God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 5

Take some time and reflect on this past week.
How did it go? What were the good parts? What were the bad parts? Did you really blow it at some point? Were you an example of Christ’s love at some point?

More than likely you had some good moments and some bad ones.
But were you at least more aware this week of how your actions impacted others and brought glory to God?

If so, how can you keep that same mindset moving forward?

If not, how can you develop more of that mindset?

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 4

Shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, John Piper wrote a blog post entitled “Don’t Waste Your Cancer.” Read the following quote from the post:

“This will be an opportunity to bear witness. Christ is infinitely worthy. Here is a golden opportunity to show that he is worth more than life. Don’t waste it.” – John Piper

Think about this as you go through your day:

• What are some areas in your life where you can point others to the truth that Christ is infinitely worthy? 

• How can you do that, really? What practical ways can you put this in place?

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 3

“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them.”  Luke 21:12-13

Do you like for people to talk bad about you behind your back? Would you ever volunteer to get beat-up? Do you enjoy going through trials, persecution, or suffering? These probably sound like pretty dumb questions to you. Who in their right mind would like these things? Most of us would run in the total opposite direction of all those things.

Read Luke 21:12-13.
None of us really wants to deal with the things we just talked about. And that’s perfectly normal. But these are the types of things that Jesus tells us to expect. Trials and persecution are part of what comes with the territory of following Jesus. While they’re not fun, the cool part about them is that they give us incredible opportunities to point people to Jesus.

Look at verse 13 again. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” It’s easier to lash out at those who mistreat you. It’s easier to get frustrated when things don’t go your way. It’s easier to throw your hands up and get mad when you face trials. It’s easy and it’s natural because they’re all fleshly responses.

But, as believers we don’t draw on our own strength. We draw on the strength of Christ, who lives inside of us.
And so when we don’t act like the rest of the world, people take notice and, BOOM! . . . there’s our opportunity to tell people about our God, to tell them that our hope isn’t found in this world.

Some things to think about:

• Why is it so important for our responses to these types of situations to be different from the rest of the world? 

• When you face these types of struggles, how can you fight your natural fleshly response and draw on the strength of Christ in you?

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 2

Take minute and read Matthew 5:14-16.

Write verse 14 down on a note card, a sticky note, a notebook or sketchbook app, or something similar. Put it in your pocket. Make it your screen saver on your phone. Do whatever you need to make it super visible.

Take a few moments and think about the time or situation where your light shines brightest for God’s glory. Now, think about the times or situations where it doesn’t shine as bright. Maybe there are some areas where it doesn’t shine as all. Use the card (or whatever you picked) as an encouragement during those times.

If you’re a believer, you have Christ in you! You . . . yes you . . . are the light of the world.

Be encouraged and draw on that verse during those times your light needs to shine brighter.

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 1

You know what this week holds for you better than anyone else. You know your strengths and weaknesses. You know what temptations are probably coming your way. You know the things that are going to bother you or cause you to have a bad attitude.

We’ve talked about God receiving glory from our actions. Take a little bit of time and think about what’s coming this week. When will you need an extra measure of grace for that person that gets under your skin? When will you be tempted to go down a road you shouldn’t go down? When will you have opportunities to talk to people about Jesus?

Now, take some time and write out a short prayer for the week. Ask God to give you the wisdom, strength, and grace you need to point others to him and give him glory.

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 5

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3

We are told that God’s glory is seen through Jesus and the Son of God is the exact representation of God’s very being. Take a moment to let that sink in. Jesus represents God. Fully. He represents God’s glory. Completely. When we read the gospel accounts of Jesus, we get to see the heart, the nature, the passion, power, and the glory of God through Jesus.

Do you ever have those days when you wonder about God and what He is like? Do you ever doubt His intentions? Do you wonder if He really cares? If we wonder about God and who He is, we only need to look at Jesus. God’s glory is displayed through Jesus.

Take the Time: Make it a point to brainstorm characteristics and truths of who Jesus is. Come up with as many words as possible to define who you know Jesus to be. Words like “savior,” “friend,” “healer,” are words you might think of. Take a while to write your list and even keep adding to it over the next few days.

As you look back through your list, realize that God’s glory is displayed through Jesus and Jesus. The more we see Jesus, the more we will see God’s glory.

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 4

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55

Have you ever been the target of lies, gossip, or slander because you’re a Christ-follower? Have you ever been hurt because of your faith? If you have, don’t be too surprised. It’s a hard reality, but as someone who is identified with Christ, you will often walk through tough times. Friends will make fun of you, enemies will hurt you, and people will walk away from you because of your faith.

That’s kind of depressing isn’t it? But, that’s not the end.
In the Book of Acts, Stephen received more than slander, lies, and gossip for his faith. He was stoned to death for it. But take a look at the verse again. Notice what is said about Stephen as the crowd was stoning him to death. You see, in our most challenging times, God always promises to draw close when we are persecuted for our faith. It is then we get to see and experience God’s glory.

Let’s remind ourselves of what God’s glory is like: “Glory” describes the immense weight, or worthiness of God’s character, combined with the honor, splendor, and awe due Him because of who He is.

We can be sure that when we face trials of many kinds that God will draw near and reveal His glory to us.

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 3

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Have you thought about how God’s glory is displayed every time someone is saved from their sins because of Jesus. Do you realize God wants His glory displayed through our lives as well as those who yet to be saved? Don’t miss this, God wants us be apart of His glorious plan and to be excited for our changed lives, but He also wants us to be His vessels to share the good news.

We can see and experience God’s glory when say “yes” to Him personally, but we can also say yes to Him by being a part of His mission to see all people come to Him.

Some things to Think About:

• Have you said yes to God with your own life? If not, have you considered it? What is keeping you from it? 

