Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WEDNESDAY WORDS

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You." John 17:1

Jesus, in His earthly ministry never sought glory for Himself, but always sought glory for His Father. He never attempted to draw attention to Himself. In fact, several places throughout Scripture, Jesus commands people to tell no one who He really was. He sometimes hid Himself from people and often sought to get away from the crowds. He did not seek attention for Himself.

But He always sought the attention of His Father and attention for His Father. In the opening lines of His great intercessory prayer Jesus says to His Father, "Glorify your Son, that Your Son may glorify You." Jesus isn't seeking glory for Himself, but for the Father. Yet, He realizes that the ultimate way that the Father will be glorified, is if the attention of the world is upon Him at the Cross.

The Crucifixion of Christ didn't occur in secrecy under the cover of darkness in a small deserted town. No, it took place during a religious festival, in the light of day, in a city that was overflowing with people from all over the civilized world. Christ was "glorified" or lifted up, that the world could see and take note. But it wasn't about Him, it was about His Father. Jesus endured the public humiliation and torture on the Cross, so that others (including us) could see how much "God so loved the world." In His death on the Cross, Jesus glorifies the Father, and draws our attention to Him that we might know Him and glorify Him in our own lives. To God be the Glory!

Monday, June 27, 2011

MONDAY THANKFULNESS, June 27

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 (NLT)
1. I am thankful for a God who loved me even before I was born, and who proved His love for me even when I was living in sin. 2. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit that gives me peace and guides me in the way I should go. 3. I'm thankful for a  godly wife who lives in the power of God's grace.4. I'm thankful for daughters who are compassionate and have a heart for ministering to others in crisis. 5. I'm thankful for a loving family of faith who cares for one another and expresses their love for one another through simple acts of grace and kindness. 6. I'm thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who have the gift of giving and are faithful to exercise it. 7. I'm thankful for faithful servants of the Lord who are dedicated to serving the Lord regardless of their circumstances. You are a blessing by your example.
What are you thankful for? Why not share your thankfulness with others.