all types of prayers and thanksgiving for all people, and especially political and spiritual leaders, would yield great benefits. Those under authority who pray for those in authority help to set the atmosphere of their own lives and the community, state or nation of which they reside. God is pleased with the faith exhibited through prayers. Jesus Christ is seated at God’s right Hand to intercede for us in agreement with our prayers and He alone gave His life and blood to ransom all men. This testimony stands true and must be shared with all men before Christ Jesus returns!
Psalm 32:6 “Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to You at a time when You may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe You are the One and only mediator between God and man. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to enable me to pray effectively and give continual thanksgiving for all men and those in authority. I want a quiet and godly life, sharing the Gospel, and pleasing my Savior!
Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Finding faith when He Comes!
Scripture reading for March 27th: Jude 5-8, Luke 18
Key Scriptures: Luke 18:6-8 “And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?””
Jesus told a parable about an unjust judge and a woman who came again and again for justice. The unjust judge finally grants her request to keep her from wearing him out. Jesus used this story to explain the kind of faith needed by those who would be living in the time before He returned. God always is moved by people using their faith!
Judges 6:12, 14 “And the angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” . . “And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?””
Prayer: Lord, increase my ability to hear and believe Your holy Word and live by faith each day. Amen.
Faith and pleasing God!
Scripture reading for October 27th: Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Hebrews 11:1-3,6 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. . . . And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
God is invisible to sinful man. Because of sin, mankind has been cut off from beholding God for his own good and well-being. Sin cannot exist in the holiness of God’s glorious presence. But those who have had a relationship with God since Adam have come to Him by faith. They trust and are certain of God’s person and goodness. They believe that God created the visible world out of nothing at His own command. They understand that God is good and will reward those that believe although they cannot visibly see Him.
Observations for over-comers: Our faith will be rewarded eternal life and beholding God face to face in His glory! “Then Moses said, “Now show me Your glory.” . . . “But,” He said, “you cannot see My face, for no one may see Me and live.” (Exodus 33:18, 20)
Jesus: Author of our Faith
Scripture reading for October 28th: Hebrews 11
“He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” (Hebrews 10:37-38) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”. . . “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:1, 6)
Jesus is the Author and Perfecter of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2) He has told His people that He will return for them at an unspecified time in the future. Even though it may appear that much time has passed, He will be true to His holy Word. (Matthew 24:35-36,44) Those who follow Him must live by faith in that truth and order their lives accordingly. We must have confidence in God’s Word and His promises, being certain of what we are told to hope for even though we don’t see it. This is the essence of faith. It is not dependent on sight or on circumstances, but keeps on believing and living like God’s Word is Truth.
Ancient’s were the people of faith who lived before the time of Christ. They were commended and rewarded by God for their faith. They trusted in the revelation of God’s promises and plans that was given them and ordered their lives accordingly. Noah built an ark to save his family, Abraham left his home and followed God to a place where God promised him inheritance. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, believing God could raise him from the dead. Many others are listed as walking in faith and pleasing God. We must persevere in our journey to see Jesus!
Pleasing God by faith!
Scripture reading for December 15th: Hebrews 11-13
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
One of the foundational aspects of our faith is trusting God as creator of all things. This particular aspect of faith is attacked in our land today by those who put their faith in the theory of evolution. Evolution is a type of religious system that puts time and chance as key ingredients to finding the basis of beginning in all things. A creator is ruled out in favor of man’s invention of ‘truth’.
We who trust God’s word know that He spoke a command and it happened. Faith trusts what God has said. The Bible records a number of human beings who trusted God’s word and were commended by Him. Enoch is one such person recorded in Hebrews 11.
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)
Enoch was a man who walked with God. He was a prophet who warned of the coming of the Lord in judgment. His only recorded message is found in Jude 14-15. Enoch began to walk with God after the birth of his son, Methuselah, whose name tells of coming judgment. (Genesis 5:21-24) The flood came in the year Methuselah died and he lived longer than any other man recorded in Scripture. Enoch so walked with God that he was snatched up to heaven and became a type of ‘faith-walker’ that would inspire others throughout the ages!
There is no other means of pleasing God! Jesus is coming again. Will you walk with God today as if that were true and warn others about this coming event? God has promised to “snatch up” those who walk with Him! ( 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Sunday rest and reflection!
Sunday October 19th, 2014
Dear Friends,
Jesus honors faith! He spoke the Word of God to birth faith in His followers and empower them to move mountains to His glory! Without faith we cannot please Him! Faith works by love.
God’s people gather on the first day of the week to celebrate the love of God in Jesus Christ. We gather to pray, worship and hear the Word proclaimed. We demonstrate our love for God by obedience. We gather to speak to mountains of sickness, bondage, and unforgiveness and watch them be thrown into the sea of God’s grace! Don’t miss out on what God is doing! Your gathering today with God’s people is an act of faith that pleases God!
In His Love, Pastor John and Mary
It’s by faith!
Scripture reading for December 15th: Hebrews 11-13
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
One of the foundational aspects of our faith is trusting God as creator of all things. God alone has the wisdom and power to create the universe out of nothing! This particular aspect of faith is attacked in our land today by those who put their faith in the theory of evolution. Evolution is a type of religious system that puts time and chance as key ingredients to finding the basis of beginning in all things. A creator is ruled out and intelligent design is believed to be the simple product of random happenings over millions or billions of years.
We who trust God and His word know how creation began. God simply spoke a command and it happened. (Genesis 1:3) Faith’s object is always God or His word. The Bible records a number of human beings who trusted God’s word and were commended by Him. There is a portion of that list in the rest of Hebrews 11, but we will focus on one man: Enoch.
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)
Enoch was known as a man who walked with God seven generations after Adam. He was a prophet who warned of the coming of the Lord with His holy angels in judgment. His only recorded message is found in Jude 14-15. Enoch began to walk with God after the birth of his son, Methuselah. (Genesis 5:21-24) The name “Methuselah” meant “When he dies, judgment will come”. (The flood came in the year Methuselah died, 969 years later.) Enoch so pleased God that he was snatched up to heaven and became a type of faith-walker that would inspire others throughout the ages! Will you walk with God today?