1. This week's Quiet Times: December 12-16, 2011
A Life Pleasing to God
MONDAY
Many seek pleasure for themselves in this life
only to fill themselves with bitterness, anger
and disappointment. Let’s see what we can
learn from the Master about living to please
the Lord. Read John 4:34-38. What did Jesus
want to fill himself with? From verses 35-38,
what do you suppose is the work God wants us
to finish? Did Jesus put the work of God (will
of God) on the backburner? Let’s see how
Jesus accomplished completing the will of the
Father. Read John 5:30. Could Jesus do it on
His own? The confidence Jesus radiated lied in the fact that He sought the Father’s will
and not His own. Write John 6:40 on an index card and memorize it. God’s will for you
is to believe in Jesus; to look toward His example and way of life. Make Him your
Lord!
TUESDAY
Submission in humility and dependence on God’s grace shows a life that is pleasing to
God. We see these qualities in action at the Garden of Gethsemane on one dark and
gloomy night. Read Mark 14:32-36. In verse 36, what was the first thing Jesus
acknowledged? Since God is in control and everything is possible for Him, doesn’t it
make sense then to surrender everything to Him? Even thought Jesus made a plea for
Himself, He remained subjected the will of the Father. He willingly pleased God by
experiencing alienation from God to save our souls from eternal condemnation. Since
He subjected Himself to the point of spiritual alienation (beyond death) God affirms His
pleasure in Jesus by pointing you toward Him: LISTEN TO HIM! (Mat. 17:5)Write
Heb. 10:38-39 on an index card and memorize it. Since Jesus didn’t shrink back for our
sake let us imitate Him by walking in a way that pleases the Lord-----> by FAITH!
WEDNESDAY
During the rest of the week we are going to examine several attitudes and
accompanying actions that must be present in a life that will be pleasing to the Lord.
Spend some time carefully reading Eph. 5:15-21. Take in carefully each of the pointers
that Paul gives as to how you should live. Here’s a brief outline on Understanding
God’s will (Living wisely): (1) Be a good steward of time/make the most of the
opportunities God gives you (2) Don’t get drunk on the spirit of the World/Don’t

2. conform (Rom. 12:1-3) (3) Be filled with God’s Spirit! Renewed in mind! Controlled
by the Spirit! (Rom. 8:6-8) When you are filled by the Spirit it shows by your humility
in singing, thankfulness, and submission to each other. I have a tough time believing
that someone claims to be filled with the Spirit of God and yet refuses to sing! That is
not humility! Don’t make it your goal to please yourself, make it your goal to please
Him! (2 Cor.5:9) Write Heb. 11:6 on an index card and memorize it. Seek a life, an
attitude, a language, habits, etc. that please the Lord! He saved you!
THURSDAY
Acknowledging God in the way you think and speak is a testimony toward a dedication
to please Him. Read carefully James 4:13-17. How does James teach that you should
acknowledge Jesus’ Lordship in your life? Why does he call it boasting and bragging
when you say “I’m going to do this and that...”? (See 1 Cor.10:1-6) Is your manner of
speaking tainted with your arrogance? Are you full of yourself when you give advice or
speak to someone? Maybe you need to be listening more! (James 1:19) “Lord willing”
should not become a cliché in your vocabulary but a testimony of your faith. It will be
shown for what it is by your actions. Look up in your concordance all the instances
where in the New Testament the writers used the phrase “if the Lord is willing...”. Next
to each verse that you find, write down the attitude you felt the writer expressed by that
statement. Write Heb.13:15-16 on an index card and memorize it. See to it that you
purify yourself!
FRIDAY
Finally brethren... can you sum up what it means to live a life pleasing to God? Read 1
Thess. 4:1-5. According to verse 3, what is God’s will for you? What is sanctification?
(Ans.: self-control, or actually, God-control. Not lust-controlled!) Living in passionate
lust is equated to not knowing Who? Are you craving anything or anyone other than
Jesus Christ right now? Do you desire something material that you don’t have, or a kind
of relationship you can’t have at this time? Be honest with yourself, now! Learn to
control your body by seeking the Lord through these passionate moments. Superimpose
His will over your own. Do not be controlled by your desires or by your body, unless
you want to make yourself miserable! And if you are miserable, WAKE UP! Have you
not been washed in the blood? Have you been given grace? Have you shed blood? Give
thanks for what you have!------> Col.1:10-12. You are living in the light!-------->
Eph.5:8-12. BE DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD!!! Write Psalm
19:14 on an index card and memorize it. Your words and your heart will reflect what
you put in them! God bless!