Hi
Today’s Holy Nougat comes with a challenge. Up for it?
“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 NLT
I believe that this is a full time occupation. You see, pleasing God is not a one-off fly by night phenomenon reserved for that special moment which never comes soon enough; or which releases us to be ourselves again now that duty is done. No, obeying God ought to be such an integral part of what we do, that it becomes second nature or part of our DNA.
Additionally, we are called to determine God’s will by ensuring that it is God and not our own or that of another; packaged like it is God’s. This we determine from extended time in the Word, fellowship with others, and our own personal experiences with God and God’s Spirit (primarily by prayer).
And, as our relationship deepens, as with humanity, we will find ourselves getting a better understanding of ourselves in relation to God’s Purposes and plans and pleasure. We might even be bold enough to ask, “Lord, what can I do to please You today?”, taking it from the general (and possibly generic) to the personally specific. (Can you imagine what that’d look like if we all not only asked those questions, but also took it to the next level of living it? Talk about awesomeness! That’s probably change our world or at least us!)
Our answers might not seem very exciting; they might not get noticed by anyone. Probably not even the ones whom we thought would be impacted. But if we obey, we are sure that our God Who invites us to to be cocreators will surely notice. And that’s truly Who we’re wanting to impress.
Discernment and obedience is likely to stretch us. But let’s also understand; actually remember; that once stretched, we will be going better for we cannot ‘un-stretch’. Nevertheless, imagine the outcome – spiritual growth and maturity; even as we grow and mature in the physical.
May our actions today be intentionally done to please God.
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
