Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 9, 2016
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:25-26, NLT
Grandchildren are quick to bring a smile to the face of a grandparent. Their cute, customized language—their adorable looks and their heartfelt hugs make a grandmother and grandfather feel deep love, joy and gratitude. A smile of satisfaction and a grandchild’s trusting countenance communicates a heart full of wonder and affection—their face of faith and joy is contagious. Grandparents smile on their grandchildren because they are moved by innocence and intimacy.
Our loving heavenly Father finds great joy in experiencing the love, affection and worship of His children. He smiles when He sees His son or daughter look to the Lord for wisdom and direction. The Holy Spirit leads a humble and submitted heart to Him. God is quick to shower His favor on a precious child of His who loves Him supremely over other competing lovers. Like a sharp needle Christ punctures any balloons of worry and inflates them with His peace. Heaven’s smile gives a child of God the confidence to overcome a frown on earth. Jesus’ smile makes it all worthwhile!
“Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live” (Psalm 119:35, MSG).
What are some ways for us to bring God pleasure? When we walk by faith and not by sight, our heavenly Father sees us look to His Spirit for leadership. Earnestly and compassionately the Holy Spirit shows the way to a seeking soul who wholeheartedly desires God’s best. What joy it brings Jesus to partner with those whose heart’s passion is to work with Him on His Kingdom agenda. Similar to how a parent feels honored when a child asks for their advice about a major life decision, so we honor the Lord when we ask for His will to be done. God smiles at trust in Him.
Another way to solicit a smile from Jesus is to not take yourself too seriously. Loosen up a little bit, laugh at yourself and relax. Your imperfections are indicators of your desperate need for a Savior, so rather than justifying your mistakes or misunderstandings—acknowledge them, ask forgiveness and move on. And instead of holding others to a standard of perfection: offer grace, understanding and mercy—treat others as the Lord treats them. Humor and laughter are medicine for a too serious soul. Learn to laugh with the Lord—and let heaven’s joy stifle earth’s sorrow!
“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me to know Your ways and follow Your heart.Application
How can I live my life in a way that brings a smile to my heavenly Father’s face?Related Reading
Psalm 31:16; Proverbs 16:7; Romans 8:8; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 1:10Post/Tweet today
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Your imperfections are indicators of your desperate need for a Savior, so rather than justifying your mistakes or misunderstandings—acknowledge them, ask forgiveness and move on.
I like it.
Dear Eddie,
Well said! Thank you for reminding us, once again, that we are indeed, in desperate need of a Savior! I am so thankful we have one in Jesus Christ!
We are grateful that you are a part of our Wisdom Hunter’s family and look forward to hearing from you again.
In His Love,
Gwynne
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
1 Timothy 4:9-10