Declaring God's Glory..... Craig Denison

 Declaring God's Glory

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

In response to knowing the heart of God we are called to share the wonders of his invisible nature with a world in desperate need of him. God has chosen to use us to reveal himself. He’s filled us with the Spirit and empowered us to proclaim the good news of salvation and restored relationship with our Creator. May you discover this week that you were made to share God’s heart. And may you find joy and passion in God’s longing to use you in powerful and unique ways.

Scripture:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Devotional:    

To declare the glory of God is to put all things in their proper place. Chaos and struggle are always the result of humanity trying to gain glory for ourselves. God alone is worthy. God alone was made to be above all else. And God alone can handle the weight of receiving glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We were made to declare the glory of God. We were made to proclaim through word and deed the majesty, splendor, and worthiness of the God of heaven and earth.

Proclaiming God’s glory to the world always begins by taking a look at our own hearts. We can’t declare that God is above every other name if we’re still on the throne of our hearts. We can’t proclaim his excellencies and then seek to gain success, approval, and affirmation from others. Declaring God’s glory starts with our own humility. It begins with living a life of sacrifice to the one who’s given up everything for us.

When we remove ourselves from the throne of our own hearts we are set free to magnify Jesus. It’s when we set our eyes on our Savior King that we are freed from the weights and pressures that come from living selfishly. And in this freedom we find the life we were always meant for—a life of continual, incredibly satisfying worship.

In Revelation 19:6-8 we see a beautiful picture of heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb. At this feast a great multitude cries out saying:

Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.

One day all of creation will see Jesus for who is and give him the glory he is due. One day everything will be set right, and we will discover the abundant life that comes from living for God’s glory alone. But you have an opportunity to give God glory today and lead others to do the same. You have an opportunity to live with your eyes set on heaven and experience the abundant life that’s already available to you. Choose today to place God on the throne of your heart and live a lifestyle of worshipping your worthy King. May your time of guided prayer be filled with a revelation of Jesus’ worthiness and an empowering to declare his glory in all you do.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the glory of God. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to place God on the throne of your heart and live for his glory.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

2. Is Jesus enthroned upon every part of your heart today? Are there any areas in your life that you are living for your own glory—to build your own kingdom? Take time to confess those areas and receive God’s forgiveness and grace.

3. Ask God how you can declare his glory on the earth today. How can you live to see Jesus lifted up and seen for who he truly is? How can you lead others into a lifestyle of worship?

God doesn’t want glory to satisfy some selfish need. He knows that he alone can handle a throne. He alone can handle adoration and worship. And when he is magnified it is absolutely the best thing for all of creation. It’s for this reason Solomon writes in Psalm 72:19, “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” May the prayer of Solomon be our prayer today as we seek to glorify God in all we do.

Extended Reading: Psalm 8

3 Ways to Overcome the World (Revelation 12:11)..... By Lynette Kittle

 3 Ways to Overcome the World (Revelation 12:11)

By Lynette Kittle

Today’s Bible Verse - “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” – Revelation 12:11

In the days we live in, it’s vital for us to know and remember that God has called us to overcome the world. Doing so means we don’t have to be fearful or worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, or of being afraid to go to bed because of what might happen while we’re asleep.

We have been given all we need to overcome the world. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Below are three ways God gives us to overcome the world.

1. Walk knowing we are covered by the blood of the Lamb. We are saved from the penalty for sin, the price paid in full, redeemed, and set free from its judgment because Jesus died in our place and conquered death. Hebrews 2:15, explains how He came and set us free from being held in bondage to the fear of death.

2. Generously tell our stories of how God has and is working in our lives. Our testimonies of His love and faithfulness are powerful and help us, and those who hear our words, to overcome the world. When we share our stories, we help those who hear to overcome the world by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:5).

3. Recognize God will not lead us through fear. As Christians, He has not given us a spirit of fear, so we are not to let fear lead us in making decisions based on its threats (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear of death is a major motivator being used in today’s culture, a driving force in getting people to behave and cooperate in countless ways. All around us, it is promoted so people will make decisions based on “what ifs” rather than the truth of God’s Word.

Although Revelation 12:11 speaks of not fearing death as a way of overcoming the enemy of our souls, we most often only hear of victory by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

But failing to recognize the overcoming power of living unafraid of death, leaves Christians open and vulnerable to being ruled by it, instead of living knowing Jesus set them free from its grip. Sadly, fearing death leads even some believers to go against their conscience and convictions in making life decisions. As Hebrews 2:14 explains, “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power death—that is, the devil.”

Because of Jesus, we can allow the Holy Spirit to lead us where to go and what to do, knowing God has given us life everlasting. Death has been defeated and whether we live or die on earth, we live.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26)

A Spirit of Power..... by Ryan Duncan

 A Spirit of Power

by Ryan Duncan

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Sometimes, the world can be a scary place. Scratch that, sometimes it can be downright terrifying. War, sickness, corruption, injustice, death, every day brings something new to worry about. As Christians, we know God has a plan for our lives, but we also know that doesn’t make us immune to pain and suffering. So how can we possibly go about our lives when faced with so much uncertainty?

We might start by looking at the apostle Paul. Paul knew what it was like to live in uncertainty. Throughout his life he was blinded, beaten, shipwrecked, exiled, and imprisoned on multiple occasions. The temptation to give in, and let fear ruin him, must have been enormous. Yet, look what he writes in his letter to Timothy,

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – 2 Timothy 1:7-10

Yes, there are many frightening things out in the world, but God did not give us a spirit of timidity. God gave us a spirit of power. His Holy Spirit lives in us, and it reminds us in that still, small voice to be brave even in the face of danger. Paul knew that his life would be hard, and that in following Christ he would likely lose it, but that knowledge didn’t take away his courage. Instead, he strove to live in a way that glorified God.

None of us know what the future may hold. We might find ourselves facing challenges we never thought we’d have to endure. When that happens, we must remember to have courage like Paul. If we do, we will be able to meet whatever comes and not be ashamed.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Take time to examine the life of Paul. Remember, he did not rely only on himself, but on God and those around him for support.

Further Reading

Psalm 31:24

A Prayer for When You Feel Weary and Burdened..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer for When You Feel Weary and Burdened

By Debbie McDaniel

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

For many of us, activity and busyness come naturally. We’re on the go, we’re in a hurry, it’s what we’re all about. We seem to be rewarded for how much we can accomplish, especially in short amounts of time. We live in a culture that praises movement, that places value on the busy. We tend to get impatient with those who are too slow about anything.

Nothing wrong being active or on the go. Except for this one thing.

We often never stop.

And it’s there – in the slowing down - that often can feel almost unnatural, in a society that moves too fast. Like we’re supposed to be doing something more but just haven’t figured it out yet.

We rub shoulders every day with people who are burdened, weary, or lonely. Sometimes we may notice, but many times we don’t. We’re just too busy or overwhelmed ourselves. And to be honest, many days, “we” are those people - the burdened, the weary, the lonely. Just needing someone to notice. To slow down. To take time.

We desperately need Christ every day, to bring joy and hope to our own lives and to those around us. Without Him, we will most certainly run dry. For we’re not meant to run on our own, our strength can’t carry us through every hard struggle and hardship we may encounter. But He promises rest and peace for our souls even in the midst of weariness and burdens.

Slowing down takes work. Stopping and just breathing deep – takes practice.

Maybe that’s why God says it so clearly, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psa 46:10

Breathing in His grace today. And remembering to take time to slow down…

Peace.

Dear God,

Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give the worried, the hurried, the pressured, and stressed out - rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you that you already know all that concerns us, and you care. We’re so grateful for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all on our own. Forgive us for the times that we’ve tried to fix things in our own power, for not taking the time to rest, or coming to you first with our needs and burdens.  Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with a shield, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who take notice of others who seem weary and burdened too. Help us to slow down, to take the time, to point others to you.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.