Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Friday, August 14, 2009

BY ENJOYING GOD


Isaiah 58:13
The Message (MSG)
"If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don't use My Holy Day for personal advantage, If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, God's holy day as a celebration, If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,' making money, running here and there— Then you'll be free to enjoy God! Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all. I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob." Yes! God says so!
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Psalm 68:1
The Message (MSG)
Up with God! Down with His enemies! Adversaries, run for the hills! Gone like a puff of smoke, like a blob of wax in the fire— one look at God and the wicked vanish. When the righteous see God in action they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy. Sing hymns to God; all heaven, sing out; clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider. Enjoy God, cheer when you see Him! [all emphasis added]

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It has been said that " The chief end of man is glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Most people would not argue with that statement. However, John Piper, in his book, DESIRING GOD, changes just one word which I agree is most significant. His statement reads: "The chief end of man is to glorify God BY enjoying Him forever." That really puts the idea into an entirely new light!
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This week I had the privilege [again] to substitute teach for a Bible study in a small nursing home. The ladies there are very elderly and many have lost their loved ones. One lady said to me with sadness, "I have no one left." Yet, as I taught from Luke 15 about the prodigal son - I focused on the love that the father had when the son came home. It was great love - sacrificial love - undying love. I challenged even those ladies to love the Lord their God and to enjoy Him. I watched that very lady light up when I said to her, "But you have God and you get to enjoy Him until you see Him."
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Have you thought about that? Enjoying your God? Do you enjoy Him? How do you enjoy Him?
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I'd really like to hear some of your answers............

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Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[JESUS - the One I DELIGHT In]

10 comments:

LisaShaw said...

"The chief end of man is to glorify God BY enjoying Him forever."

Amen! John Piper said it well.

Thanks for the encouragement Stephanie. I pray that you are doing well in every way including physically. I pray your family is doing well.

Blessings and peace!

B His Girl said...

I enjoy walking with Him. He lets me know He is truly with me. I enjoy His interaction with me. The little things He does and the big things all make my heart do flips. I was at our beach worship service two weeks ago and a feather floated down from above and landed on my table. It made me smile. B

Loren said...

How do I enjoy HIM???

In the hummingbird as it feeds on nectar. The beauty in all of the amazing flowers in bloom. The amazing detail in animals ~ zebra patterns, butterfly wings, lightning bugs. Receiving HIS peace that passes all understanding. Knowing HIM and that HE Never leaves me. That HE gave me HIS Word that provides an answer for all I ever might need. Knowing I don't experience anything that HE hasn't. The unconditional love of the animals in my life. The friends HE's given me that shine brightly for HIM. The Husband HE made just for me! and the most precious children He has given me that show me a glimpse of the JOY HE must have in us.

p.s. Thank you sooooo very much for your prayers Stephanie. My dad awoke this morning feeling better than he has felt all week. Bless YOU!!!

Alleluiabelle said...

My Dear Friend,

I have such a heart for the elderly and it touched me so when you said that you watched that very lady light up when you said to her, "But you have God and you get to enjoy Him until you see Him." So, so beautiful and so lovingly said.

Despite the many physical and mental trials that I have been through personally and with my husband's health, I continue to enjoy God by seeing His beauty all around me no matter how I may be feeling at the time...His creations are around me everywhere. I enjoy Him by reading His Word, singing, worshiping and praising Him throughout each and every day. I pray, but I also talk with Him as He is my Father, my closest friend who knows everything about me and my life. It's an intimate thing with Him, and it is so beautiful. I start my day out by thanking Him in advance for the grace and joy that He will bless me with throughout the day. I just love Him so much and He fills my mind and heart with such a passion for Him. What a magnificent God we have that reigns both in heaven and on earth.

I love this post Stephanie.

Love, Blessings & Prayers,
Alleluiabelle

Yolanda said...

I loved this, thank you Stephanie.

I enjoy God when I sit in His presence. When I'm in His word, when I pray, when I place a smile on my face and LISTEN to my spouse, I enjoy God when I have the oppotunity to spend time with our grandchildren, and other children. I enjoy GOD in so many different facets.

Love ya!

Beth Herring said...

oh, I do love me some John Piper!

Yes! We edify and glorify Him when we enjoy Him!

I really enjoyed this today Stephanie.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I loved this. You have a beautiful way of sharing the WORD. What a great post....so glad that I stopped tonight. This summer has been so crazy that I have not visited some of my favorite blogs often. I always enjoy stopping by yours. Have a Happy Sunday! I have a giveaway going through Monday morning.

Unknown said...

This post really makes me think.
Hmm...do I enjoy God. Not much of the time. I really need to change my focus.

sure is tough, though.

I wanted to tell you how awesome it is that you have touched Cari's mom. What a hope you will be for her.

That itself is God's fingerprints in your lives. Mine too.

I'd love for you to keep me posted about Cari. Of course, I know you would want to check with Cari and her mom first. There is something about Cari that captured me long before she found out she had cancer.

How are you feeling?

LisaShaw said...

You leaped into my heart tonight...came back over to love on you.

Blessings in Jesus Name dear sister.

COUNTRY MOM said...

What a blessing to read your blog. To see all the great Bible verses, and your love for God. Hope you have a great day. Many Blessings,