Pleasing God

11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.… 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 23 And this is His commandment: We must believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:11, 14-24 (NLT).

The Christian faith is a religion of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22; 27-20; James 4:1-3). Outward obedience to God alone is not enough without first an inner heart submission and obedience to Him as God (Matthew 6:24; Matthew 10:37). God not only sees our actions, but also the inner motives and intentions behind them.

The primary commandments of Jesus Christ are genuine love for God and love for others (Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:31; John 13:34-35; John 15:13). Real love produces selfless and sacrificial living. Putting others' desires first, generosity with our money, possessions, and time and helping those in need are examples of genuine Christian love (James 2:14-17). Also, the apostle John gave Jesus Christ’s life as an example of true love for Christians to follow. According to the apostle John, if we are living like Jesus Christ, we will “love one another” even with our own lives. Loving others like Jesus Christ is primary evidence of real faith in Him as our Lord and Savior (see 1 John 4:7-8). Jesus promises to send His Holy Spirit to help believers live their daily lives like Him (John 14 – 16; Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit comes to all sincere followers of Jesus Christ to motivate obedient discipleship.

One of the great results of loving God and others is an effective prayer life. Love is an important part of a successful prayer life. With genuine love in our hearts, we can come to God in prayer with a clear conscience and confidence that whatever we ask for will be given to us (Matthew 7:7; see also Matthew 21:22; John 9:31; John 15:7). Love fulfills God’s commandment (Matthew 22:40) and pleases Him because God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Even more, love lines up or matches our prayers with God’s will and purposes (John 15:7). With real love, our prayers become powerful, effective, and answered (James 5:16; 1 John 5:15).

Continual Prayer

10 But when Daniel learned that the law (decree) had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

Daniel 6:10-11 (NLT).

Daniel grew up during King Josiah’s spiritual reforms of Israel’s southern kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 22 and 23). After King Josiah’s death, Judah returned to committing sin and evil before God. Eventually, Judah was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army and many of Judah’s wisest men and most beautiful women were taken captive. Daniel was part of those captives along with his friends, Hananiah (called Shadrach), Mishael (called Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego). Daniel and his friends assumed important positions while in Babylon.

Daniel was a wonderful example of faith, wisdom, and courage. Even while in Babylon, Daniel established a reputation for wisdom, integrity, and absolute confidence in God. Daniel worked hard and faithfully served several pagan kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus (see also Colossians 3:22-25). Moreover, Daniel ate carefully and lived prayerfully. He ate simple yet healthy meals of fruits, vegetables, and water and indulged in persistent prayer to God (Daniel 1:8–17). Daniel’s main lifestyle choices was a decision to continually pray and give thanks to God ─ three times a day since his “early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel had a regular and disciplined prayer life that clung to God. Daniel did not hide his daily prayer routine from his enemies. He prayed because he could not look to the king or any other human for the guidance and strength. Only God could provide what he really needed. He even continued to pray to and trust God when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions (Daniel 6) and facing deadly threats from King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2). Daniel was persistent in his prayers to God and grateful when God answered his requests. When facing trouble, Daniel did not shrivel in fear. Instead, Daniel confidently believed in the living and all-powerful God to answer his prayers for help.

Even more, Daniel would gather his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and pray to God for His intervention (Daniel 2:17–18, see also Philippians 4:6). Daniel and his friends knew that God is all merciful (Daniel 2:18), answers prayer (Daniel 2:19–23), gives help and guidance (Daniel 6:10-11); provides wisdom (James 1:5); and reveals secrets (Daniel 2:28). These Jewish boys knew prayer is more powerful than panic when facing a challenge or struggle because prayer confirms your hope in God.

After God answered Daniel’s prayers, Daniel praised and thanked God for giving him wisdom and knowledge (e.g., Daniel 2:20-23). Daniel also gave God credit and praise as all wise and powerful. So like Daniel, we must continually seek and desire God’s face each day. All the more, we must pray regularly as prayer is our lifeline to God. God is the Ruler of the world and we all need to be completely faithful to Him.

Come To God!

12 For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents (desires, attitudes) of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest (Jesus Christ) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace (with confidence), that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:12-16 (NKJV).

Prayer is our approach to God, and we can come to God “with confidence” because of Jesus. Some people approach God afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray jokily, giving little thought to what they say. The Holy Bible teaches we are all to come to God with humble reverence and respect because God is the eternal King. But also we are to come to God with confidence and assurance because He is our Provider, Refuge and true Friend. Even more, we can come to God because of His Son, Jesus. When we trust our own efforts to provide our needs without God’s power, we are in danger of defeat. Our own efforts and works are never adequate.  Only with God’s power and strength are our efforts acceptable and victorious. Only through faith and trust in God will we find our rest, heart peace and victory. 

The Word of God is alive, life-changing, powerful, active and true. God's Word enters into the core of our human heart and spiritual life and discovers our innermost thoughts, motives, intent, and desires, both good and evil. Nothing can be hidden from God. The Word of God speaks to our hearts and souls giving life-giving communication and direction. God knows about everyone, everywhere and knows all our innermost thoughts. Even when we are unaware of His presence, God is there. No one or secret can hide from God (Psalm 139).

But, Jesus as our Great High Priest has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting in Jesus. Jesus has ready access to God because He is seated in the very presence of God the Father. As both God and humanity's Representative, Jesus understands our weaknesses because He lived on earth as a human too.  Jesus pleads, makes intercessions and negotiations for humans before God (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 13:20-21) for our needs. Jesus is always at God's right hand and He is always available to hear us when we pray to God the Father. So, humans can come boldly and confidently to God at any time, especially when we truly need help, because of Jesus, our great Intercessor.

