For years, when I pray, a phrase that quite often comes out of my thoughts and mouth is “Lord, help us to put a smile on Your face in all we say and do.” While sending a text to my grown children, I frequently remind them to “Go put a smile on God’s face.” As we begin each new day, these words should pour out like warm maple syrup decorating some Texas-style French toast. (Hey…like like French toast. Oh, and don’t forget the dollop of rich butter.)
When reading the scriptures, specially Philippians 2:9-11, the instructions as to how to put a smile on God’s face was presented. Here are my notes:
We must:
- Bow: adore, honor, surrender, acknowledge, glorify, idolize,…
- Honor: respect, trust, worship,…
- Confess: admit truth, reveal, yield,…
…that “Jesus Christ is Lord!”
THIS will bring glory to God.
Meaning that if we surrender, trust, and yield to Jesus Christ, God will have a smile on His face.
In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow.They will all confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and this will bring glory to God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 (vv. 9-11 are underlined)
First of all, allow verses 5-8 soak in. What a HUMBLE man Jesus is!
I pray that we will humble ourselves and surrender our lives of selfishness and worldly pleasures to a life of joy, complete grace and love, and humility like Christ.
So, just like my mouth is watering thinking about a plate of French toast, I pray that you will Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8
So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you.
James 1:21
What are you waiting for? Go! Go put a smile on God’s face today.
Many blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
This magnolia greeted me this morning. It was like God saying, “Be beautiful, go bloom, I love you more than this delicate flower.’
These flowers put a smile on my face this morning. Can I say another prayer…I pray that you will bloom for God. Bloom where you are planted. May His glory be on display in. Your life. Amen.