Tag Archives: fearing the Lord

God’s Pleasure

Delight, enjoyment and gratifying are feelings associated with pleasure.  Since individuals are wired differently, venues chosen to seek pleasure vary.  According to the Psalmist, two distinct attributes get’s the Lord’s attention.  While the world may embrace beauty, gambling and sex, heaven desires two specific qualities.

God’s pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior – Psalm 147:10

The first characteristic which excites the Lord is a holy reverence.  This trait can be acquired through studying the history of God’s relationship with Israel.  Although some of the miracles performed by the Lord may be difficult to believe, these acts of favor led many Jews to fear God.

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love, Psalm 147:11.

The second quality is often a natural response to the first.  After individuals begin to fear the Lord, many start to place their faith in God’s unfailing love.  Despite patterns of disobedience, unconditional love is displayed throughout the Old and New Testament.  Therefore, if you want to please the Lord today, set your hearts upon a reverence fear and minds on the promises of love within the Bible.  When your actions coincide with hope, you will become the apple of God’s eyes.

by Jay Mankus

 

A Grand Parent’s Prayer

One of my favorite movie lines comes from the 2005 documentary End of the Spear.  Based on the true story of Operation Auca, Jim Elliott and 4 other missionary’s lose their life trying to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Waodani, a dangerous tribe from Ecuador.  Violence had prevented these men and women from ever becoming grandparents.  However, once their fearless leader, Mincayani embraces a new found faith, “this vicious cycle is stopped through peace, not by the end of the spear.”

The author of Psalm 128 shares a similar message.  Inside this short chapter, you will find an outline for blessings and prosperity.  Verse 1 claims fearing the Lord will lead you toward God’s ways.  If this advice is adhered to, you will experience the abundance within the flood gates of heaven, Malachi 3:10.  Yet, many still struggle with surrounding their entire lives to Christ, holding things back like Achan in Joshua 7.  As a result of partial acts of disobedience, many Christian’s are failing to live the abundant life which Jesus promises in John 10:10.  Instead, mediocrity reigns, leaving disappointment and unfulfilled expectations behind.

In my own life, I sense a time in the future when I could possibly become a grandparent.  While my parent’s worked hard for 40 years to achieve a better life in retirement, my generation may not be as fortunate.  The economy, inflation and societal demands has erased the life savings of many.  Yet, one thing the desperate can cling to is a grandparent’s prayer, “and may you live to see your children’s children.  Peace be upon Israel,” Psalm 128:6.

by Jay Mankus