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What Makes God Smile

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

We call God “Father,” and He calls us his children. Many scriptures talk about this relationship, this connection we have with the creator of the universe and with the One true God. It is a bond that encompasses security, true love, and joy. At times it can be overwhelming when you sense his presence. Many times it will be so strong I will tear up. It often feels like God hugging me.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 

Like our earthly parent-child relationships, there are times when other emotions rise up. Sometimes, God gets angry with us, usually if we are acting out. You know, trying to do things our way. Or if we are blatantly disobeying him. We might be angry at God. Like in times when we feel He is not listening to us. And it’s okay to express that anger with him. But there are other times when we laugh with God and express tremendous joy, especially when we see him answering our prayers. I felt this emotion yesterday as I realized God was moving on my behalf in a relationship that has been challenging.

Sometimes, God needs to discipline us, but He does so with perfect love. And because He loves us, He takes the time to correct us.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12 (AMPC)

But God can smile too. Like a loving parent, it is when we, his children, obey his commandments, which are only there to guide us into a better life. What makes Him smile big is when we walk in faith. When we dare take Him at His word and step out to do something we don’t think we can do, accomplish or overcome.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Heb. 11:6 (AMPC)

It pleases him because He knows we believe him, believe in him, and trust him. Obedience shows we are mindful enough of his power, authority as God, and might to act on what He speaks into our souls. Our action with him to do of his will and good pleasure. To actively advance the kingdom of heaven and watch it prevail. Being witnesses and testifying of his greatness.

This is what makes God smile! May you make him smile daily as you walk in your relationship with him.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Why Do You Let Your Emotions Take Over?

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The title to this blog is a good question.  One asked by Job’s friend, Eliphaz in Job 15 from the Bible.  The reason we do is because it’s natural.  We instinctually go there first, to our emotions that is.  Expressing one’s emotion has gotten so popular these days we can even respond by sending an “emoji”. Of course, not all emotions are harmful, and not all are based in fear.

I remember a time when I got extremely mad and hurt from my father.  On the way home, from that encounter, I ordered a pizza.  I dropped it onto the asphalt on the way to my car due to high winds.  I had to go back inside and order another one.

When I finally got home and was eating it, God whispered, “Why didn’t you turn to me first?”

OUCH!

I thought about it and answered, “Because you weren’t my first thought, God.”

That’s probably why we turn to our emotions first and allow them, or empower them to take over us.  We have not yet trained ourselves to think of God first, and allow him to help us react to life in a peaceful manner.  Or to respond to a person and or situation with one of the fruits of the Spirit.  Can you imagine how much better life would be, or go if we could retrain our minds?  It is possible!  While in the midst of the process of getting my wife’s immigration to America completed I got depressed, and instead of turning to food, and allowing my emotions to rule, I prayed.

A key to learning to change our behavior is asking God for help to do so.  I had to do this as well.  God loves us so much and doesn’t want to see us get bogged down because we allow our emotions to rule us.  So the next time something happens that “gets your dandruff up”, or raises a red flag, stop, and ask God to help you.  I know you will be glad you did.

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.