Devotional #3 - PLEASING THE LORD

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DAY #3: PLEASING THE LORD  

 

…Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:10, ESV

 

To be clear, we are saved by God’s grace, through faith. So, there is no earning our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, we do have a real relationship with God. He is our Heavenly father and we are his kids. He doesn’t want us to simply obey and do what we are told! He wants to want to do right. He wants us to be motivated from the heart.

 

Therefore the Apostle Paul like a big brother tells us, “and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

 

When we live with that kind of mentality of trying to please vs. simply obey, we are being proactive vs. reactive! We are asking ourselves, would this be pleasing to God? The words “try to discern” translate dokimazontes, which is literally, “putting to the test”.

 

Put some things to the test today. Maybe consider how to serve or help someone else, then do it. Maybe consider asking God what would bring him glory. The Apostle Paul challenges us with these words: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

 

If you are going to live a life that’s pleasing to God, you need offer yourself up to God. Tell the Lord, today, “My hands are yours. My head is yours. My heart is yours.” You will be tempted to take back your offering to God today but give it back. You were bought and paid for; you belong to God. (I Corinthians 6:20).

 

Remember, friends, when you dedicate yourself to pleasing God, you will not be necessarily pleasing to people. But that’s ok. Seek the audience of One. Only one voice really matters. That’s the voice of your heavenly Father saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Let’s please the Lord above all else. In that there is great reward and blessing (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).