Glorifying God

September 21st – Luke 21:15

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Week 3 – Wisdom In Defense (Luke 21:15)

Standing in our faith can be hard. Especially when we are called to defend what we believe. But thankfully we have the promise of Jesus. He tells us that when the time comes He’ll give us, “words and wisdom” that no adversary can refute or resist. In today’s world where we face criticism and mockery of our beliefs, this assurance offers us great comfort. So when others disparage our character or question our faith, we don’t need to respond with anger or defensiveness. Instead we can trust that God will give us the wisdom and grace to speak with love and clarity. Our testimonies, whether in conversations with friends or in moments of public defense, become opportunities for God to shine through us. We can be grateful that in these moments, the Lord is with us, empowering us to stand firm. The wisdom He provides allows us to respond in a way that glorifies Him and opens hearts, even amidst opposition. Our call is not to rely on our own ability but to lean on His promise that He will equip us when we need it most.

Questions For Reflection –

  1. How can we trust God’s promise in Luke 21:15 to give us the right words and wisdom when we face criticism or opposition for our faith?
  1. In what ways can we prepare our hearts to speak with love and grace, relying on God’s wisdom instead of our own, when we are called to share our testimony or defend our beliefs?

Don’t worry about finding the right words. God will give you the wisdom to speak with grace when the moment comes! 🙏🏻❤️

September 21st – Luke 21:15 Read More »

September 26th – Colossians 3:15

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Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

In a world where everyone is busy and not finding enough hours in the day, peace is what we crave. Jesus offers such peace. And His peace is vital because it serves as a divine compass in our lives. In times of confusion, the peace of Christ brings clarity, calms our anxieties, and guides us toward decisions and actions that align with God’s will. By letting this peace be our guide, we cultivate harmony in our relationships. We experience inner serenity and walk in the path of God’s purpose for our lives. With gratitude in our hearts, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our lives and for God’s role in them. Moreover, we are urged to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, guiding our thoughts, actions, and worship. Whether in our daily interactions or in the moments of solitude, these verses remind us that living a Christ-centered life involves a deliberate and continual practice of gratitude, peace, and devotion. Ultimately allowing the name of the Lord to be glorified in all we do.

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September 25th – 2 Peter 1:10

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2 Peter 1:10

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble”

I remember watching an old game show with my grandma called “Chain Reaction.” Contestants had to fill in word chains to score points. All with the goal of winning the life transforming cash prize at the end. As Christians we too are offered a life transforming prize. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, a spiritual chain reaction begins. One that gives us the greatest jackpot of all. Because it empowers us to live a life that glorifies God, have a heart like Jesus, and a firm foundation of faith. Peter knew the amazing transformation that comes from adding the virtues of knowledge, self-control, godliness, endurance and love to our faith in Christ. They build a solid foundation that will keep us steady on our Christian walk, and help us build a deeper relationship with the Lord. More importantly, these virtues also help us to navigate life’s challenges without stumbling in our commitment to Jesus. And lead lives not of compromise, but deep faith that bring glory to the Lord.

September 25th – 2 Peter 1:10 Read More »

September 20th – Psalm 104:31

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Psalm 104:31

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works”

I love to cook. From the selecting of the recipe to the finished product, each step along the way brings joy to my heart. And I’m always filled with a sense of pride when a dish brings praise from family and friends. God is the great Creator. And David sings praises to Him, His greatness, and His control of and power over all He has created. Our work here on earth is meant to fulfill God’s creative intent. To bring each person into relationship with other people, with God, and to glorify Him. Out of His great love, God uses His power to provide for all of our needs. But it’s our job to use what He gives us to build further. All of God’s creatures look to Him for food, and while He responds by opening His hand to supply it, we still have to work hard to process and use God’s good gifts. He gives us the plants, but it’s up to us to gather and use the plants. God has done his work perfectly.  By His grace He has placed us in this beautiful world which He created.  If we work humbly in the strength He supplies, our work of cultivating the earth will be perfected.

