God's glory

Consider it all Joy!

We may be dishonored and rejected by the world, however we are honored to belong to Christ, to be received by Him, and to give glory to His name. … I can think of no better protection or encouragement than to know I am held in God’s hand and given His grace to accomplish His will.

1Peter 4:14

General Review – who is Peter writing to? Why?

Read 1Peter1:1-7.

1Peter 4 follows the instruction given in 1Peter 3 to live in a way pleasing and acceptable to God, regardless of negative feedback. We are ambassadors for Christ, and we will experience persecution of some sort, however we are to continuously respond in a manner which represents Jesus’ example, keeping our focus on our purpose – to glorify God – and our reward, which is eternal life with our Savior.

Peter then gives a charge to believers to serve and love one another with the unique and individual strengths God has supplied each of His children. The reminder is to not be surprised by the challenges and difficulties that enter into our lives, but rather see them as an opportunity to prove our faith, and in that assurance, have an attitude of rejoicing.

1Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

Now, on to our text. We will pick up where we left off in 1Peter Chapter 4.

1Peter 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

No one likes to be made fun of; we want to be accepted and liked. To be ‘reviled’ in this verse means to be defamed; railed at, chided, taunted, reproached, and to suffer. If we think back again to the recipients of Peter’s instructions, they did not fit in with the norm. Perhaps you can imagine being the person who is different than the rest. When we think or speak differently, dress differently, and act differently, we are often exposed to ridicule. Consider being made fun of, or in the case of Peter’s audience, to be persecuted, for your faith. There would be a struggle to remain steadfast. Yet, the instruction was to consider their suffering as a blessing. Adversity was an opportunity to prove their faith and move forward in the strength God supplied. We see the Apostle’s encouragement threaded through his entire epistle. You can almost picture him coming alongside individuals, patting them on the shoulder, praying with them, reminding them of their commission, and then sending them off to continue their work for the Kingdom.

1Peter 2:19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

1Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

Isaiah 51:7 "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.

I think of peer pressure. This can be positive or negative. In either case, there is an influence to be like others. Sometimes it is not so difficult to stand out, but there are times when we weaken and allow ourselves to be pulled along a path we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. What do you do in order to remain strong in your decision to follow Jesus? What is your reaction to those who oppose your faith?

Perhaps these are the thoughts we need to employ, “I will not succumb to those around me; rather I will persevere in the truth of the gospel choosing to honor God rather than follow men”. Most of us will never experience real persecution for our faith, however we do need to take a stand as we find ourselves not fitting in because of our beliefs. What is your response when your faith is questioned, and others make fun of you because you are a Christian? How should you respond?

Consider yourself blessed! Our text says, ‘you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you’. In other words, our happiness comes from knowing God is working in our life through His Holy Spirit – proof of our relationship with Him as His child. To be blessed means we are fortunate, well off, happy. Think! “Wow, I really am God’s child”! This is an amazing fact and should put a smile on our heart even through the most difficult times. We may be dishonored and rejected by the world, however we are honored to belong to Christ, to be received by Him, and to give glory to His name. It is not that we find joy in being ostracized, but there is joy in being named with Christ, as His follower.

Matthew 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.

“To be reproached for the name of Christ is to be reproached for being a Cristian, that is, for being like Christ. This is the highest honour to which any man can arrive in this world, and therefore the apostle says to such? Happy are ye”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Consider the outcome of standing firm even through persecution for your faith. It is possible that others may be intrigued by your commitment; even to the point of wondering what it is you believe. Perhaps others might be saved because of your example. This is our commission, to represent Christ to the world in hopes that individuals come to a saving knowledge of God’s grace and mercy. Through all sorts of trials – illness, death of loved ones, disappointments, loss of employment or possessions – we are sustained through the Spirit’s guidance and work in us. When we recognize His work, undoubtedly knowing that supernatural strength to persevere does not come from us, we are blessed and encouraged. And sometimes others cannot help but recognize there is something ‘bigger’ in our lives than just what they see. Halleluiah for these opportunities!

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

1Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1Peter 3:16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

“… but He is eminently glorified by your patience and constancy, which are a proof of the power of the Spirit resting upon you, and working mightily in you”, Burkitt.

