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MEDITATION:

Written by Dr. Harold J. Sala, a contemporary speaker, author, and founder of Guidelines International Ministries.

Over 500 times the Bible refers to the glory of God. God is called the “Father of glory.” Twice Jesus is called the “Lord of glory.” And the Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of glory.” Coming to understand who God is and how He has shown us something of Himself … means deepening our knowledge and understanding of what He has done and His care for us. God’s glory is something like a multi-faceted diamond that is held under a bright light against a piece of black velvet that reflects the light many different ways, depending on how it is held and rotated. Obviously, God’s handiwork reflects the glory of Him who created our beautiful world. David cried out, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” When the Apollo 8 astronauts orbited the moon on Christmas Eve, they took turns reading from the Genesis account of creation. John Glenn, who made two trips into space, said, “To look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible.” We live on a beautiful planet. Whether you love the beach, delicate flowers, the vastness of an Alpine landscape, or the foliage of a rain forest, our world is beautiful and reflects the glory of its creator…Long ago the psalmist said that we are to “declare His glory,” which means the message our lives should bring to the world is that this marvelous God has touched our lives with His presence, making a difference, healing broken hearts, forgiving our sins that separate us from Him; and in response He wants recognition and thanks!

PRAYER:

Written by Augustine of Hippo (354-430), an early Christian theologian and philosopher. He was the bishop of Hippo Regius (modern day Annaba, Algeria) and is viewed as one of the most important church fathers in Western Christianity.

God to glorify. Jesus to imitate. Salvation to work out with fear and trembling. A body to use rightly. Sins to repent. Virtues to acquire. Hell to avoid. Heaven to gain. Eternity to hold in mind. Time to profit by. Neighbors to serve. The world to enjoy. Creation to use rightly. Slights to endure patiently. Kindness to offer willingly. Justice to strive for. Temptations to overcome. Death perhaps to suffer. In all things, God’s love to sustain you.