Have you found out what pleases the Lord?

When I first came to faith, about 25 years ago, I got a Bible in English from a thrift store.

It was the Good News Translation (also called Today's English Version) with a denim cover. Some of you may remember that one.

It was an easy-to-read Bible for anyone whose first language was not English. As a matter of fact, it is still on my desk!

There is another way

I loved it and read it from cover to cover several times before purchasing a Bible with commentary. I remember clearly how one day I came across the following verse: Try to learn what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). Up until then, I had mainly lived to please myself. I did not know there was another way. Well, the Bible is clear about it: every believer is called to learn, to find out what pleases the Lord.

In the footsteps of Jesus

In doing so, we will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who said: And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him (John 8:29). I always do what pleases Him. Wow, are we there yet?

Before we go on a quest to find out what pleases the Lord, it is important to know the following:

1. It is impossible to please Him without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6) and
2. Those who obey their human nature cannot please God (Romans 8:8).

Go and find out

There are many ways to please God, for example, by honoring our parents, by praying for all people, for kings, and all others who are in authority. But also by worshiping the Lord with reverence and awe. Just go on a quest, dive into the Word, and find out!

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For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

[Colossians 1:9-10]

➤ Listen to this classic song by the Maranatha Singers: To be pleasing You