“In the meantime, while you are in this present world, and obnoxious to persecutions and injuries, if you are reproached for the name of Christ, {ye are} happy, and ought to reckon yourselves so, because the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; which will support you under it, and spread a lustre around you; and {though} he, in whose cause ye suffer so unjustly, is blasphemed on their part, yet on yours he is glorified: it shows the excellence and sublime spirit of true religion, that it can support you under the opprobrious [offensive reproach] and cruel treatment which you endure, for adhering to it and defending it”, Doddridge.

Think of what it means to have ‘the Spirit of glory and of God rest on you’. I can think of no better protection or encouragement than to know I am held in God’s hand and given His grace to accomplish His will. I am not left on my own to figure out everything, neither am I without help when circumstances become difficult. God will sustain us in suffering; God is always victorious even though we may not immediately see the result of His power. All reproach and shame hurled at God’s children is conquered by His Spirit – we are never made to suffer alone.

James 5:11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

John 14:16-17 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Psalm 146:5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

How will you respond to the truths in 1Peter 4:14?

For myself, I first need to remember that I should expect difficulty because I am a believer. I will not fit into the world and will sometimes find myself quite alone in my thinking and responses. I can forget this and then wonder what is wrong, when in reality there is nothing wrong at all! Others may think all sorts of things about me that are not true; I may be unfairly attacked by words; I may be ostracized and even challenged because of my beliefs. All of this should come as no surprise! We need to be prepared in order to respond rightly.

Responding rightly may mean listening intently to another’s complaint. It may mean being willing to seek to understand someone’s concerns even if we don’t share the same feelings. It is important to show patience with others just as God shows His patience towards us. We are not here to convince others of God’s truths; we are here to show compassion for the lost and to communicate God’s love through our words and actions. God does the miraculous work in a soul.

It helps me to consider how I might have reacted towards others before my eyes were opened to God’s truths. No one likes to be different! I remember thinking that the people I knew who talked about Jesus were just plain weird. Imagine knocking on someone’s door and asking if they knew Jesus! I was unable to comprehend why so much time and energy went into something or someone intangible. I also saw bad things happen to ‘good’ people, and this didn’t make sense. I thought if God loves us and protects us why are seemingly innocent people hurt? Now, when I consider the answer to that question, I am reminded of what it truly means to be blessed and protected by God. His blessings don’t necessarily imply that in this fallen world we are immune to the effects of sin. In fact, sin reigns all around us. God’s blessings does not mean everything is butterflies and roses; however, God’s blessings will supply His children with the strength to not be controlled by sin; and His protection will always keep our eternal future secure. Picture being a passenger in a car. When someone else is driving, even though your intentions may be to mind the laws, decisions made by the driver to disregard rules can totally affect you. If you are the driver and seek to be careful and courteous, someone else’s flawed decisions may involve you in an accident. Because sin is in the world, we are affected by its consequences.

The text in 1Peter 4:14 is focused on being reviled because you stand for Christ. This is not the same as experiencing trouble because you have chosen to do the wrong thing or have made a poor decision. It is finding yourself ostracized in your attempt to follow Jesus; being ridiculed because you do not ‘fit in’, or because people don’t like what you stand for or the message you try to share.

In some way or another, we will be chided for our faith in Jesus.
When we expect this to happen, then we will not be taken by surprise.
The ultimate goal for our lives here on earth is to share truth so that others might come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We are to live in a way which glorifies His name.
It is a blessing to have assurance that we are God’s children.

Following Jesus’ Example of Humility and Love

My moral conscience is not the line I use to make decisions, it is what guides me in applying the knowledge of God’s teaching and commands.

Our study on 1Peter 2:19 must be built upon the previous truths in 1 Peter 2. Verse 18 reads, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.

Why? Our answer follows in verse 19 –

1 Peter 2:19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

Look carefully at the words above, “if for the sake of conscience toward God”. This means I am willing to seek righteousness, according to Jesus’ example of humility and love, because I want to be obedient to God. My ultimate loyalty is to follow His commands and act in a manner worthy of His calling. This is not “I am going to stand my ground to defend my beliefs”. It is, “I am determined to follow God’s teaching no matter what”. We are not submissive to authority because we agree, or we support their values. We are submissive to authority because it pleases God when we are obedient to those in positions of authority.

As a people group, we are quick to pursue a cause we believe in. We are free in this country to demonstrate that cause and give reason for our commitment. Sometimes these special interests are based on what we think is best and they have no moral right or wrong attached to them such as remaining on daylight savings time or where street signs should be placed. We have been given a conscience to help guide our thinking.

