TO GOD BE THE GLORY

In whatever we do, may God get the glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Have you ever wondered, “What is the purpose of the trial you are going through?” Have you ever wondered why you had to face so much opposition? Have you ever thought, “God, why is this happening to me?” I believe if we were all honest, we would say yes to several of those questions and could probably add to the list.

As hard as it may seem, no matter what we are going through, no matter what trial or tribulation, it is so that God might get the glory. Does that mean He will, no it doesn’t, not immediately anyway. God did not get the glory when David sinned with Bathsheba. God did not get the glory when Joseph was sold into slavery. God did not get the glory when Judas took his own life. Did God take those messes and provide a message in them—YES! Yes, He did! He eventually got the glory and He can do it for you as well! Give Him your mess and see what He can do this morning! Give Him your trouble and watch Him give a triumph! Give Him your pain and watch Him provide! Give Him praise, honor, and glory in your trials and tribulations! It may just surprise you how He works in and through your life!  

NO KISS FOR JESUS?

A kiss is a sign of affection for the one you love.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Luke 7:45

            In Luke 7, we see a humble lady come to Jesus, break an alabaster box of ointment, anoint Jesus’ feet, and then she began kissing His feet. She couldn’t stop. She was exhibiting her love toward her Saviour in such a way it made others uncomfortable. They didn’t see the need of humility in a kiss. However, that didn’t stop her. She continued on!

            In our service to our Saviour, there will be some who cross our paths that don’t like the way we serve Him. Many of those people do nothing for Him. We should not be discouraged by them. Do not let those that sit back and criticize your service hinder you. Continue on serving Him with gladness, keeping your eyes on Him, and not them! For if we do, He will bless our work and He will be honored!

HALF DONE

Anything less than your best… is half done!

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

            Some people only do what they need to do to get by. They never have the mentality of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Some work just enough to get a paycheck or a pat on the back. Some never quite come to the realization our motivation is not the almighty dollar but the Almighty Himself!

            If you are ever asked to do something and you agree to do it, do it with all of your might. Do it for the glory of God! Go the extra mile and you may get some extra money! If not, at least you will know God is please and to be honest, that’s all that matters!

OUR GREAT GOD AND GLORIOUS SAVIOUR

Here is my creed.  I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His providence. That He ought to be worshiped. That the most acceptable service we render Him is doing good to His other children. --Benjamin Franklin

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3

When I consider all the Lord has done for me, I can’t help but shout with praise! He saved my sin sick soul. He gave me my faithful wife. He gave me three children. He called me into the ministry. He gave me a church to pastor. He has provided every single need I have ever had and thrown in so many wants I cannot begin to count them all. Rejoice with me this morning in all He has done in your life!

JUST CAN’T PRAISE HIM ENOUGH!

Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song.  –Spurgeon

“…I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40

            If you’re saved this morning you have a lot to praise the Lord for! This is one of many ways I can give my testimony of praise… One day the Lord transcended space, pierced our galaxy, enter our solar system, counted over three plants from the sun, jumped on the jet stream, flew over the North American continent, landed in the Good Ole USA on the State of North Carolina, skidded across to Alamance County, through the town of Graham, and took a left onto Brier Lane on July 12, 1992, and saved my sin sick soul! What a Saviour is mine! Do you remember the day He saved you? 

WHAT ARE YOU USING YOUR MOUTH FOR?

The tongue blessing God without the heart is but a tinkling cymbal; the heart blessing God without the tongue is sweet but still music; both in concert make the harmony which fills and delights heaven and earth. --R. Venning

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

I like the verse that says, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so”!  We have times of testimony in church and often I sit there listening how the Lord has worked in other people’s lives. Not because I don’t have anything to say but because I really enjoy hearing Brothers and Sisters in Christ praise our Saviour! It’s better than the greatest Choir singing with the Greatest Symphony backing it up!

Sacrifice or Self glory?

Sincerity is the salt of the sacrifice.  Without it the offering can never be acceptable to God.-Spurgeon

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. Psalm 96:8

I often ask, “Why do you do what you do?” Do you come to church for Mom and Dad? Do you sing in the choir to be seen? Are you in the Youth Group to make friends? Do you give of your time for a pat on the back? For many people if it was not for some type of self glory they wouldn’t do anything in the church.

Dear friend make sure the reason you do what you do is for God’s glory! If not, you will stand accountable for the self glory you get down here!

MAMA'S DAY

The mother’s love is like God's love; He loves us not because we are lovable, but because it is His nature to love, and because we are His children. –Riney

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:10-11

On this Mother’s Day let us be thankful God gave us a Mother! She may not be your biological Mother but God gave her just the same! She has changed your diaper, put the band aid on your boo-boo, and helped teach you to drive! She has been there for you in the middle of the night and early in the morning! She is the greatest gift outside of our salvation we can have!

So, if your Mother is still alive, give her a big ole hug and kiss! Tell her you love her! If she has passed over into glory, remember her by raising your kids the very same way she did you! With great love, care, and compassion!