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April 28th – 1 John 2:15

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1 John 2:15

I used to struggle when I would read John telling believers to love God and each other, but not the things of the world. Because what about my loved ones? Is it a sin to want to both be with God and to stay in the world with them? But then I learned that when John was speaking of the world, he didn’t mean the people in it. But rather the sinful system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God’s will. If we are in love with a society that promote selfishness, pride, materialism, and other worldly values, we can’t be in love with the Lord. And we won’t be dedicated to living lives that glorify Him and seeing His will done. When it comes to worldly living, I love what evangelist John Wesley has to say. “The best means of resisting the devil is, to destroy whatever of the world remains in us, in order to raise for God, upon its ruins, a building all of love. Then shall we begin, in this fleeting life, to love God as we shall love him in eternity.”

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December 21st – Romans 16:1-16

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Romans 16:1-16

At the end of every movie the list of credits roll, listing the hundreds of people it took to make the film. Yet it’s always the star who gets the credit. The apostle Paul reminds us about the importance of remembering those who contribute to the ministry of the Lord. Those who aren’t necessarily in the “spotlight”, but whose work is invaluable just the same. In the eyes of the Lord no one is unimportant and as the Bible teaches us, no one is called to go it alone.  Not even Paul. There are 27 of Paul’s friends who helped him. And he takes the time to list each of them with love and adoration. As Christians we are called to step outside our own busy schedule to help one another. Not only to glorify God, but also because we don’t know what the future holds or the help we ourselves may need. So today, acknowledge and thank those who have helped you on your spiritual path. And thank God for sending them into your lives!

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October 24th – 1 Peter 4:8

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1 Peter 4:8

God’s Promise -“My love covers a multitude of sins.”

When Peter tells us that love covers sin, he doesn’t mean that loving others earns God’s forgiveness. We know that our sins are paid for by Jesus’ death on the cross. And forgiveness for sin comes only through trusting in Him. Instead, Peter is reminding us that even Christians are sinners who fail and need forgiveness daily. And in remembering the grace God generously gives to us, we can love each other when hurt, forgive each other when wronged, and build each other up when we fall. Because love makes it possible for us to be, “hospitable to one another without complaint.”  (1 Pet. 4:8) And to use our God given gifts and talents to serve one another. Doing so with the goal of lovingly leading others to the Lord. So, “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

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July 31st – 2 Peter 1:3

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2 Peter 1:3

We’ve all heard the expression, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And that’s just what the Christian life is all about. Its not a single step, but rather a journey. One of moving forward and maturing in our walk with the Lord. A path of deepening our relationship with God and living a life that glorifies Him. Because from the beginning God never purposed our lives as Christians to be stagnant, stuck, and boring. Instead He wants them to joyful, peaceful, and in perpetual motion. So far from being our only step, receiving Jesus as our Savior is just the first step in a lifelong trek. A journey of molding and perfecting, with the goal of us becoming perfect reflections of Jesus. So how do we grow spiritually? Joyful Peter tells us the One who calls us, gives us with everything we need to grow more like Him. And equips us to lead the lives that God has called us to lead.

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July 19th – John 15:13

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John 15:13

We live in a world that glorifies a “me first” attitude. But have you ever stopped to think about how your actions and decisions affect fellow believers? Jesus tells us to love each other like He loves us. And although we may not be called to physically lay down our life for another, when it comes to helping others better know Jesus, we are called to lay down our prejudices, biases, opinions, rights, and political views. Because Paul tells us it’s better to limit our own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to sin. That means if we’re ever in a situation where are free in Christ to participate but see a fellow Christian struggling, we are to decline for their benefit. When we walk in the flesh it’s natural for our first concern to be our own needs and rights. But when we walk hand in hand with Christ, will can rejoice over self sacrificing. Because doing so glorifies God, edifies His people, and grows His kingdom.

 

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July 15th – Revelation 21:1

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Revelation 21:1

Do you ever wonder how Christians will spend eternity? John answers that question when he reveals what is known as the “eternal state”, or the eternal destiny of believers. And the picture he paints is one of such peace, joy, and love, that I can’t help but cry, “Maranatha!” “Come Lord Jesus!” John tells us that the world we know, with all of its filth and pollution, will be burned away by God, creating a new heaven and earth. And on this new earth, we will live in the glorious city of the new Jerusalem. It will be a city with a foundation of precious stones, gates of giant pearls, and streets of pure gold. Where never again will we experience night. Because the spectacular Shekinah glory of God will be illuminating every inch! And there we’ll dwell with the Father and the Son forever, serving and glorifying Him in all we do.

 

 

July 15th – Revelation 21:1 Read More »