The Glory of God

God’s glory...His holy presence...it’s something so many people desire. But are they really ready for it?

Many prophets in the OT experienced God’s glory, and it wasn’t how many Christians today imagine it to be. When God entered a place, the ground shook, the Temple filled with smoke and people fell down in fear...YIKES! Isaiah was no exception. When struck with the presence and glory of God, Isaiah cried, “Woe to me! I am ruined for I am a man of unclean lips.” He recognized the sinfulness of his soul and the awesomeness of God.

What would happen if we were met with the presence of the God? Thankfully, God will look upon us and see the blood of his son, but still the presence of God changes people.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “We, with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory and are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory…”

I want to be like Jesus, but I’m so far from looking anything like Him. On some days I really wonder if there is any resemblance and if He’d recognize me as his child.

A closer relationship with Him brings change...Maybe that’s my problem. I’m not changed because I don’t sit long enough in the presence of the One who can change me. I know what quiet time is, but do I do it?

I found this quote that sums it up nicely: “Nothing so invigorates our souls, so ravishes our hearts, so diminishes our anxieties, and so ennobles our existence as being supremely preoccupied with God’s greatness and presence. This is what you and I were made for.” Dwight Edwards

So how do I find the time to sit in God’s presence and absorb His glory when I’m surrounded by “stuff” to do and little girls to take care of? We all can’t be monks or nuns, called to hours of isolation and communion with God. So how can a normal person, a stressed-out, busy mom experience the glory of God in her daily life? I’m still trying to figure out this answer.

Father, I want so much for your glory to be present in my life, especially in my home and in my parenting. Help me find the time and desire to spend it with you so I can be filled with your glory so others will be drawn to you.

Worship the Lord God Almighty!

Lord, you are more awesome than I can even imagine and I give you praise. For the day and the sun...and the snow (if I have to)...and the ability to enjoy one more day in your presence.

I've been studying a bit on worship, and what I've found is that I need to worship God not because of what He does for me, but for who He is!

In the Old and New Testament, people who worshiped God first before facing the enemy. Gideon, Elijah, Paul, Jesus to name a few. All worshiped God despite their circumstances and God moved!

So, I need to praise Him in the middle of my circumstances, instead of complaining about them. I’m getting better at this. Instead of focusing on my problems, I’m trying to visualize them as I know God wants them to be. And it really has changed my attitude about the situation, when I do it.

That’s the toughest part. Remembering to praise God and thank Him for what I know He will eventually accomplish. I have no idea when He will bring certain things to pass, but I do know if I focus on the future, the will of God, it will happen.

So if I start to stray from this thinking. If I focus on my current set of circumstances, instead of worshiping God, I give you permission to give me a whop upside the head and remind me of my words.

Worship God for who He is despite my current need.

That’s what I’m trying to do. What about you?