A believer has been given the Holy Spirit to guide them in understanding and truth based upon God’s word. Conscience means with knowledge. In this case it is with the knowledge of God’s truths upon which my speech, thoughts, and actions are based. My decisions, actions, and thoughts are not regulated by my conscience; rather, my conscience is regulated by God’s truths. In other words, I cannot form my opinion and then find support in God’s word. I am required to know God’s word and let that knowledge form my beliefs. Relying upon the Holy Spirit will affect our message and representation of God.

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; [that is] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, [but] you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Paul was careful to explain to the Corinthian church the importance of following truth given by the Spirit working in a believer’s life, rather than wisdom based on the thinking of man.

1Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual [thoughts] with spiritual [words.] Continue reading through the end of the chapter.

Notice the words in the preceding verse, 1Peter 2:15, “he who is spiritual appraises all things”. This means to scrutinize, and implies that we investigate, ask questions, discern, examine, and search in order to seek to understand God’s ways. The only way this is possible is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. There is diligence expected on our part to study to be certain we are following God’s truths and not our own desires. Think of having self-control. This is the act of restraining my behavior. I might want to respond harshly to those who have treated others or myself unfairly. I might be ‘right’ in my assessment of another’s bullying or unfair treatment, but this never justifies marring my witness of Christ.

We are not going to find a directive on what kind of flowers to plant or if we should raise chickens! However, we do need to be certain than in those things where our witness of God is affected and our obedience to Him is in question, we are careful to seek His guidance. This means we are not determined to find a way to follow our own thoughts but instead we are determined to understand God’s direction. According to 1 Peter 2:18, we are to be willing to submit to others, even if it is difficult or I do not agree or I am treated poorly, because it is what Jesus did and it honors God. I may be right in thinking something is unfair or could be done more effectively but I am still to submit because it is God’s command. This is a fitting example of ‘I might want to act one way, but God directs me to act another way’. Now, instead of being a question of understanding or agreement, it is a question of obedience and honor to God.

Our perfect example is to follow is Jesus. The words he spoke to His Father describe the heart attitude we should embrace. “Not my will, but Thine, be done”, (Luke 22:42). Let’s break some of the words down in 1 Peter 2:19. I think it will give us a clearer understanding.

The first phrase is “For this [finds] favor”. Favor is translated from the Greek word charis, meaning graciousness, of manner or act. Especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.

Read again 1 Peter 2:18, Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable – (19) For this finds favor … Because this is grace. “This is graceful indeed” (Doddridge). Meaning it is acceptable to God. Because of God – and His work in our lives – because we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s truths, we can choose what is right.

Our sole/soul purpose is to glorify God out of gratitude for who He is and what He has done. Think! Who or what do your thoughts and actions point towards? How can we know what glorifies God? The answer is simple to express with words, right? However, to fulfill this charge in our actions, it takes a determination to respond in humility. We seek truth from His word. God has graciously given us a manual for living, a testimony of His great love for us. Yet, however clear the answer may be to what glorifies God, putting His truths into practice, having them embedded in our soul, takes concerted desire and effort.

We glorify God by acknowledging who He is, His greatness, His power, all He has done and all He will do.

1 Chronicles 16:23-36

We glorify God by honoring Him with our life, in everything we do.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Psalm 37:31

We glorify God through submitting to His commands in humility of heart.

John 14:15

We glorify God with our thoughts.

Psalm 1; Psalm 119:11

In what other ways can you glorify God?

We certainly should not look to be persecuted or cause our own mishaps, yet if honoring God means being submissive to those who treat us unfairly, then we can choose to endure discomfort and grief.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 13:5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

We hear the word conscience used frequently. Choosing to do or not to do something is often supported by the idea of following your moral conscience. In Romans 13:5 above, the word conscience, suneidesis, means co-perception or moral consciousness. It is a form of the word suneido, meaning to see completely, to understand or become aware, to be informed of, and to know.

This bears repeating, we need to be careful that our moral conscience is regulated and supported by the truths in God’s word. My conscience needs to be directed by the knowledge of God. I cannot and should not decide for someone else what their conscience or convictions should be. I do need to encourage and uplift others as they seek to determine what God would have them do in areas that may allow for different interpretation. However, this particular verse in 1 Peter 2:19 is clear –

I am to be in subjection to authority not only because there will be consequences from authority if I choose to disregard them, but most importantly because I have the freedom to obey God, and I am expected as God’s child, to act according to the knowledge God has given me in His word.

