Being in The Word #2 || Pleasing God

   Folks, it's time for our first post highlighting a specific reason to read and study the God's Word. By now, you have very likely heard of the most recent instance of violence in our world. It's another sobering reminder of how much we need the Lord for the answers to life's hard questions. May we humbly come before Him to learn.

Pleasing God

   If you are a true believer with the Holy Spirit abiding within you, a desire to please God will grow within your changed heart. This doesn't necessarily mean that it comes "naturally" - the flesh  puts up a stubborn fight! However, a repeating theme in the Bible is God's pleasure in obedience. Here are some serious words the prophet Samuel had for King Saul when the king rebelled against God and gave the fruits of his rebellion as sacrifice: 

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams."

I Samuel 15:22 NKJV

   How are we to know what God wants though? We don't have a Samuel in our lives! One foolproof way to find out is to read the Bible. It is a Christian's guide to life! Below is a passage from Psalm 119, a chapter brimming with praise for the Word. Notice that the author has stored up God's word in his heart so that he can avoid sin! 

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
 With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
 I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;

    teach me your statutes!
Psalm 119:9-12 ESV

   The above Old Testament passage makes a strong point. Now I'd like to share a New Testament scripture about the Word. I looked up the word "rightly dividing" in my Bible dictionary. It means "to cut straight". We are to have precision with God's word, which must come by reading and study!

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15 ESV

   In closing, I challenge you to read as much of Psalm 119 as you can in the next week! May you and I both be encouraged to stay in the Bible this week. As we know more, may we grow more. :)