Planned for God's Pleasure ~ Day 8

Purpose # 1

For God has planted them

like strong and graceful

oaks for His own glory.

                       Is 61:3

You created everything, and it 

is for Your pleasure that they

exist and were created.

                                   Rev 4:11

God chose to create us for His own enjoyment.  We exist for His benefit and purpose.  So, living for God is our first purpose.  With this in mind, how can we feel insignificant; how can we feel that life has no meaning?  Our importance to God is shown by His desire to keep us with Him throughout eternity.  (Eph 1:5)

Since God made us in His image, He is able to enjoy pleasure, just as we are able to take pleasure in Him.  In this way, we have a unique relationship with Him; a love that is reciprocated through all time.  That is an exciting thought!

Just as God feels love and pleasure, the Bible tells us that He feels jealousy and anger, sorrow and compassion.  Are you getting it yet?  God feels all of the emotions that we feel because we were made in His image.

Bringing Pleasure to God is Called "Worship"

Ps. 147:1

When we bring pleasure to God, we are worshiping Him.  God desires worshipers, so He made us with the desire to worship Him.

Worship is far more than the music we sing in church.  Every part of a church service is worship.  Some people divide music into praise and worship.  However, if it offered to God in truth and spirit, it is an act of worship.

Worship is not for Our Benefit

We worship for God's benefit; to bring pleasure to God.  Of course, parts of worship edify and include things for us, such as fellowship, but the real purpose of worship is to bring glory to God.  

Worship is not a part of our life; it is our life.  Worship should not begin and end in church, but should be carried throughout our daily lives. (Ps 105:4)  We should thank Him and give Him praise for everything, from the air that we breathe to the food that we eat to our salvation that His Son made possible. (1 Cor 10:31)

Do everything as if you were doing it for Jesus, and then you will be glorifying God.

Point to Ponder

I was planned for God's pleasure.

Verse to Remember

Ps 149:4a

Question to Consider

What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?