Choosing what is right because God says so always trumps feelings based on man’s knowledge and keeps us from misguided interpretation. My moral conscience is not the line I use to make decisions, it is what guides me in applying the knowledge of God’s teaching and commands. Understanding Biblical truth does not require formal scholastic education in Biblical studies. It does require a humble heart which seeks to know God, is filled with His Holy Spirit, and has a desire to apply His precepts.

You can immediately understand the need for each individual to seek guidance from the one true source – God – rather than follow what sounds right or what is thought or even what someone else may think. Even a highly respected person can be wrong in their personal conviction; God’s principles and commands, however, are always right. God has given man a conscience to help us determine right from wrong. As a follower of Christ, the basis for my convictions should be the Bible.

1Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Instead of choosing to ‘suffer’ the loss of our ‘rights’, we can choose to focus on the opportunities to represent Christ and share the Gospel in every situation. We are to be careful not to bring our own suffering upon ourselves because of unrighteous behavior. Read the above scripture again. Is it my responsibility to defend the church or to defend the Gospel? Defense means to give answers. Are you equipped to give answers for what you believe? Is it possible that we find ourselves in conflict with others because we are seeking to prove our thoughts more than God’s teaching?

The motivation for our action is to honor God. Self, other than the witness of God in my life, should never be in the picture.

1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

Read Adam Clarke’s Commentary on 1 Peter 2:19. “For this is thankworthy. If, in a conscientious discharge of your duty, you suffer evil, this is in the sight of God thankworthy, pleasing, and proper; it shows that you prefer his authority to your own ease, peace, and emolument; it shows also, as Dr. Macknight has well observed, that they considered their obligation to relative duties not to depend on the character of the person to whom they were to be performed, nor on their performing the duties they owed to their servants, but on the unalterable relations of things established by God.”

“To suffer meekly, and without blame, and to do this out of a sense of the resignation due to the will of God, is a virtue which He kindly accepts, and will not fail to reward”, Dean Stanhope 1800’s.

If for the sake of conscience toward God. Meaning, “consciousness of God”: from a conscientious regard to God, more than to men. (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary)

Our conscious toward God is led out of our respect for God and a sincere desire to please Him – it is based upon His commands and our knowledge of them. “But the conscience is not an infallible guide and acts according to the light that it has. The conscience can be contaminated”, Robertson’s NT Word Pictures.

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

A man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

Read how David responds to unjust treatment.

Psalm 119:86-87 All Thy commandments are faithful; they have persecuted me with a lie; help me! They almost destroyed me on earth, but as for me, I did not forsake Thy precepts.

Psalm 119:23 Even though princes sit and talk against me, Thy servant meditates on Thy statutes.

Psalm 119:78 May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; [but] I shall meditate on Thy precepts.

What is the example set before us when we feel we are treated unfairly?

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

I want God’s divine truth to regulate my conscience. I want His divine influence to control my heart. Then my actions will be guided by His will and be a reflection of His saving grace in my life.

Psalm 19:1-2

the limit of our observation is opposite to the realm of God’s infinite time and grand creation.

Psalm 19 is a song of praise to God. It gives us insight to David’s life and faith. The first six verses proclaim the majesty of God seen in His work of creation. Then follows the description of God’s perfect law and its purpose in verses 7-11. In verses 12-14, David requests forgiveness and protection from sin, and calls on God’s grace with a request that his life honors God. This short section of scripture gives us a picture of David’s devotion to God and his desire to live faithfully being conformed to God’s holiness, leaning upon God’s power.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

What is referred to when we read about ‘the heavens’?

According to Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, the heavens <shamayim> refer to the sky, perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move. It also refers to the entire celestial universe which we cannot conceive. When we speak of something being ethereal it is intangible and immeasurable.

Consider your reaction on a clear night as you look upward to the starry sky, are you able to see its boundaries? It goes on and on, so much farther than our human eye is able to focus. In great contrast, the limit of our observation is opposite to the realm of God’s infinite time and grand creation.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God”. The heavens declare God’s glory. The verb used is an intense announcement, a record or numbering of the stars, a celebration of God’s glory. The sheer number of heavenly bodies in the sky above, point towards our Creator God.

Genesis 1:16-17 And God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; [He made] the stars also. And God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

Jeremiah 10:12 [It is] He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.

The heavens, although beautiful, have no mind or intelligence. Yet, they set forth God’s glory for all to see. God made the heavens, He holds the stars in place, His wisdom and power is on display as we look above. God’s glory is clearly seen in His creation.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?

