"The Lord does whatever pleases Him." (Psalm 135:6a, NIV))
Would it not be smart to also say, "Whatever pleases Him", pleases me?!? Regardless, it would behoove the human race to accept today's text. No one in history has ever opposed the Living Triune God------- and won.
You know as well as I that there have been times when "whatever pleases" us was more important. For far too many, this has led to "mad at God," disillusionment, and whatever other phrases reflect someone who is about to give up. Maybe everyone who has used the word, disillusioned, should reconsider the definition for disillusion: "to free from illusion"!
There is little doubt that some take our text to be that of a capricious god, as though the King of the Universe were some despot or tyrant whose modus operandi was without feeling, love, compassion, not "sensitive" and responsive, answering prayers only when it was, "whatever pleases Him"; simply not true! Taking care of you and me is, "whatever pleases Him." The cross was, "whatever pleases Him." Supplying all our, "needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus", is also in accord with, "whatever pleases Him." Perhaps it is another way of reminding us that we should pray and live, "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in Heaven."
I think we all need a refresher course on Paul's conclusion, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." I pray I am "learning" this more and more. No; this is not some form of fatalism. This is acknowledging that, "Jesus Christ is Lord/King." This is an accepting-faith and admittance that you and I know nothing of what is best for us apart from our Lord Jesus Christ. Pride keeps people from admitting what Solomon prayed when he was about to take over the nation of Israel, "I do not know how to go out or come in."
Today there probably have been and will be more examples of, "whatever pleases Him." How we react will determine sadness or joy, defeat or victory.
Father, in Jesus' Name, While, "whatever pleases Him," may seem to some a passing statement, I depend upon it/You moment by moment. Amen.
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Still waiting to hear when the Kavanaugh hearings will take place. Thanks to all who have contributed to helping secure accommodations in DC.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2