Latest / The Daily Word / August 6 – A Life That Pleases the Father
Transcript
- Robert Rosales: Good morning and welcome to the Daily Word podcast. I'm Robert Rosales, and along with my wife Yolanda, I have the privilege of serving as the campus pastor at Lakeshore Gastonia. Thank you for taking a few moments to spend in God's Word today. Whether you're listening on your morning commute, enjoying a cup of coffee, or beginning your day with the Lord, my prayer is that this time encourages you and draws you closer to Him. Each day we're reading through the Bible together using the Life Journal Reading Plan. And today we'll focus on the New Testament passage. And one of the things I've learned over the years is that God often speaks in the quiet moments when we simply slow down and listen. And that's why I like to keep my time with Him simple: a Bible, a journal, a pen, and a heart that's ready to hear. Most of the time I'll use a trusted study resource to better understand the historical or biblical context, but God's word is always our foundation. As we read, we'll use the soap method: scripture, observation, application, and prayer. It's a simple framework that helps move God's word from the page into our everyday lives. So before we begin, let's invite the Holy Spirit to lead us and speak to us. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this new day and for the privilege of opening your word. Quiet the distractions around us and the noise within us. Give us hearts that are teachable, minds that are attentive, and lives that are ready to obey whatever you reveal. Holy Spirit, illuminate the scriptures and help us not only understand them, but live by them today. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Well, friends, today's scripture or passage for August 6th comes from John chapter 8, the Gospel of John chapter 8, and I journaled from verse 29. The New King James reads this way Jesus is speaking, and this is what he said. And he who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone. For I always do those things that please him. Well, that's a powerful verse. I've I've spent some time reading on that, just allowing it to kind of soak into my heart. Listen to what he says here. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please him. The title of my journal entry is this: A Life That Pleases the Father. Come on, say it with me. A life that pleases That pleases the Father. Here's my observation. What a powerful statement. Jesus said, He who sent me is with me. His confidence wasn't rooted in his circumstances or in the approval of others. It was rooted in the unshakable reality that the Father was with him. Even when people rejected him, misunderstood him, or opposed him. Jesus never doubted the Father's presence. Then Jesus gives us the reason. For I always do those things that please him. That raises an interesting question. Was the Father with Jesus because he always pleased the Father? Or did Jesus consistently please the Father because he lived with a constant awareness of the Father's presence? Perhaps it's both. The Father's presence empowered Jesus to live in obedience, and his continual obedience deepened his fellowship with the Father. It was a beautiful, uninterrupted relationship marked by love, trust, and surrender. Jean Guan, she was born in 1648, and she passed, she's in heaven now, since 1717. And in one of her books, she makes this. Comment. The statement in John 8 29 demonstrates perfect union between Father and Son. Because of their united wills, Jesus Christ always does what is pleasing to the Father. The wills of the Father and the Son are united. Hence, the will of the man in Jesus Christ is entirely dependent on the divine and has no resistance to the divine. This goes beyond mere obedience. It describes a harmony so complete that Jesus experiences unbroken divine presence. Wow! Exclamation mark. What if we lived each day with that same awareness? That God is truly with us? What if we lived with that level of yieldedness to the Father? I believe we'd worry less about pleasing people. And becoming far more focused on pleasing our Heavenly Father. Don't you agree, friends? So, how does this really apply to my life, to our lives? Let me let me let me share with you what I wrote down here. Jesus lived with a constant awareness that the Father was with him. That awareness gave him strength to obey, the confidence to stand firm, and the desire to live a life that pleased the Father. We can live the same way. When we remember that God is with us, not just around us, but present with us, it changes how we face each day. We don't have to be controlled by fear, the opinions of others, or our circumstances. Instead, we can focus on one question: Father, what would please you today? As we draw near to God and become more aware of His presence, obedience becomes less about obligation and more about relationship. Like Jesus, may our greatest desire be to walk with the Father and live a life that brings him pleasure. Friends, pray with me. Father God, thank you for speaking to us today through your word. Thank you for reminding us that we are never alone because you are always with us. Help us like Jesus to live with an awareness of your presence and to seek the things that please you. Lord, teach me to trust you more, obey you fully, and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. When I face challenges, uncertainty, or opposition, remind me that your presence is greater than my circumstances. Today may my thoughts, words, and actions bring honor to you. Shape my heart to desire what you desire, and help me live a life that reflects your love and brings you glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. Lakeshore family, as you go about your day, my prayer is that you'll continue to grow in your love for Jesus and his word. As you invest time with him, may he give you fresh insight, strengthen your faith. and guide your steps. Thanks for joining me today on the Daily Word podcast. I pray you've been encouraged to stay in God's Word and walk closely with the Holy Spirit. God bless you and we'll catch you again next time.