Sermon Central
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6 Ways To Make God Smile!
Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 3, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Here’s a teaching for all ages that will encourage everyone to pursue Christ. Throw your personal testimonies in this one.
What Brings a Smile unto God Text: Numbers 6: 22-27
22 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: 24 “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
#1. Our obedience to communicate this blessing over our children brings pleasure and a smile unto God!
Everyday before I drop off my 10 year old at school I pronouce this blessing over him. I just say from my heart- " I bless you Daniel in Jesus name!" I have heard powerful testimonies come because families started applying this blessing over each other!
This passage records the benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three persons, and yet one God. The expressions in the separate clauses correspond to the respective offices of the Father, to "bless and keep us"; of the Son, to be "gracious to us"; and of the Holy Ghost, to "give us peace." This blessed God because it was verbal communication between priest and members; between parents and their sons and daughters!
Notice vs. 27 So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”
#2. God smiles when we love Him supremely! Genesis 6: 5-8 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
The Bible tells us that for his entire life, Noah consistently followed God’s will and enjoyed a close relationship with Him!
God wants a relationship with you! Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
#3. God smiles when we trust Him completely! Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Noah had never seen rain and yet he trusted God, and for 120 years Noah built an ark!
Psalm 147:11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
#4. God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly! God didn’t say, “Build any ole boat!” No, He gave Noah detailed instructions as to the size, shape and materials of the ark. 450 ft. long, 75 ft. wide and 45 ft. tall. (The ark had the capacity exceeding that of 500 railroad stock cars.)
Genesis 6:22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.
If God tells you to build a boat; He doesn’t owe you any explanation!
James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love Him!
#5. God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually!
Doesn’t it feel good to you when someone gives you heart-felt praise?
Testimony: about my mother and her cooking! ( She will always cook for me because I brag and love her cooking!)
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Psalm 116: 17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
#6. God smiles when we use our abilities! After the flood God gave Noah these simple instructions.
Genesis 9:1-3 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.