Let us continually come before God. Jesus has opened the way for humans to enter God’s presence to obtain God’s mercy and grace for all our needs. Open your hearts to God and trust Him for your help! Do not harden your hearts by resisting God, but instead remain faithfully committed to God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit).
 

Extra Life

1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion (served You single-mindedly) and have done what is good in Your eyes (pleases God)." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. Isaiah 38:1-6 (NIV), see parallel references at 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; 2 Kings 20:1-11.

King Hezekiah of southern Israel (also called Judah) became extremely ill to the point of death.  The Prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah of his coming death. When Hezekiah learned of this destiny, he immediately turned to God in prayer. Hezekiah knew that that prayer brought deliverance and forgiveness (see Isaiah 37:14–20). God answered Hezekiah’s prayer by allowing him to live another 15 years. Even more, Hezekiah experienced God’s double miracle of healing and deliverance. God had spared King Hezekiah’s life and Judah.

Over a 100-year period of Israel’s history (732-640 B.C.), King Hezekiah was the only faithful king. Because of his faithfulness to God, God healed Hezekiah and saved his city from foreigner attackers, the Assyrians. Hezekiah’s life reveals that genuine faith, humility, and prayer directed to God can change any situation. Never hesitate to ask God for help. When life’s pressures challenge you or when everything is going wrong, do give up but turn to God. God can always change the course of our lives too in response to our genuine and humble prayer for help. God does listen! So turn your heart to God, walk faithfully with and trust Him. As Hezekiah learned, life and good health are gifts from God that the Lord God can withdraw at any time. God has the power of life and death (James 5:15).

Finally, never be prideful or boastful, but honor and praise God for His goodness (see 2 Kings 20:12-19; Psalm 15). After Hezekiah’s healing and deliverance, Hezekiah offered a prayer of thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:10–20).

Trust In God Alone!

God provides richly with His many blessings. We can all completely trust God in all circumstances (Psalm 9:10; Psalm 33:21 13:5; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 21:7; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 52:8; Psalm 143:8; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 36:7). Even during trials and other struggles, God can help us if we call on Him. Prayer releases our pressures in times of stress. Sincere faith and prayer directed toward God can change any situation. So pour out your hearts in honest prayer to God (Lamentations 2:19).

The Lord God rescues, cares for, and rewards people who trust in Him (Psalm 7:1; Psalm 16:1; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 26:1; Psalm 31:1-2, 4, 19; Psalm 34:22; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 86:2). Absolute strength is found in God alone and at all times. Psalm 62 teaches not to put our trust in people, status, or riches. Money, power, or prestige can never find you true relief. God is our Rock, Salvation, Defense, Glory and Refuge (Psalm 62:2, 7).  Importantly, God will work as we trust Him and let Him guide our way. So, reject foolishness, evil and sin, and pursue of God’s way of living (Psalm 31:19; Psalm 37:3, 5; Psalm 115:11). Only trusting God and working for Him brings true inner happiness (Psalm 62:12). 

1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. 2 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will never be shaken. … 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. 6 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my Refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in Him (God) at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our Refuge. Psalms 62:1-2, 5-8 (NLT).

Taking Time For God

23 With the crowd dispersed, He (Jesus) climbed the mountain so He could be by Himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Matthew 14:23 (The Message Bible) (see parallel passages at Mark 6:46 and Luke 5:16)

Jesus often took time away from the crowds and His busy schedule to pray to God the Father (e.g., see Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28). Seeking privacy with God was an important priority for Jesus. People were congregating to hear Jesus teach and to have their diseases healed. Despite the large crowds that often followed Him, Jesus often withdrew to quiet, solitary places to pray. Jesus made time in His schedule to be alone with God the Father to maintain His close spiritual union with God.

Many things demand our attention. Like Jesus, we should take time to withdraw to a quiet place to pray. Prayer time with God supports our spirits and provides strength to meet our daily tasks and struggles. We all need to spend time alone with God in prayer. Our strength comes from God alone, and we can only be empowered by spending time alone with God in prayer. Jesus relied on prayer. If Jesus needed to pray much, how much greater must our need for prayer. To increase your strength each day, get alone in prayer to God first!

Stop Complaining and Tell God!

1 The people fell to grumbling over their hard life. God heard. When He heard His anger flared; then fire blazed up and burned the outer boundaries of the camp. 2 The people cried out for help to Moses; Moses prayed to God and the fire died down. Numbers 11:1-2 (MSG)

The wilderness was a difficult time for the people of Israel as they headed to the Promised Land. The people often grumbled and complained about their hardships (Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 11:4; Numbers 14:2; Numbers 16:3; Numbers 20:3; Numbers 21:5). God had generously provided for the people’s needs during their wilderness journey. Yet, their complaints were driven by ungratefulness and lack of faith (See Philippians 2:14–15).  God heard the people’s complaints and His angered blazed. In His displeasure, God sent the fire of His judgment to consume some of the people. Fire is often a sign of God’s presence and judgment (e.g., Exodus 19:18; Deuteronomy 4:11; 1 Kings 18:38; Psalm 11:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Ezekiel 1:13; 2 Peter 3:12).

However, the people complained among themselves and not to God first! Yet, Moses took his problems to God, and God answered Moses’ complaints. Nothing is accomplished when we complain to one another about our problems.  But God can solve our problems if we will take our problems to Him. We all need to take our problems and everything else to God in prayer.  God has the answers to solve our problems!