Pleasing the Lord

The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
-Proverbs 21:3

Enoch was a man who lived at a time in history when men were dangerously wicked. But contrary to the trend and flow of others, Enoch walked with God." He was known as a person who pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5).

What does it mean to please the Lord? The above proverb gives us an important clue: the Lord is pleased when we do right. When we read about Enoch, we're not told of any big and mighty deeds that he accomplished. He just lived his life, facing whatever came his way. The big and little battles that take place requiring us to make choices and surrender are seen, applauded and empowered by the same God who Created everything.

We must choose. Will we choose to walk with God? May we sense His presence, honor His ways, and hear His voice saying, "Well done."

"We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. . . as you learn to know God better and better" (Colossians 1:9-11).

-The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional; by Debbi Bryson; August 10; p. 233

A desire to please the Lord is not a way to earn salvation; that has already been offered and received by God's grace. But it is because of that great gift, that we ought to desire to please God. We were created for God's pleasure and His glory. We do not obey and follow Him as slaves, but as free men and women with a choice to honor and please our Creator, our Redeemer, our Hope.

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