Reflect His Glory ~ Bring Him Praise

Anna was a young girl whose life truly reflected God's glory. She was a vivacious, energetic nine year old who had given her life to Christ when she was only five. She loved the Lord and expressed her love in her attitude, her speech, and her actions. Anna wasn't perfect by any means but, despite her young age, she always tried to live in a way that brought glory and praise to God. She was a bright little girl who had taught herself to read by the age of three and had read the entire Bible by the time she was seven; even writing notes in the margin of her Bible so she would remember what she had learned. In the book of John, when it described how Jesus was mistreated before His death, she had drawn a face with tears coming down. She said it made her so sad to think what had happened to Him.

English was not the common language in the city where Anna and her family lived. But in spite of this language barrier, she had met four girls her age and had become their friend. Anna longed to share Christ with these friends and had often asked others to pray that God would show her how. Eventually, Anna did share Him with her friends, but not in the way anyone would have expected...

Two weeks ago, Anna and her Mom had gone for a bike ride, just like they had done on many occasions. While on a path they had traveled over and over, an accident occurred and, as Anna's Daddy said, there is no good way to say this other than "Anna went home to be with her Lord."

After she died, there were two Memorial Services held in the town where she lived. One of the service's was held in her home. At this service, Anna's four young friends came. During the service the gospel was presented through an interpreter and her friends heard the Truth. Only God knows how the friends responded. But what we do know is that Anna's life brought glory to God and, even in death, her testimony lives.



How can our lives, like Anna's, reflect God's glory?

1. We have to know the One who is the true reflection of God's glory.
   Jesus, the Son of God "is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (Hebrews 1:3)
   
   Have you received God's forgiveness for your sins? God offers eternal life as a free gift. It isn't something we earn or deserve. (Ephesians 2:8-9) You can receive eternal life by believing in Jesus alone. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
   
   
2. In order to reflect God's glory we need to know who God is.
   We find out who He is by reading His Word. His Word has given us everything we need for living a godly life that will bring Him glory and praise. In 2 Peter 1:3-4 it says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
   
   
3. We need to daily live in a way that reflects or represents God's glory well. He deserves nothing less.
   In the video series, "Living Beyond Yourself", Beth Moore said, "Lord, let your glory so fill me that you push out my old nature." May that be our prayer today.

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Bring God praise

• How does your attitude, your speech, your actions, your thoughts, what you watch, and the way you treat others, etc., reflect God's glory and bring Him praise?


• Read Colossians 2:6-7 and Colossians 3:1-17


• Underline or write down everything you find about godly living.


• Ask God to show you if there is any sin in your life that would hinder you from living a godly life. "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." Romans 6:12


• Confess any known sin to Him and thank Him for His forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)


• Write down the verse below on an index card and place it where you will see it often as a reminder.

"You are worthy, our Lord, and God

to receive glory and honor and honor and power,

for You created all things,

and by Your will they were created and have their being."

Revelation 4:11

Refreshed in His Strength

Wouldn’t you just love to have the time to sit in a tub filled with the most luxurious, fragrant bubble bath or linger in the shower, in a room lit with candles ~ slowly sip on a cup of tea or coffee while sitting outside with a gentle breeze blowing on your face (of course having a piece or two of oh, so yummy chocolate) ~ read a good Christian novel ~ plant some pretty flowers in your yard; in other words, just have some time for yourself?

Need some refreshment? Feel like you can’t take another step or you’ll collapse? That if someone else calls your name or asks you to do one more thing, whether it’s an adult or a child, you’re going to scream???? Don’t think you’re alone, as women, we’ve all felt like this. But the reality of lingering in a tub or even picking up a book, much less reading it, is only a dream because of the “season of life” you’re in. So, how do we cope? We go to the only ONE whose words can refresh and strengthen us ~ Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Strength for the weary:

• Read Isaiah 40:28-31
• Praise Him that He is your strength
• Focus on His strength today. Every time you get tired, ask Him to refresh you. Remember, He doesn’t care nor count how many times you ask. It’s in the asking that we take the focus off ourselves and on to Him, the only source of true strength.
  

“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35

Stillness ~ a lost art . . .

Stillness seems to be a lost art in our society today, even as believers. But it doesn't have to be. NO. It's a choice. God tells us in His Word to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Being still before the Lord simply means to STOP what you're doing and give Him your undivided attention. It's in those times of stillness that He reminds us of who He is. That He is our Redeemer, sufficient, strong, merciful, full of grace, able to meet all our needs, etc.

When was the last time you sat still before the Lord ~ really still? When was the last time you sat in silence ~ total silence, waiting to hear His voice? When was the last time you gave Him your undivided attention?

Stillness ~ take it back . . .

• Begin today ~ find a place where you can get alone with God. Turn off the music, the radio, the TV.


• Open up your Bible and read Psalm 23. Let your eyes gaze on your Shepherd. Don't just give Him a casual glance. Enjoy the stillness! Stay as long as you can in His presence.


• Spend some time praising and thanking Him for His Word that promises to refresh, restore, guide, remove our fears and fill us full to overflowing with His goodness and love.

Blessing

He has promised to fill us with JOY when we spend time with Him and He always keeps His promises.

You will fill me with JOY in your presence.

Psalm 16:11