His Glory
Ready:
"For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."
-Romans 11:36
Set
College football bowl season is finally over. There were some good games, some bad games and some "wow" games, but in the end it was all about each winning school getting the glory. Florida was the "Grand Poobaa" this year beating Ohio State, and that glory will last for about a month or so until March Madness rolls around and people forget about football. This just goes to show that the glory we get on earth is very short-lived; and if anyone should receive glory for any accomplishment, it needs to be God.
In his writings to the Romans, Paul strongly encourages that all glory and honor needs to be God's in the first place. It is for Him and through Him that we have anything. How do we get that mixed up? And not only us, but even in the Old Testament there are countless stories of people who strive for their glory and forget about what God has brought them through. Even they had short-term memories like folks today.
Recently, I spent the weekend at my parent's home. While there, I came across a mug that my mother received at a women's retreat some years ago; and the inscription on the mug resonated with me: "My Best For His Glory!" Wow. That is how it should be! The problem is that so many people feel they deserve His best for their glory. Frankly, it just doesn't work that way. God's Word is very clear on that note--everything comes from Him, and He is truly the first in all things. So, all glory is due to Him now and forever. When we come to our senses and realize that it is His glory we are made for, we can realize that our calling is not about us, but solely about Him.
Take a look in the mirror today. What are your expectations of God? Are you waiting for Him to glorify you in your sport, work or relationships, or are you living your life to bring Him all glory, honor and praise? Whose glory are you truly living for today?
Go
1. Take time to think about the last question of the devotion. Whose glory are you living for today?
2. Who, or what, has first place in your life right now?
3. Today, how can you deflect any glory from yourself to God and God alone?
Workout
1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 1:15-18
Jude 1:24-25 (FCA's 2006 theme verse)
Bible Reference:
Jude 1
