And sad faces. 
And all the others. They are just so cute and can really set the tone for a conversation that is not face to face.I just finished a Bible study that is all written out. No teacher, just me and God. First, I write out the scripture(s) of the day. Then I write my observations and applications. Next, prayer. (It's called the S.O.A.P method.) As I looked back over my notes from the past 8 weeks, I realized how many times I used "smiley" faces to God. For example, on 6/10/13, the scripture was Psalm 118:16 "The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" My "prayer" section said "Thank You for being FOR me!!
" On 6/21/13, the verse was Luke 14:33 "So you cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own." I replied with "I know I don't always live like it, but following You is worth it. Trusting instead of fearing is Hard. " You get the idea. But, am I being disrespectful in using something so "cutesy" when studying God's Word?The Bible actually talks a lot about the look on someone's face.
Genesis 4:4-5 "Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast".
1 Samuel 1:18 "She said, 'May your servant find favor in your eyes.' Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast."
Nehemiah 2:2 "And the king said to me, 'Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.' Then I was very much afraid."
Proverbs 15:13 "A glad heart makes a cheerful face...."
Proverbs 25:23 "Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look."
Matthew 6:16 " When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
Studying God's Word, writing it out, observing what it's saying, applying it to my life and praying back to God. It's all part of a conversation, one that's not happening face to face. Smiley faces help me to convey to God how I feel. And I believe God sends me smiley faces right back!!
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
