How can we make it our goal to please God daily? Our Everyday Aim 2 Corinthians 5:9: “So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.” Paul’s word “aspire” speaks of an intentional, steady pursuit. Pleasing God is not a side project; it is life’s central ambition. • Not performance to earn love—Christ has already secured that. • Rather, a grateful response that seeks His smile in every choice, conversation, and thought. --- What Actually Pleases God • Faith that trusts His character – Hebrews 11:6 • Walking worthy of the Lord – Colossians 1:10 • Living sacrifices offered daily – Romans 12:1 • Obedience flowing from love – John 14:15 • Reverent awe and hope in Him – Psalm 147:11 --- Cultivating a Heart That Delights Him • Stay God-conscious: whisper thanks, ask for guidance, celebrate His attributes. • Soak in Scripture: let His voice set your attitudes (Psalm 1:2). • Surrender the will: “Not my will, but Yours” becomes a reflex. • Walk by the Spirit: depend on His power, not flesh (Romans 8:8-9). • Keep short accounts: confess quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). --- Daily Practices That Keep Us on Track Morning • Offer the day: “Here’s my body, a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Read a portion of the Word; note one truth to obey. Midday • Pause for a two-minute check-in: “Father, am I still aiming at Your pleasure?” • Adjust any attitude slipping toward self-focus. Evening • Review with Him: celebrate graces given, repent of any displeasing matter. • Rest in His forgiveness and renewal for tomorrow. --- Anchor Verses for Ongoing Motivation • John 8:29 – Jesus: “I always do what pleases Him.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Live in a way that pleases God… do so more and more.” • Ephesians 5:8-10 – “Walk as children of light… proving what pleases the Lord.” • Galatians 1:10 – Seek God’s approval, not man’s. • Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth… be pleasing in Your sight.” --- Guardrails Against Drift • Accountability: invite a trusted believer to ask how you’re aiming at God’s pleasure. • Worship gatherings: corporate praise recalibrates priorities. • Service: pouring out for others keeps the focus off self. • Eternal perspective: 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us of the judgment seat—future evaluation fuels present faithfulness. --- Finishing Thoughts Making it our goal to please God daily is a Spirit-empowered, Scripture-directed journey of faith and love. Keep the aim clear, practice simple obediences, and let every moment become an opportunity to see your Father’s smile. |
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