God’s glory is magnified in His heavens. Consider that which we see and then realize it goes beyond what is visible to our eyes. God’s existence and power is undeniable as we look to His creation.

Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.

Ps 148:3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens! Ps 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

Read Psalm 19:1 again, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands”.

What is your response? The heavens are God’s creation and speak boldly of His glory. You are God’s living creation, formed by His artistry and hands, made for His glory and purpose. Do you shine for Him? Are others drawn towards His truths through your life?

Psalm 19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

We become excited about certain events that have happened and events we are looking forward to in the future. However, once they pass, their significance dwindles and eventually is lost to the next circumstance approaching. In contrast to our human experiences that ebb and flow, each day and night continues in their succession to glorify God. As day turns into day and evening into evening, the sun rises and the moon sets, all according to God’s plan set in motion at the beginning of time. God’s hand in ordering the days and nights speak of His power and give us knowledge of His greatness and goodness.

Did the sun rise today? Praise God. Did the moon give light to our evening? Praise God. How often do we take the time to consider that God is directing the day to happen and the night to take place? God holds all things in place and determines all time – every moment in each day and night. Do we see God’s glory in the sunrise of the morning, the sunshine of the day, the moon light at night? Each day is a testimony of God’s existence and authorship of the world.

Psalm 74:16 Thine is the day, Thine also is the night; Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Psalm 136:7-9 To Him who made [the] great lights, For His lovingkindness is everlasting: The sun to rule by day, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, the moon and stars to rule by night, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

“The original has in it the thought of pouring out or welling over, with speech; as though days and nights were but as a fountain flowing evermore with Jehovah's praise. Oh to drink often at the celestial well, and learn to utter the glory of God! The witnesses above cannot be slain or silenced; from their elevated seats they constantly preach the knowledge of God, unawed and unbiased by the judgment of men. Even the changes of alternating night and day are mutely eloquent, and light and shade equally reveal the Invisible One …” Treasury of David

Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Are we led to praise God for all things day and night, continuously? The heavens speak of God’s glory. Do our lives shine for His honor?

The Star

The star. Created by God for God. Designed specifically to announce the birth of our Savior. The star shone brightly and led the wise men to Bethlehem. It was fixed in the sky as an announcement of Jesus’ birth.

God created the stars. He put them in place and purposed them for His glory. Consider for a moment the heavens above and the stars too numerous to count. God not only created each one of these celestial bodies, but he knows each one by name. This thought is grander than the human mind is able to comprehend! The word ‘ordained’ means God prepared and established them and fitted them each individually for their place. He ordered them by His authority.

Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Ps 8:3 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;

Ps 147:4 He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.

There is an intended purpose for all God’s creation.

Jer 31:35a Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day, And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,

Am 5:8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, Who also darkens day [into] night, Who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, The LORD is His name. (KJV: ‘seek Him’)

Am 9:6a The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavens,

Where are you caused to look when you are outside on a dark night? Upward, towards the heavens, to the stars and planets in the sky. How can we not consider the majesty of God upon thinking it is He who created each individual light we see and that each has a purpose? When the sky is clear and we look up, the stars shine, too numerous to count. Think upon the Author of the universe and marvel that He knows your name!

God determines the course of each star, he holds the stars in place and directs them to do His will. This is incredible to stop and think upon. God caused one special star to announce the Savior’s birth. God intentionally made a bright light in the sky to guide others to the Messiah. The star they noticed must have been uncommon because it gathered attention. God ordained its presence in the exact place and time to glorify Christ and to lead those who had awaited His birth.

Mt 2:2 "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."

Mt 2:9-10 And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. 10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Can man direct the setting of a star in place? Only God, the originator of all creation and source of all time and motion, is able to command the heavens. And He did! Whether this bright object in the sky was a star that had already existed and was finally fulfilling its intended place in history, or a special star that was placed for the occasion of Christ’s birth, God ordained the timing and place. Some speculate it may have been a meteor or comet. What we do know, is this heavenly body commanded the attention of those on earth.

The star of Bethlehem, shone brightly over the Savior of the World, for all to see. If they would open their eyes and hearts to Him. Two thousand years later, Jesus Christ still shines as Savior of the World for those who bow before Him.

Isa 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Ps 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Ps 148:3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV)

Purposed for His Glory

Our purpose for each day will present itself if we listen to God and follow Him and desire to serve Him. Who is it all about anyways? Is it about doing what I want to fulfill my life? Or is it about doing what God commands to bring glory to Him? My life is not my own!

