Day 8 - Planned for God's Pleasure

Mona Williams

God's Pleasure is His Purpose

This day starts by reminding me that God smiled at my birth.  Wow, that is so deep if you think about it, especially if your birth was not of the best circumstances.  But even what the devil meant for my detriment, God was there smiling down on me because He knew it was only temporary.  He knew the plans and thoughts toward me was for a good ending.

My living is not in vain, but it is to show forth the God in me each day of my Christian life.  I do not take my relationship lightly.  I strive to please Him daily and the times I fall short, I pray and ask the Lord to forgive me and He gives me a new start. (1 John 1:8,9)

Not only does God want me to live a life that pleases Him, but He also wants me to enjoy pleasure as well.  I mean He created it right! God is a God of emotions.  He feels sadness, as well as happiness.  Rick Warren even writes in this day, "God even laughs!"

Here are 4 Main Points Related to Pleasing God:

1. Bringing pleasure to God is called "WORSHIP.": I like to explain worship as doing what is right even in our natural life. Example: Putting the shopping cart where it belongs after use and not leaving it in a parking space in the way. Simple acts of obedience in every area of our life is WORSHIP!

2. WORSHIP is far more than music. It's more than singing of God's goodness, it's knowing Him in an intimate way. According to Rick Warren, "There was worship before there was music."  In worship songs it's not about the beat, but about what the words in the song are saying. I like the variety of Christian music.

3. WORSHIP is not for your benefit. God get's all the glory, praise, and adoration due Him.  We worship Him because of His worth and majesty. Think of all He's done in creation, in salvation, and in our own lives. Let's keep that in mind as worship God in our lives, whether at work, school, or church. As we worship God in spirit and truth, He begins to show us His glory. He begins to allow His presence of peace to rest upon our hearts. He begins to minister to our needs. He begins to give us direction. He is pleased when our worship is for real.

4. WORSHIP is not a part of your life; it is your life.  Worship is a lifestyle as a Christian. It's our daily way of living. We are to be ever conscience of God's presence that is with us 24/7. He's with us where ever we go.  If we keep that in the forefront of our minds, we will intentionally strive to live a life of obedience, which in turn pleases Him. This is accomplished by having a committed heart for God and the things of God. 

Let's not live this Christian life in vain. Life is more than gaining wealth and status. It's about growing in our relationship with God the Father, His Son, Jesus, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.  We are chosen for purpose. We fulfill our purpose by helping others along their journey. In fulfuling our God-ordained purpose we please God.

Verse to Remember: "The Lord takes pleasure in His people. Psalm 149:4a" (TEV)