OUGHT TO PLEASE GOD

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MAY 1

 

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, 

and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye 

have received of us how ye ought to walk and

to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 

 
Nothing can be more reasonable. Nothing can be more profitable.
 
He is our Father. He continually consults our welfare.
 
He has made provision for all our wants. He seeks to profit us, and we ought to seek to please him.
 
My friend, do you realize the importance of pleasing God?
 
Do you desire to please him, to please him well in all things? 

Then rest alone for acceptance of the finished work of Christ.
 
Believe the love that he hath to you.
 
Receive his promises as worthy of the strongest confidence.
 
Approach his throne often, but always expecting to be heard and answered for the sake of Jesus. 

Consult his word to ascertain his will, and 

   whenever you discover anything his will, and 

      whenever you discover anything to be the will God, 

  do it; 

  do it promptly; 

  do it properly;

  do it cheerfully; 

  do it just because he requires it; 

  do it without asking why it is required 

  do it with a view to please him. 

Bow with submission to all the dispensations of his providence, and endeavour to center all your desires, plans, and aims in this one object, to glorify him.
 
This will please him.
 
You ought to please him, you owe him so much, you expect so much from him, and you have professed so much.
 

My soul, THIS point pursue,

Make THIS thy business here,

Thy God to please, his will to do,

In faith, with love and fear.

 
James Smith