• Who are the people God has placed in your life who are ready to say “yes” to Jesus? What part does God want you play? 

Pray and ask God to show you your next step in your faith walk. Ask Him to show you how His glory can be displayed further in your life.

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 2

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2: 8-10

Have you ever wondered why the shepherds were terrified when the glory of the Lord shone around them? Why would something so glorious cause these guys to fear for their lives?

Consider this for moment. These men were the outcasts of their society. They were terrified because they had no context to frame these extraordinary things they were seeing! It’s incredible that God wanted these humble shepherds to be the first to hear His good news and see and experience His glory. But God has a way of doing the unexpected.

As a teenager, it’s often easy to think that your life does not yet have significance or that you will have to wait to get older before opportunities come your way. It’s easy to buy the lie that God only uses extremely talented or gifted people. When it comes to God’s glory, we need to know He is generous. He looks for humble people to be used for His plans and purposes.

Some things to think about: God wants you experience His glory and be a part of His incredible plans. You might feel like you’re always the last to know, but that’s not how God operates. His first aim is to bring glory to Himself. He then chooses to include humble followers in these plans.

Come to God today and humbly ask Him to show you where you can serve Him and bring Him more glory.

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 1

"Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”" John 11: 38-40

By the time Jesus arrives to save the life of his friend Lazarus, it’s already too late. Or is it? When Jesus tells the men to roll away the stone, Martha makes a good point that Lazarus has been dead for four days and it’s not going to be nice. Instead of agreeing with Martha, Jesus says something incredible: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” What happens next is extraordinary as Lazarus is raised to life and reunited with His family and friends.

Have you ever considered this? In our failures, in our pain, and in our hardest times, Jesus wants to display His glory in our lives. So often we are like Martha and object to how God can make good of such a mess. However, the God of creation wants to display His power and glory in our lives even when there seems to be no way to do so.

So here’s a question: What situation, pain, or disappointment in your life seems unredeemable? What could happen if you believe today that God’s glory could be displayed in these situations of your life?

Ask God to give you faith to believe that He can work in the hardest of situations. Ask Him to display His glory in your life in those areas that seem unredeemable.

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 5

“After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” Revelation 19:1

Have you ever been on a long a journey with a great destination at the end? You know, one of those long journeys that are more than just a few hours in the car. Maybe you’ve flown across an ocean to a foreign country? Or maybe you’ve driven more than twelve hours to go on vacation or a mission trip? While long journeys can be boring and challenging, knowing the incredible destination at the end of your journey makes all the difference.

Something to think about:

• As you read this passage in Revelation 19, know that you’re getting a glimpse of an incredible final destination. Can you imagine what that will be like? 

While we get to see God’s creation all around us while we are here on earth, we also get to look forward to an incredible arrival at a destination one day. Ask God to give you a longer-term perspective and to give you greater hope for what is to come. Ask Him to give you more glimpses of His glory today as you journey through life.

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 4

Think about this quote as you go through your day.

“The created universe is all about glory. The deepest longing of the human heart and the deepest meaning of heaven and earth are summed up in this: the glory of God. The universe was made to show it, and we were made to see it and savor it. Nothing less will do. Which is why the world is as disordered and dysfunctional as it is. We have exchanged the glory of God for other things.” – John Piper

We are made to worship God. The whole of creation points to God and His glory. But, as Piper points out, when we focus on other less significant things, it’s then that the world becomes a challenging place to live.

Spend some time simply asking God to show you where your focus is. Ask Him to show you things that are less significant but have become an unhealthy focus. It could be the stuff you own, or that guy or girl you like. It could be that you are obsessed by success and have allowed grades or winning to replace your dependence on God and His glory in your life.

Ask God to show you the areas of your life where you are living for your own glory. Ask Him to show you how to live for HIS glory.

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 3

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed . . . Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” Psalms 57:1 & 5

David wrote the Psalms in different stages of his life. These poetic songs were utilized in worship many centuries ago. And yet they connect deeply with us today.

As you read this psalm, you’ll see the struggle and pain David is walking through. In the first verse he simply comes to God telling of an impending disaster in his life. But what David does next is an example to us when we face struggles of our own.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”

When challenges come, we are to take refuge in God. When challenges seem huge we need to ‘lift up’ (exalt) God above our challenges. When challenges come we need to remind ourselves of God’s glory and be content knowing that He is God.

As you consider the challenges of school, friends, family, success, and failure, don’t be overwhelmed by them. Instead, reframe the psalm below inserting your circumstances into it:

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until (your specific situation) has passed. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over (your specific situation). “

Consider your present circumstances in the light of God’s incredible glory and power, and realize that He’s able to give you the strength you need.

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 2

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Have you been to a famous art gallery? Behind every work of art is a creator with a plan for what the masterpiece should look like. Most works of art take months or even years to create as the artist pays attention to every small detail. At the end of the creation, the artist will carefully add his or her mark or signature to authenticate the work.

God’s signature is all over creation. But, have you considered that God’s glory is also seen through His creation of YOU? You are God’s creation. Ephesians 2:10 uses a Greek word poiēma, which means “God’s masterpiece.” That’s you!

Some things to think about:

• God is the Creator who has specific purposes for His masterpieces. His fingerprints are all over your life. 

• God’s glory is displayed through His creation. You’re a part of that creation. And so your life brings glory to God. Let this thought dramatically change the way you see yourself and your day!

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

Have you ever heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” Essentially, this psalm is saying, “God’s glory speaks a thousand words through His creation.” Have you really considered that God speaks to us through His creation?

If creation could speak audibly about God’s glory and who He is, what would it say? Take some time to write down words that describe God and who He is based on what you see in the world around you. Think about these words as you go through your day.