The United States Army had a slogan for twenty years, “Be All You Can Be” – in the Army. It generated a feeling of being able to push yourself to all extremes and do it for a cause that was believed in.

Several weeks ago, someone told me they just wanted to find their purpose in God. With a sincere heart, they were struggling and desiring for their purpose to be clear. I would propose that finding our purpose is not so difficult, it is quite clearly written in God’s word: why we are here and what we are to be about doing. So perhaps, the words, ‘finding my purpose’ can better be equated to acting upon what I know to do. Finding a purpose is not difficult, it’s doing. And it’s being content in the place and position God has ordained for us. Our greater purpose is to glorify God. Each of us has what you might call a lesser purpose. Such as, maybe you have a talent or strength in the arts or science or teaching. It could be that raising a family, caring for a parent, or being an encouragement to others is where you are at this time in your life. If we concentrate on our sole purpose to please God with the lives He has given, then our roles or what He has individually planned for us will become clear. Our lesser purpose may change from time to time as God moves us around to serve in different ways for Himself. Our purpose for each day will present itself if we listen to God and follow Him and desire to serve Him. Who is it all about anyways? Is it about doing what I want to fulfill my life? Or is it about doing what God commands to bring glory to Him? My life is not my own!

What is our purpose according to God’s written word? Actually, I like the word ‘charge’ we looked at in a recent women’s bible study. We’ve been going through Psalm 119 for several years now, it seems like a long time but really there is so much to consider as we look verse by verse at God’s perfect words to us.

Ps 119:138 Thou hast commanded Thy testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.

The word ‘commanded’ in this verse is from <tsavah>. In Strong’s Concordance, part of the definition reads (to give) a charge. Also included are these words: (Intensively) to constitute, enjoin, appoint, bid, send a messenger, put (set) in order.

As I wrote earlier, I gravitated towards the idea of being given a charge. There is responsibility in that thought. A purpose. Action. When we are given a charge, we are assigned a duty, given responsibility; we have an obligation to act upon something. Obedience is enjoined in our purpose.

This same word was used when God told Adam he could eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Adam’s charge was to obey. Throughout chapter three in Genesis, this same word is used as God places judgement on all of mankind for Adam’s failure to follow God’s commands.

God commanded Noah to build the ark (Gen 6-7). Noah’s part in this was action, obedience to God’s charge. God commanded the Israelites through the entire book of Deuteronomy. God meticulously told them what to do – their purpose. Joshua was given a charge, or command, to be ‘strong and courageous’ (Jos 1:9). God commands obedience (Jer 7:23).

In Matthew 15, God commands that honor be shown to our father and mother (Matt 15:4). The translation of ‘commanded’ in this verse is from a different word, <entellomai>, which carries the same meaning of ‘to be given a charge’.

Acts 10:42 says, "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead”. Ordered, or commanded in the KJV, comes from <paraggello>. Again, the same idea of being given a charge to do something. A purpose.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of words or scripture, but it is certainly enough to merit our attention to the ‘purpose’ we have been given in this world as God’s children. Most of the explanations of words are Greek (or Hebrew) to me!!! (This is funny, but true). But, we are not required to be a student of language or theology in order to understand what God wants. We have been given clear commands, or charges. Our purpose is found in God’s word.

This is so contrary to the world’s thinking. We are groomed from a very early age to ‘be something’ or ‘to do something with our life’. Jobs are important, therefore education is important in order to get employment that will bring in a paycheck so that we are able to provide what is needed for ourselves and perhaps family and others. These are all good things and require our attention and some hard work. And, God has given the human mind an amazing capacity for understanding information and solving problems. Goals are important – we are to use our time and energy wisely – but our plans should never supersede God’s commands.

Consider. What is the first thing we say when someone asks us to tell them about ourselves? Do we rattle of a list of accomplishments, job titles and positions before mentioning anything of our relationship with Jesus Christ? That we are His child, living for Him?

What is our purpose according to God’s word?

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We have been created for good works. Our purpose is to be occupied with leading holy lives. Eph 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. …

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

2Co 5:5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Joh 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Mt 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Col 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Good works does not save us, however, we are created for good works. Our purpose. No amount of our own effort has value in bringing us to live a holy life. But, God has made us to be holy for Him. In Him alone are we able to walk in holiness. We are designed by God and enabled by God to live in a manner pleasing to Him.

