SCRIPTURE: 1Thessalonians (NIV) 4:1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
OBSERVATION: Here we see that our goal is to please God. Our whole lives should be lived for the approval and pleasure of God. When we accepted Jesus as our Savior (saving us from the wrath of God that will be poured out on sin), when we acknowledged Him as our LORD, He cames to live in us by His Holy Spirit.
If I am going to please God, first, I need to know what pleases Him and what displeases Him. Of course, there are many scriptures in the Bibe that can help us understand what God likes and dislikes. But not everyone has a Bible—but every believer has something even better!!! The scriptures were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and He cames to live in us when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior!!!! Amazing, the author of the scriptures actually lives within us!!!
APPLICATION: Of course, if I have a copy of the Bible, I need to be reading it. But if I do not have a copy of the Bible, I need to learn to hear the Holy Spirit speaking in my heart. When things please God, the Spirit is peaceful. When things do not please God, the Spirit stirs uncomfortable feelings or thoughts. It is then I need to be quiet and open my heart to what He is saying. Many times, the Holy Spirit will bring a strong thought to my mind to show me what to do. Of course, God also uses people to bring us His messages. When He does, you will sense the Spirit within giving approval.
Be sure to spend time every day, just talking to God—praying. Be sure to make some of the time just being quiet and listening. Whatever portion of scripture you have, value it. Let God know that His word is important to you.
PRAYER: Lord, However you speak to me is important! Speak into my heart and mind. Speak to me through people you have sent to help me. Help me understand how much you love me and how I can best please you. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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