Kickstart to Confident LivingSample

FAITH IS PLEASING TO GOD As a child, I worked so hard at pleasing people. To be H.O.T. (honest, open, and transparent), I've also struggled with this as an adult. I wanted to please my mom, so I diligently completed my schoolwork. Being the first granddaughter of many boys, I wanted to fit in with them, so I worked tirelessly at being great in all sports. I wanted to be accepted by my youngest aunt, so I attempted to pretend to do girly things even though, at that time, I detested them. I wanted to be accepted amongst many, and I did whatever was needed in order to please them. Do you have a similar story? Reading this scripture, I thought about the many times I attempted to please others and questioned if I was propelled with this type of vigor to please God. To please someone means to satisfy or cause a person to be glad. So if it is impossible to please God without faith, how could we expect Him to be glad about our daily work? You see, our faith requires consistent work. Ask yourself, how do you show your belief through action? To be great in sports as a child, I practiced daily. I studied the best and tried to mimic their moves. This is sort of how it works to please God with your faith. You must practice showcasing your belief in God through your actions and attitude toward Him daily. It's not enough to say you believe. You must study the Bible. This means incorporating meditating on The Word day and night, as stated in Joshua 1:8. Lastly, you must mimic, through action, the life of Jesus as He showed us how to live on earth. Imitate His kindness and gentleness to all, as well as love and consistency. This is how you will increase your faith and please God. It's not about just going through daily motions without meaning. Show and prove that you believe in something greater than yourself. Remember, you'll start to see it when you believe it. God will blow your mind if you take the limits off and work on pleasing Him. REFLECTION: Ask yourself, how do you show your belief through action? Be H.O.T. (honest, open, and transparent). How do you rate yourself when it comes to pleasing God? In what ways do you please Him well? What areas could you improve in? PRAYER: Father, forgive me. Forgive me for the misalignment in my actions and faith. I know that it is only because of your grace that I have come this far. As you increase my faith, I ask that you increase my desire to please you and only you. And I pray this in the mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.