Ephesians gives us some of the characterization of walking in good works.

Eph 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Wow! This is quite a list, right! For myself, just being purposed to do the things above gives me plenty of ‘things to do’ during the course of each day. Consider. What would it look like to purpose to forgiveness in all things for everyone; to show kindness, to be compassionate towards others in every circumstance, no matter what? And why would we try to do this? It’s our purpose. It brings glory to God when we strive to live in holiness. Because God tells us to do so and our purpose is obedience to Him.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 8-9, But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have been destined – not for wrath – but for obtaining salvation! Talk about purpose! When I looked up the word destined <tithemi>, part of the definition says purpose. Our destiny, God’s intention for us, our fate is for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is incredibly encouraging and humbling at the same time. Encouraging because my purpose is clear, humbling because God has chosen, in His grace, to call me His child, to rescue me, to purchase me, from the ravages of sin, to the righteousness of Christ. I don’t know myself as well as God knows me, yet I do know that sin wages war in my mind daily; there is a constant battle going on; a fight to do what is right; a perpetual clinging to Jesus to produce the good works I have been created for.

Since we are destined for obtaining salvation in Christ and charged to live lives that are holy and blameless, we need to fight sin. In ourselves, this is impossible. But, with the tools given to us from God, this is entirely plausible!

We are to be sober. We are to be temperate, careful, and watchful.

1Th 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Pe 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

1Pe 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour

The word ‘vigilant’ comes to mind. When we are sober, we are able to be observant and attentive to possible dangers. We have our eyes open and looking about for the things that threaten us. We are on guard against sin.

Ro 13:13-14 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts.

Eph 5:6-8 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

We are to be ready to work and even fight, using God’s armor.
- the breastplate of faith and love

Consider. What does a breastplate protect? Our heart. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this: “what the breastplate and helmet are to a soldier's heart and head, such are faith, love, and hope to us. Faith enables us to endure, as seeing him who is invisible; love excites us to diligence and activity, and makes us bear our troubles and difficulties pleasantly; hope helps us to anticipate the great end, the glory that shall be revealed, and which we know we shall in due time obtain, if we faint not.”

Eph 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.

By faith we are justified in Christ. Being justified means we are righteous before God. This righteousness is what shields our heart from attack. Consider. Where are we without the breastplate of righteousness protecting us? We are vulnerable to the darkness of sin. We are defenseless against the attacks of the evil one. What is protecting your heart against attack?

- and as a helmet, the hope of salvation

A helmet protects the head from blows. As God’s children, we have His protection. Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says this: “A soldier would not fight well without a hope of victory. A Christian could not contend with his foes, without the hope of final salvation; but, sustained by this, what has he to dread?”

Macknight, on the Epistles, says our “head is the seat of reason”. It is responsible for our thoughts and feelings. If left unguarded, without the light and truth of God’s word, we are susceptible to attack. Hope helps us to continue, even through dangers. Our hope is certain. Hope <elpis> means to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence.

Job 19:23-27 "Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! "That with an iron stylus and lead They were engraved in the rock forever!" And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. "Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; Whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.

Ps 42:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

Ro 5:2-5 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Heb 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

1Pe 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

We are purposed for action, we are purposed for obedience, we are purposed to have Hope.

Continuing in the book of Thessalonians, we see listed for us a purposed way to live.

v.11 We are to encourage and build up one another,

v.12-13 We are to appreciate and esteem the leaders in our church,

v.13 We are to be at peace amongst ourselves,

v.14 We are to caution those who are defiant to truth, encourage the fainthearted, care for the weak, and be patient towards all.

God’s plan for us, our purpose, is written all over scripture! If we continue in this

same section of the Word, we read that we are to rejoice always (v.16) and pray

without ceasing (v.17).

We are instructed to be thankful.

1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This charge is not just to be thankful for some things, or when something nice has happened. It literally says ‘in everything give thanks’. When things don’t go as planned we are to be thankful knowing God has a better plan that He will bring to fruition. Even in heartache, God is still the One who is causing all things to work for our good and His glory. We have limited knowledge; He is all-knowing.

Eph 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Accordingly, my purpose is to always be in the spirit of prayer and to be continually grateful and obedient. If God’s grace has called you to be His child, your purpose is to be His child!

