Tag: Giving God the Glory

All Glory to God

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who speaks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see Death.” (John 8: 48 – 51)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus was accused by some of being demonically possessed. He responded by reminding them of His perfect commitment to honoring God. He said, “I do not seek My own glory:” thereby insinuating that genuine faith can be discerned in the lives of others based upon whether they are seeking to bring glory to God, rather than themselves. All of our kind actions and loving behaviors are meant to direct others toward our eternal Father (and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.)

Many years ago I journeyed to an orphanage in Mexico to assist with improving their dilapidated facility. After some hard work, we eventually departed, driving toward the crowded border crossing on our way home. As we waited in traffic, someone in need approached our vehicle, begging for money. I pulled out some cash and handed it to them. I said, “This is from Jesus Christ;” giving God all of the glory for this act of kindness. Sometime later I bumped into a girl at the Church bookstore. Apparently she had been with me in the car that day. She told me that what I had said seemed strange to her at the time. And yet, after she had grown in her faith, she had finally understood what I was doing. I was giving the honor and glory to God.

Those who are faithfully committed to following Christ must avoid seeking glory for themselves; but rather, they must seek to glorify God in every good work they accomplish. We read in Colossians 3: 17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” May we all learn what it means to be selfless, and to render unto God all of the glory and honor He is due.

“Lord Heavenly Father, pour out Your Spirit into our hearts and minds, that we might seek to accomplish many good works in Your name, while giving You all of the glory and honor and praise. May we practice genuine selflessness as we continue to lay down our lives in service to others. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Glorifying God

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

  ‘Now around the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not my own, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. He that speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7: 14-18.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  The educated men listening to Jesus speak were astonished at His perfect knowledge of scripture. Unlike them, He had never attended any notable Hebrew schools; nor had He sat at the feet of some prominent rabbi. Instead, His knowledge and wisdom came from God. Many of the Jewish Scholars demanded praise and admiration for their many years of extensive learning; Jesus however, sought only to honor and glorify God. Chasing after our own glory is a vain and empty endeavor; but seeking to glorify God and His only Son is the Christian way of life.
  One man who thoroughly understood this principle of righteous humility was John the Baptist. When Jesus began baptizing people in the Jordan river, John’s followers became concerned, saying “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven […] He must increase, and I must decrease.” John’s heart was devoid of selfish pride; he humbled himself and glorified the Son of God.
    Although Jesus Christ reigns in heaven, His deeds continue upon this Earth. He performs many miracles through his disciples. Some however, who selfishly desire glory, may take credit for God’s works. And yet a trustworthy servant renders to God the praise and honor He deserves. Glorifying God requires humbling ourselves. He must increase and we must decrease. As followers, we must forgo admiration so that God may receive what is rightfully His? Those who honor God in all things will receive an eternal reward.
  “Lord Heavenly Father, may You increase as we decrease. May we let go of our selfish desires for praise, that You would receive the credit for the good works that You are accomplishing in us, and through us. May we continue to be vessels of Your love and messengers of Your mercy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, and may we always be pleasing to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

Humility

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 5: 3.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     In this scripture, the phrase “poor in spirit” is a reference to the attribute of humility (a precious treasure that creates joy in the hearts of all those who possess it.)  Practicing humility requires acknowledging that God is the giver of all good things.  The Lord provides us with our food, shelter, clothing, careers, relationships, and every other necessity of daily living.  He has complete power over all of creation; the very air we breathe is a gift from Him.  Although the humble offer God many praises, the prideful prefer to acknowledge themselves first; mistakenly believing that everything they possess is the product of their own intelligence and hard work.

     An ancient ruler known as Nebuchadnezzar was once the mightiest king who had ever lived.  His reign over the Babylonian empire began in 605 B.C.  Like most powerful men, humility wasn’t one of his greatest attributes; he demanded that his subjects worship him in the manner of a God.  One day as he leisurely strolled through his palace, he spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”  Before he was finished speaking, a voice came from heaven saying, “The kingdom has departed from you […] your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field.  They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4: 30 – 32.)  Indeed, because the Babylonian King had failed to give God the credit for his possessions, he slipped into madness and began acting like an ox for seven years; eating grass in the fields.

     As believers, we must avoid making the same mistake.  Instead, we must acknowledge that all good things come from God; that every possession is a blessing and a gift.  Those who desire to enter God’s kingdom would do well to continually honor Him.  Practically, Christian humility can be expressed through prayers of gratitude offered to God daily; we can also say grace before meals and praise the Lord in our private time and during worship services.  Tithing is another acknowledgement of God’s goodness.  Ultimately whatever form of thankfulness we choose to offer, it should come from the heart; and from a deep appreciation for everything that God has so graciously given us.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many gifts and provisions; for our food, our clothes, and our homes (to name a few.)  We recognize that all good things come from You.  Help us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and humility.  Cleanse our hearts of pride, that in lowliness we might better serve You and our fellows.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!