PLEASING GOD

There seems to be much conversation lately regarding neglecting or forgetting to do things. It certainly has been a topic of discussion among those I’ve interacted with. Hebrews 13 is a final exhortation for the church to focus on things that are pleasing to God no matter where we are or go. We make lists, set timers and alarm, and even encourage others to remind us to complete needed things, even important things that we should remember without a reminder but are we remembering to do things that please God? God must have known that as humans we would struggle with remembering to do things because He addressed that several times in the Bible. Today I want to pause, focusing on two short verses in Hebrews 13. Verses 15-16 say, “Through Him (Jesus) then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name. 16 And do not neglect (forget) doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. These verses sound so easy, right?

Praising God, doing good and sharing with others are the actions in verses 15-16. How do we go about accomplishing these things without needing to be reminded? How do we make these three things a part of our day in- day out daily actions? How do these things become a natural part of our lives and not something that we are forced to do? Below are a few ways to begin accomplishing these things.

1. Seeking God first thing in the mornings is what I believe is most important. Spending time in prayer is so important in our lives. Ask God to show you His will for your day. As you seek God’s will, read at least one verse of scripture before you begin your daily tasks. It is amazing what God will reveal as we seek HIS will. Ask God to give you opportunities to “be the light of world, to let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Not doing this so that others will look at you but that you would live on purpose completing His plan for you. Ask for a humble servant’s heart.  

2. Invite our precious Holy Spirit to prompt you as you go through your day to praise God, to do good and to share your life with others. Our Holy Spirit is active and alive inside of us, we just need to commune with Him. Jesus promised us that we have not because we ask not. Sweet sister, ASK for prompts during your day for opportunities to please God. Ask Him to renew your mind to know God’s will (Romans 12:2). Listen to that quiet prompting of the precious gift of our Holy Spirit that God has given each and every one of us.

3. Be where you are! Have your eyes and ears open to opportunities to serve, love, and pour into every opportunity God has designed for you. Look at where you are through God’s eyes- what can you praise Him for, who can you serve, how can you make a positive impact? Hebrews 10:26-27 commands us to be doers of the word so that we will be blessed in our doings. Strive for a soft heart to the needs around you. At times I feel overwhelmed trying to remember special things about people and special dates for them. Take notes: mental as well as written or in your phone. What is your friend’s favorite meal, color, writer, hobby? Is a surgery coming? What about a ballgame or tryout? An upcoming interview? Make note of these things and follow up with those that God places in your life. My friend (Crystal) always remembered everything (I thought). Then I realized that she makes notes and updates her daily planner. Yeap, I went out and purchased my very own planner. I’m doing better in this area. Plan to send a card, a message, or a phone call. It’s the little things that mean the most. Listen when you are with others and follow up with an “I was thinking of you” later.

4. Accountability with a Christian sister is something I can not stress enough. There are a couple sweet sisters in my life that help me along my way when hard times come, I get busier with earthly things, or I just need to grow a little among other things. Hear me when I say I wouldn’t take a million dollars for one of them! I mean that with all of my heart. God has richly surrounded us with other Christians for a reason. Plug into the power that comes from a three stranded chord, with praying together! You, God and another Christian. When your energy is fading, hard times come, or you are becoming stagnant, give one of those lady’s permission to lovingly draw you back in. Tell her your struggles and goals. Ask you to hold your hands up when they are getting tired. This is exactly what Aaron and Hur did for Moses and guess what!!!??? IT WORKED and will word for you.

Verses to Ponder: Hebrews 13; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 8:14, 12:2, 10; Exodus 17:12-14, Hebrews 10:24-27, 11:6; Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:16, Proverbs 27:17

​2 Corinthians 5:9 - Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you will help me to see You first every morning and throughout my day. Remind me to begin my day in prayer as I commune with You. Show me Your will as I go through me day and as your Holy Spirit prompts and leads me help me to be attentive. Renew my sinful mind of you and Your ways so that my entire being and doings will be a holy sacrifice, acceptable to You. In every moment give me vision through Your eyes. May I be the hands and feet of You wherever You place me. Help me to walk in Your steps. Thank your for not only opportunities that You give me but also Christian sisters to hold me up when I am weak or tired, that hold me accountable and that build me up. Oh Father, you thought of everything that we need as we tarry here on earth if we only plug into the benefits that you have in place for us. Thank You so much for my friends and help me to reach out to those you have blessed me with even before I am in need. May they hold me accountable in spiritual growth as well as be a blessing to me. I love you and am so thankful for all that You have done for and provided for me. May my actions and my life be pleasing to You - that is my desire.