Majesty

The historical cathedrals in Europe teaches us something about the majesty of God in their beauty. Creation declares the glory of God. A baby’s birth reveals the wonder of God’s grace.

Psalm 96:5-6 says, “but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” God’s splendor and majesty are demonstrated in all of creation, but His people will dwell with God in a far greater splendor and majesty forever. God is able to maintain beauty beyond measure and still wield strength beyond comparison.

New Identity

Sometimes, we have the opportunity to stamp a new identity upon our lives. This commonly happens when we marry and have children. Suddenly we become identified as husband, wife,father, or mother. We may acquire a new identity when we move to a new home,get a different job, or get promoted. These new identities can have the power to change us, but usually only externally.

Psalm 95:6-7 says, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” Those who trust in Jesus Christ have a wonderful relationship with God. We are His people with the inheritance of all of God’s promises for His people. His hand is always upon us, protecting and guiding us. We speak with Him through praises and worship. We become new creations in His hands.

Forest Fire

I once helped fight a forest fire. As we were preparing a fire line, the fire suddenly roared over a ridge that was 50-100 feet away. I was amazed by how fast the fire spread and how much heat and light that I felt,even that far away.

II Corinthians : 15 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” God’s grace is like a great fire, reaching out to everyone and spreading quickly. Its flame enlightens those who are touched by it, inspiring thanksgiving and glorifying God.

We’re Talking About Practice

Years ago, it famous basketball player made the phrase, “We’re talking about practice”, famous. He was disputing the importance placed by his coach upon the importance of practicing well. Most of us, however, understand the importance of practicing good habits and skills in order to become proficient.

Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Becoming good at any important skill requires practice doing the right things. We must practice distinguishing good from evil and persevering in doing good in order to become faithful and mature in our walk with God.

All Features

Whenever I am fortunate enough to get a new piece of technology, I typically scan the device information and operations manual. By doing this, I learn about many of the device’s capabilities and features. The experience of using the device gives me more information about its features. I need both information and experience to be able to make fuller use of the device. In a similar way, we need to study life’s instruction manual, God’s Word, and have the experiences of walking with Him in trust to live fully in the life God has designed for us.

Proverbs 16:20 says, “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.” When we deeply consider and meditate upon God’s Word, we will learn the good path for life’s journey. When we trust God, we receive the blessings that He has prepared for us.