What is His glory?
We are part of His glory! Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." and Isaiah 43:7, "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."
This world glorifies money, fame, power, sex, and a 'me first' philosophy. 2 Timothy 3:1-3, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." We can't we be part of God's glory when we give glory to each other, John 5:44, "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" God calls us away from the things of this world, Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
God brings glory to whatever He touches. First, He created everything in this universe, including space and time. In Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
He created everything to work together for good, Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This means those who refuse to live the purpose He calls us to will end up dying outside of His glory, Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."
What does life inside His glory look like? 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." It is a life lived abundantly, the one He created us to live, John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." This is what Jesus came to do. So, if we see people stealing, killing, and destroying things, they live the life the thief calls them to. If we see people giving, saving, and building things for others, they have been called to the abundant life Jesus calls us to.
God's glory can be seen in flowers, kind people, beautiful landscapes, and the things we create and build that bring joy to others. The musician, the painter, the teacher, the doctor, the fireman, and so many more build a community of joy that honors our creator, and that is His glory. Seeing His children fulfilling their purpose is His glory. This is not a momentary thing. He wants us to keep growing and building for eternity. He is preparing a selfless world where everyone will feel loved because they are loved.
There is plenty of good in this world despite the evil that exists. However, there will only be good in the next. Those working against God's plan are perishing, and the world they are advocating is dying. They are the poison that kills everything around them.
God's glory is calling us from every part of this created universe. Look at the pictures from the Hubble Telescope; there are so many beautiful shapes, textures, and colors. Look at the birds, plants, and flowers. Look at the lakes, mountains, meadows, and pastures. You are not paying attention if you feel anything other than the awe of His glory. Stop looking at what we are doing, stealing, lying, and destroying. Find something beautiful to look at. Look instead at gardens, parks, streams, and oceans full of beauty and wonder. Think of these things, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." These things bring us the peace Jesus promised, John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
If we haven't taken the time to see God's glory in this world or decided to live our lives abundantly, we need to stop and turn around. It is never too late to accept the truth that Jesus brought us, John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." This means Jesus is the only way to God's glory, first by looking around and seeing it, and then by living a purposeful life in honor of what God has created. This is how we give glory to God and increase His family, thus adding to His glory.
He has made promises, 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." and Romans 11:36, "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." And, He will complete what He has started, Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" We have a choice, are we going to part of it? Many will not choose to follow Jesus and His love, Matthew 25:41, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Of course, those hearing this will blame God, instead of looking at the choices they have made, for He has warned us, 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
1 Chronicles 16:24, "Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations." and Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
God has placed us in unique places throughout this world. This blog is about sharing His Word; please share it with those you believe would be blessed by hearing it. Bless you! If you want to receive the Quarterly Newsletter, email us at bill@reasoningwithgod.com. If you want to read past blogs, go to https://www.reasoningwithgod.com/blog.
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