A Pleasing Faith

In a recent poll by Goodman, 75 percent of Christians produce no fruit in their lives, 90 percent do not believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Without judging, Christianity is in trouble and needs to do a lot of work to correct the misconceptions. The other possibility is we are exactly where we should be in Eschatology and the falling away.

One thing we can and do is quit expecting the world to like you. Jesus said it would hate you (John 15:18-27; Matthew 10:22).

Another is we're called to build each other up, not tear each other down. In fact, Jesus said that we should love one another and that proves to the world that we are really His true disciples (John 35.13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, quit gossiping. There is no place in a truly Christian environment for this type of behavior period. This goes for males or females. (Psalms 34:13, Psalms 101:5, Ephesians 4:29).

There is no replacement for prayer, none. Prayer is a communication tool with God and the hand of God which moves the world. (2 Corinthians 1:11, Philippians 1:19, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16

Life can get pretty tuff. But no matter how difficult life becomes, we can thank God for our families. There may be times when we let down those we love and fail people who have given the most, but through it all, we discover a group of people who make us feel that we feel we belong the most.

They say to us, "What happens to you matters to me." (Isaiah 44.1-5)

We face all of life together and stand together from confidence born of true identity in the name of family. Despite the pain, frustration, embarrassment, the unavoidable world of life, the family is a real gift of the living God.

We all need to avoid stress. Too much pressure can and will harm us mentally and physically and especially spiritually. I think I can say that we Christians should rely on the Holy Spirit and not to become so stressed as to produce damage to our bodies, minds, and spirits. (Isaiah 30.15-18)

Unfortunately, many people, Christians included, are caught up in the same rat race as everyone else. Right now, check out of the rat race; it is a race you cannot win. What has happened is we have let our values to become distorted and are not +seeing life clearly from God's perspective.

We've lost some of our distinctiveness; our lives look much like or identical to those folks who are not committed to Christ. I have been pointing out this situation for months. It should not be this way! (1 Corinthians 6.19-20)

What do you think when you hear the word "father?" Do you think of someone loving, or do you feel about someone angry? Someone who is pleased with you or someone who is always disappointed?

Someone who is always available or someone too busy, preoccupied, or ever distant? When you think of "Father God," what images come to your mind? Hopefully, your mind will be peaceful, thinking about where you are going with Him.

Regardless of the type of father, you grew up with—or without—the view of God is likely influenced by the relationship you had with your father. God is not just like your dad or any dad. Instead, God is the Father revealed in Scripture, where the truth is clear. God is a Father who Is:

• Always there
• Up close and personal
• Fully pleased
• In complete control
• Completely safe

I hope you find this and other articles filled with biblical insight and practical tools for reflection, healing, and restoration. The Word of God can and will enable you to break free from the lies of the enemy and see your heavenly Father as He truly is.

One of the things we have lost is the law of love being the foundation of the government of God; the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness.

God desires from all His creation the service of love--service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in forced obedience, and to all, He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.

It is super important that we, as children of God that we acknowledge the allegiance of love, the perfect harmony throughout the universe that God created. His world reflects His glory for all to see.

The angels delighted in reflecting His glory showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was confiding and unselfish. But a change came over the happy state.

There was one perverted the freedom of will that God had granted to His creatures. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven.

Lucifer, "son of the morning," was the first of the covering cherubs, he was undefiled and holy. He had the privilege of standing in the presence of the eternal God Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God and rested upon Him. Ezekiel describes him:

"You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes I was prepared for you on the day you were created.

You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth amid fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Until iniquity was found in you." (Ezekiel 28.12-15)

My final thoughts (above in Greek by the way) on this one. I can honestly say I do not have a haughty spirit. "But, without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him."

I love this verse. It is the faith national anthem. It is easy to memorize. And if I can do it, anyone can. Thank you for reading the article and for being a faithful reader. Please join my group of readers. I will join your group as well. Peace be to you, Dr. G