37 lines
4.5 KiB
HTML
37 lines
4.5 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace
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Bob Hoekstra
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October 24
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<h1>More on Enoch's Pleasing Walk with God, by Faith</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>By <b>faith Enoch</b> was <b>taken away</b> so that he did <b>not</b> see <b>death</b>…for before he was taken he had this <b>testimony</b>, that he <b>pleased God</b>. But <b>without faith</b> it is <b>impossible</b> to <b>please Him</b>, for he who comes to God must <b>believe</b> that He <b>is</b>, and that He is a <b>rewarder</b> of those who <b>diligently seek</b> Him.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Hbr', 11, '5-6');">Hebrews 11:5-6</a>)</div>
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<p>Before Enoch was taken to heaven, he walked with God in a manner that pleased the Lord. Enoch's faith in God is what was pleasing unto Him. <i>"Before he was taken he had this <b>testimony</b>, that he <b>pleased God</b>. But <b>without faith</b> it is <b>impossible</b> to <b>please Him</b>."</i> Pleasing God, as Enoch did, should be our desire.</p>
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<p>Many people waste their lives by aiming to please themselves. Their lives are choked with self-indulgence. <i>"And the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are <b>choked</b> with cares, <b>riches</b>, and <b>pleasures of life</b>, and bring no fruit to maturity"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Luk', 8, '14-14');">Luke 8:14</a>). They have ignored the fact that pleasing self cannot lead to spiritual growth and Christlikeness. <i>"We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and <b>not</b> to <b>please ourselves</b>… For <b>even Christ</b> did <b>not please Himself</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom', 15, '1-1');">Romans 15:1</a>, <a onClick="return mV('Rom', 15, '3-3');">3</a>). Others live in carnal bondage to human opinions. Their consistent priority is to please people. This was part of King Saul's downfall. <i>"Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have <b>sinned</b>, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, <b>because</b> I <b>feared</b> the <b>people</b> and obeyed <b>their</b> voice'"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('1Sa', 15, '24-24');">1 Samuel 15:24</a>). We cannot aim to please man and still serve God. <i>"Do I seek to <b>please men</b>? For if I still <b>pleased men</b>, I would <b>not</b> be a <b>servant</b> of <b>Christ</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Gal', 1, '10-10');">Galatians 1:10</a>).</p>
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<p>Living to please God is what we were created for. This can never happen apart from faith. <i>"<b>Without faith</b> it is <b>impossible</b> to <b>please Him</b>."</i> Coming to the Lord in true biblical <b>faith</b> begins with a <b>conviction</b> that God <b>exists</b>. <i>"For he who comes to God must <b>believe</b> that <b>He is</b>."</i> Additionally, God-pleasing faith eagerly anticipates the Lord's gracious response to all who truly seek Him. <i>"He is a <b>rewarder</b> of those who <b>diligently seek</b> Him."</i> Although there are many blessings that result from pursuing the Lord, the <b>ultimate reward</b> is <b>God Himself</b>. God told this to Abraham. <i>"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. <b>I am</b> your shield, <b>your exceedingly great reward</b>'"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Gen', 15, '1-1');">Genesis 15:1</a>).</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Lord God Almighty, too often I have aimed at pleasing myself. At other times, my goal was to please people. Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness. Now, my heart desires to please You in all things. By faith, I know that You exist. By faith, I seek You, anticipating the grand reward of knowing You better and better, in Jesus' name, Amen.</div>
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