LIVING A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

“Brothers, now I have some other things to tell you. We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask you and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more.” 1Thessalonians 4:1 (ICB)

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As children of GOD, we need to constantly evaluate our lives. At the end of each day, self-reflect and ask: “Do I live the life that pleases the FATHER?”

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Living a life that pleases GOD means living an intentional life. Unfortunately, we often seek to please people we see and forget to please GOD, whom we do not see with our naked eyes.

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The Word of GOD is very clear on why it is important to please GOD and what we must do. With the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, we ought to carefully discern what is pleasing to our FATHER (Ephesians 5:10 NLT).

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We have the example of the life JESUS lived.

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“And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” John 8:29(NLT)

Highlighting the word “always,” not “sometimes,” makes me guilty and brings me to a place of humble repentance. JESUS did not only speak these words, but HIS FATHER validated HIM. Repentance also pleases GOD.

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“He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” 2 Peter 1:17 (NIV)

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We are fully protected when we please the LORD.

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“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 (NLT)

“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 11:16 (NLT)

What is faith? Faith is obedience in action. It is taking that bold step into the unknown but fully knowing that if HE said it, HE will do it, knowing that all HIS promises are “yes and amen.” 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

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We receive what we ask when we please the LORD.

“And whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” 1 John 3:22 (ESV)

Enoch and Cornelius are biblical examples of people apart from JESUS who lived to please GOD. Enoch, mentioned among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, walked closely with GOD, and he pleased GOD. He lived a life of faith, and because of his lifestyle, GOD took Enoch to be with HIM.

“And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.” James 4:8 (TLB)

The life of Cornelius, described in Acts 10, challenges us as believers and paints the picture of living a life that pleases GOD. We learn how living a life that is pleasing to GOD attracts Heaven, and GOD takes note of his prayers and giving. He became the first Gentile convert to Christianity recorded in the Bible. He also had an encounter with a holy angel. He lived a life that pleased GOD, plus his household too, and they received the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.

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What must I do to please GOD?

Here are some ways to get you started as you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to help you discern what pleases our FATHER. GOD takes note of our efforts, but thankfully, we have the HOLY SPIRIT as our HELPER. Hallelujah!

1. Fear GOD – Psalm 147:11
2. Be obedient – Colossians 3:20
3. Have faith – Hebrews 11:6
4. Be spiritually minded – Romans 8:8
5. Do good, the work of GOD – Hebrews 13:16, Colossians 1:10

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