We are created for good works, to bring glory to His name. To live holy lives. To treasure the life He has bestowed upon us. To honor His name in all things by our obedience. To take action in doing what the word says. To have hope for the future. To be an encourager and a peacemaker. To rejoice always and to be thankful in all things. This list is by no means exhaustive, there are many, many more scriptures that speak to our purpose. Anything and everything we are able to accomplish or have any amount of success in, is only because of God’s grace in our lives. He has purposed us to live for Him.

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Consider. A rooster has been purposed to crow like a rooster. A fish has been purposed to swim like a fish. A person has been created – purposed – for God’s glory. Living for Him will guide us exactly on the path He has destined for us!

The Cubbies group in our AWANA program at church had a simulated boot camp. Of course, one of the songs they sang was, ‘I’m in the Lord’s Army’. This is a great concept! Be All You Can Be – for God. Live for Him because you believe in His greater cause! This is your purpose.

Light(ning)s – Camera – Action!

God directs all things for His ultimate glory. If you are His child, having claimed Him as Lord and accepted the gift of His Son’s death, you are in the mighty, powerful hand of the One who directs all physical and natural phenomena

Lightning. An abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light. Atmospheric electricity. A physical phenomenon associated with the atmosphere. A physical phenomenon is a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy. A phenomenon is a process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning; a remarkable development.

Here, in the Antelope Valley, we are largely unaware of true weather. It gets hot, it gets windy, and it gets windy and hot. Then it gets cold, it gets windy, and it gets windy and cold. That’s pretty much our weather pattern. If or when we get a sprinkle of water from the sky it is for the most part celebrated and enjoyed for all its worth. If or when we receive real snowflakes or hail is a topic of conversation for days.

But, I like living here, it kinda grows on you. You learn to appreciate fewer bugs because the hot, dry heat is not conducive to their need for moisture. Bugs dry up quickly. And, the dry weather gives you a reason to try out many beautifully scented lotions because your skin cries for moisture as you watch it shriveling before your eyes – hmmm, citrus or floral??

Lately, we’ve had more moisture than in recent years and all of a sudden earthworms are everywhere. The chickens love them, along with the current development of cockroaches – Arrgh! or “Yucky” (in grandchildren language), a fairly gross insect. My better half has become creative in what to do with these new ‘blessings’. One of our grandsons loves digging up worms and feeding them to the chickens and probably the best natural cockroach deterrent are the dozen beaks of hungry hens!

On to the recent weather. We’ve been experiencing beautiful lightning storms. We’ve even had what you might call short downpours of rain with thunder and lightning. Of course, this makes me think of God’s ultimate power over the universe. He paints the picture of lightning bolts in our sky. He controls the sound of thunder we hear. He knows the number of rain drops He sends. He directs the speed of wind.

Thunder is called the voice of God in His word.

Ps 29:1-4 (A Psalm of David.) Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in holy array. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD is over many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is majestic.

Job 37:2-3 “Listen closely to the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that goes out from His mouth. 3 “Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, and His lightning to the ends of the earth.

God sets “a limit for the rain, and a course for the thunderbolt”. Job 28:26
See the pictures below that my husband took of a lightning strike last night. First, a course for the direction of lightning is paved by an initial current that comes from the ground. Then the lightning follows that exact path in reverse direction back down to the ground. Look at the direction of the ‘fingers’ in the second photo. Wow! God’s world!

Who are we to doubt His power? Are you able to answer the questions God asked Job of his understanding of God’s ways?
Job 38:24-25 “Where is the way that the light is divided, [Or] the east wind scattered on the earth? 25 “Who has cleft a channel for the flood, or a way for the thunderbolt;
Job 38:35 “Can you send forth lightnings that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
God directs all things for His ultimate glory. If you are His child, having claimed Him as Lord and accepted the gift of His Son’s death, you are in the mighty, powerful hand of the One who directs all physical and natural phenomena.
Ps 18:14 And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, and lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them.
I pray you join me in acknowledging God’s glory and strength, power and majesty (Ps. 29:1-4); His control over all heaven and earth (Job 37:2-3); His direction of all scientific and natural phenomena (Job 28:26; 38:24-25;38:35); and His right to set forth the comings and goings of all things (Ps 18:14).

De 4:35,39 “To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him. 39 “Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

Light(ning)s – Camera – Action – Praise!

Tag: God’s glory

Consider it all Joy!

Like this:

Following Jesus’ Example of Humility and Love

Like this:

Psalm 19:1-2

Like this:

The Star

Purposed for His Glory

Like this:

Light(ning)s – Camera – Action!

Like this: