Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "pleasure". We will be looking at these verses in the New Testament:
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. KJV
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, KJV
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. KJV
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. KJV
In Luke we have the Greek word "eudokeo". Strong's Concordance says: to think well, to approve, to approbate (meaning to formally sanction). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to think it good, to choose, determine, decide. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be well pleased with. In Ephesians and Philippians we have the Greek word "eudokia". Strong's Concordance says: satisfaction, delight, purpose. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: will, choice. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: good pleasure. In Revelation we have the Greek word "thelema". Strong's Concordance says: determination, choice, purpose, decree. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: what one wishes or has determined to be done, will, choice. The Theological Dictionary says: the will of God as good, sovereign, creative and all-determinative.
In the first three verses the translation refers to "good pleasure" and is definitely a very positive and beneficial thing. In Revelation we see the WILL of GOD revealed and that He does what He does FOR us for HIS pleasure. The idea we clearly see here is that our Heavenly Father delights in us and in doing GOOD in and for us! The Amplified Translation of Philippians 2:13 says this:
13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. AMP
When we really understand and believe that HE only ever desires the very best for us in every area of life, we will have such a freedom to pour ourselves into every good thing that we do! Knowing that God desires for us to succeed at everything we lay our hands to is a great incentive to always strive for our best! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "God Song":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
