Devotions this week based on the Message: “Counterfeit Gods: The Seduction of Success”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Tim Keller entitled, Counterfeit Gods.
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
“For thine is the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
You might recognize this phrase as the “doxology” (statement of praise) which concludes the Lord’s Prayer. While it is probably not part of the text Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9-13 (some Greek manuscripts of Matthew from the 4-5th century AD have this line inserted), it reflects the words of Revelation 5:13
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
What all the heavens understand is that glory goes to “him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb”…God himself.
This is the reality in heaven. Perhaps we would say, “It’s easier there because everyone is doing it.”
But like many aspects of faith, earth is a warmup for heaven.
Our time on this earth is a time for us to come to recognize and believe that truly all power and glory belong to the Lord. Every day is a day to give glory to the Lord of all.
So how does that happen? Here’s a few suggestions:
- Carry a mindset that whatever you do, whether it’s your favorite thing or not, that you are going to do your best and be your best to honor the Lord who gave you life today, your abilities, and the opportunities to use them.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
- Receive praise from others with thanks. Protect your heart from letting praise build your ego, but rather let it build humility as you direct the praise to the Lord. Let your boast be in the Lord!
- -1 Corinthians 1:17-18 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
- Discover that hardships in life are not God’s punishment on you, but times he seeks to build and strengthen your faith and trust in him.
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Enjoy today. Find every opportunity to give glory to God…it is ALL his to receive and ours to give!
Apply: How will you glorify God today?
Prayer: Lord, in all I do today, let me glorify you! Amen.