Giving God the Glory

This is the eternal light peace memorial at Gettysburg inscribed on it is:  “An enduring light to guide us in unity and fellowship.  With firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right.”  Abraham Lincoln

Romans 4:20  Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.

Read 1Kings 18:17-40  This is the story of Elijah praying to God to demonstrate the power of his Godliness by burning up the Bullock offering which has been wet down with water.  After allowing Baal prophets to attempt to get Baal to burn up their offering.  Elijah gave God glory for the action even before it took place, and then had the false prophets of Baal destroyed. It really gives you quite a mental picture Elijah taunting the Baal prophets with “what?  is he asleep?  or traveling? or busy? maybe Baal isn’t hearing you?”  Imagine their frustration. Then Elijah, wanting to make his point that his God was the greatest in the most final and awesome manner so that there would be no doubt about it…he even had the wood wet down.  Anyone who has ever tried to start a fire with wet wood knows that this is not an easy thing….even when using liter fluid it takes a lot of time.  Elijah didn’t need liter fluid…he had the one and only most awesome, greatest God of the universe on his side!  

When God answers your prayers it is important to always worship and glorify him by offering thanks, and telling others about the answers to your prayers.  You may strengthen their faith by the answers you receive, and cause them to pray more often and look for answers for themselves.  Note, if your prayer is intensely private it is okay not to share it, but you must share your faith and thank God.

Think about times you have had something wonderful happen and have not given God the glory for that blessing…it is never too late.  There are many times when we will give ourselves the glory for things that God has done for us or through us for others.  It is best to remember that all of our accomplishments are through God’s great gifts that he has given us.  If you are very talented and even if you have worked hard to develop that talent…all of that talent is coming to you from God…even having the stamina and strength of mind and character to develop a talent or attain a goal…all of that is coming to you from God.  Even bad things that happen can be used by God to strengthen your faith and your character…so be thankful and glorify God in all things.

Exercises in Faith:

Read Psalm 145 one verse at a time, and say “Glory to God in the Highest” after each verse.

Write your  own psalm to glorify God personally…just as the Psalmist did in the Bible. Try reading it each day for a week and see if it helps you to focus on giving God the glory for the things in your life.