Today’s Encouragement is Ephesians 5:8-10 NLT For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. [10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord –
As a simple but accurate example, what is it that a child of any age does which pleases their parents? Wise parents are pleased when their children live kind, peaceful, respectful lives, caring for others, honoring parents and God, simply put, when they are loving God and loving others. This is the New Commandment that Jesus gave to us.
So, is it possible that God Himself is pleased by how we live? And if pleased by some, would it not be reasonable to presume that the behavior of some is also displeasing to Him?
Now consider for just another moment, we’re talking about God’s children, His people, His chosen, blood-bought sons and daughters. Those who do not accept Christ are not His children… and so can never please Him until they do accept Christ. So, we’re only considering His children. Some will please Him, and some will not…
Final thought… Is it possible that the greatest blessings from God, will come to those who please Him? He loves all His children greatly, but will He pour out His richest blessings on those who do not try to please Him? Is it possible?
Lord help us, as Your beloved children, to carefully determine what pleases You, and then to live our lives in that way. Obeying You as best we can, and in doing so – loving You and loving others.
Great light of the world
Bebo Norman
Today’s Encouragement 