ODB: pleasing God
November 15, 2009
READ: Hebrews 11:1-6
We make it our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him. —2 Corinthians 5:9
Andy Warhol, the pop-art painter of such American images as the Campbell’s soup can, once said, “In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” But he was wrong. There are millions of people who will never grab their moment in the spotlight. Some of them are the men and women who spend their lives doing things like working hard, raising godly children, faithfully praying for others, sharing their faith with those who don’t yet know Jesus. They teach Sunday school, bring meals to the sick, drive senior citizens to doctors’ appointments, and do countless other kindnesses.
These people may never be recognized outside their circle of family and friends. Certainly, their names aren’t well known. And although they willingly, and often sacrificially, give of themselves, they may not receive a whole lot of thanks or praise for their service. Yet God knows of their faithfulness and is pleased by their obedience.
Second Corinthians 5:9 teaches us to “make it our aim . . . to be well pleasing” to God. As we, by faith, believe in Him and give our lives in service to Him, He is pleased (Heb. 11:6). That’s our reward, because God’s approval is always sweeter than the applause of the crowd. — Cindy Hess Kasper
The deeds God finds pleasing are those done in service for Him.
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Loading ...ODJ: bold faith
Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” (v.30).
READ: Numbers 13:25-33
Recently, a 6-year-old boy missed his morning bus to school. Determined not to miss his school breakfast or gym class, the tyke grabbed the keys to his parents’ car, crept out of the house as his mother slept, and drove nearly 6 miles toward his school. The Associated Press report gave amazing detail of the boy’s remarkable jaunt: “He made at least two 90-degree turns, passed several cars and ran off the rural two-lane road several times before hitting an embankment and utility pole about a mile and a half from school.”
What this young boy did was obviously illegal and dangerous, but some people will admire his take-charge mentality.
I imagine that when he grows up, he might be something like Caleb, the fierce Israelite warrior who tenaciously challenged Israel to confront her enemies.
Caleb faced strong opposition to his challenge, however. For the people of the land appeared to hold an overwhelming advantage. “They are stronger than we are!” Israel’s other scouts argued (v.31).
The dire probabilities of the Israelites’ violent demise should have melted any sane man’s courage. (v.32). Israel’s enemies were menacing. Physically, they were huge. Some were giants that made the Israelite spies seem “like grasshoppers” by comparison (v.33). Still, Caleb was undeterred.
But Caleb wasn’t some zealous warrior without good sense. He wasn’t overly confident in his battle-tested skill, nor had he turned a blind eye to the gravity of their situation. Caleb simply believed God. God had spoken, telling Israel that the land would be theirs. And he believed.
When God calls you to some seemingly impossible task, will you have the bold faith of Caleb—faith to believe and obey? —Winn Collier
What is God calling you to do that will require bold faith? What is holding you back from following His leading?
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