“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Heb. 11:6 NKJ).
According to scripture, pleasing the Lord is within the reach of all of us. Out of the Dark Ages came a concept of God as One Who was vindictive. He angrily watched every move people made. If they strayed or erred one bit, He was quick to “zap” them. He was out to get people.
Unfortunately, this concept still exists today. Sadly, it disregards everything the Word of God has to say about His goodness and merciful lovingkindness.
Our heavenly Father says in His Word that there are things we can do to please Him. They are not impossible. Having faith and trust in Him pleases Him. Colossians 3:20 tells us that God is pleased when children obey their parents. Second Samuel 7:29 indicated that it pleases God to bless our homes.
Keeping His commandments is pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22). Any recognition or acknowledgement we give to His righteous Word is well-pleasing to the Lord, according to Isaiah 42:21.
The psalmist tells us that praising, singing, and worshipping the Lord pleases Him (Ps. 69:30-31). Solomon says that our journey or pathway can be pleasing to God, resulting in His favor and blessing (Prov. 16:7).
In Isaiah 55:11 (NKJ), the Lord Himself tells us that His Word will not return to Him void (unfulfilled or unrealized) but will accomplish what He pleases, and will prosper in the thing for which He sent it (NKJ).
The writer of Hebrews says that Enoch had…”this testimony, that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). If you look up the words please and pleased in the concordance, you will be happily surprised to discover how often things were said and done that pleased the Lord.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.