Pleasure = enjoyment or satisfaction derived from what is to one’s liking

Pleasure in giving the kingdom

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

What is the kingdom?

Romans 14:11 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Righteousness = the quality or state of being just or rightful:

Peace = a state of mutual harmony between people or groups

Joy = the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

Pleasure in predestinating for the adoption of sons

Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Adoption = the act or process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent, thereby entrusting the designated adult with responsibility for raising the child:

Pleasure in making known the mystery of His will

Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Pleasure in Creation
Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11Thou 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.

Pleasure in those who fear Him

Psalm 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

LORD = Jehovah, The I AM

Fear = reverential trust

Hope =the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best:           

Mercy = God not giving us what we deserve

Pleasure in His people

Psalm 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Salvation

We are saved from the penalty of our sins; Jesus paid it all!We are being saved from the pattern and habit of sin,One day we will be saved from the very presence of sin

What do these words tell you about God?

What do these words matter to you?

Our focus – Hebrews 12: ¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running