Heb 11:5 (KJV) 5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Within the pages of the Bible, we read very little about this man named “Enoch” and, yet, what we are told about him should cause any Christian to appreciate the wonderful testimony that he left behind. Besides his age, lineage and descendants, we are told basically four different things about Enoch:
1. “Enoch walked with God”
2. “God took him (Enoch)”; in other words, “Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found for God took him”
3. “he had this testimony, that he pleased God”
4.”Enoch… prophesied of these saying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints”
In this devotion, I would like us to consider the third aspect of Enoch’s testimony… “he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” What a wonderful testimony to leave behind! Think of what it would be like if our acquaintances, our family members, neighbors, friends, co-workers and Christian brethren would say that we exhibited lives that were in agreement with the desires of God.
God’s Word gives us some key aspects of a life that is pleasing to God:
#1 It is a life lived with the indwelling Holy Spirit… (salvation)
Rom 8:8-9 (KJV) -So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
#2 It is a life that puts Christ first by sharing the gospel message… (evangelization)
1Thess 2:4 (KJV) – But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
#3 It is a life that is lived by faith… (trust)
Heb 11:6 (KJV) – But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
#4 It is a life characterized by answered prayer, keeping His commandments and fulfilling His revealed will… (submission)
1John 3:22 (KJV) – And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Let’s take a moment and honestly think upon our lives…. Based upon the above four characteristics (salvation, evangelization, trust, and submission) are we living lives that are pleasing to Him? Is this the lifestyle that others see in us?
May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.
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I try very hard but make many mistakes and have plenty of room for growth. thankfully God is good and a forgiving God. thank you for sharing Rob
Terry,
It is just as you say… it is such a blessing to know that we can go to the Lord with our sins and failures and He is waiting to pardon. What a wonderful Lord. May \He continue to bless.
This was wonderful Rob. I am definitely thinking on these things in this afternoon’s devotional time. Thank you.
Hi Pastor,
Yep, i agree with you…. as I studied thesee verses they were a real blessing to me as well. They seemed to cover all the main areas of our life of service. Lord bless you. Thanks so much for the comments.
Rob, this is a challenge!
I am sure most of us could answer “Yes . . . BUT . . .”
If required to give a percentage of the times when it would be an unqualified “yes” we would struggle and be humbled.
Thankfully, our amazing God doesn’t discard us but continues to work in us, drawing us closer and closer to Himself, revealing more of Himself and making us more like Him.
One day soon . . .
Hello Angela,
We all have a LONG WAY to go, that is for sure. By His grace, we continue on in our service for Him. Lord bless you. Thanks for the comments.
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This was a lot to think on!! But, so good as you show what pleases Him . ..that is really helpful! God bless you as you continue to teach us the truths in His Word!
Lord bless you Debbie. Have a good weekend