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!