Ever wonder if God is angry with you? Most of us have - or do. So, it's good to set the record straight. The angelic announcement at the birth of Christ clarifies it well:
"And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." " (Luke 2.13-14) Did you catch that last phrase? "peace among men with whom He is pleased." The most tangible proof of God's pleasure with humanity is the gift of His Son. If He didn't care, He wouldn't have sent Him.
Now, there is plenty wrong with humanity that displeases our Father. We've filled the earth with violence. Oppressed the poor. Forsaken the widow and orphan. Neglected justice. The sin "tally sheet" reaches high into the heavens. But, God deals in grace and mercy with those who belong to His Son. His peace extends to those who are His children in Christ.
Liberating grace is the springboard to God-pleasing lifestyle. If God is pleased with me, why wouldn't I want to please Him by how I live? A lifestyle of gratitude replaces the overwhelming burden of a lifestyle of works designed to try and earn His favor. Living a God-pleasing life is WANT TO instead of HAVE TO.
Why cower in the corner in fear of a holy God, when you can bask in His favor? "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4.18) As such, "everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3.3)
We've been liberated (assuming we've acted to commit our lives to Christ) by the God of peace through His Son to live a life devoted to Him. May His favor inspire kingdom living and kingdom purpose. May we be quick to declare kingdom good news, and demonstrate it through appropriate actions. May we stand ready to hear and obey the marching orders of the king, as we live as ambassadors in the world today. May we be a conduit of God's grace and favor to all who will hear and receive.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
"And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." " (Luke 2.13-14) Did you catch that last phrase? "peace among men with whom He is pleased." The most tangible proof of God's pleasure with humanity is the gift of His Son. If He didn't care, He wouldn't have sent Him.
Now, there is plenty wrong with humanity that displeases our Father. We've filled the earth with violence. Oppressed the poor. Forsaken the widow and orphan. Neglected justice. The sin "tally sheet" reaches high into the heavens. But, God deals in grace and mercy with those who belong to His Son. His peace extends to those who are His children in Christ.
Liberating grace is the springboard to God-pleasing lifestyle. If God is pleased with me, why wouldn't I want to please Him by how I live? A lifestyle of gratitude replaces the overwhelming burden of a lifestyle of works designed to try and earn His favor. Living a God-pleasing life is WANT TO instead of HAVE TO.
Why cower in the corner in fear of a holy God, when you can bask in His favor? "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4.18) As such, "everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3.3)
We've been liberated (assuming we've acted to commit our lives to Christ) by the God of peace through His Son to live a life devoted to Him. May His favor inspire kingdom living and kingdom purpose. May we be quick to declare kingdom good news, and demonstrate it through appropriate actions. May we stand ready to hear and obey the marching orders of the king, as we live as ambassadors in the world today. May we be a conduit of God's grace and favor to all who will hear and receive.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 7:37 AM
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