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March 23, 2010
The Weight of Glory
Understanding the richness of living for God |
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Greetings!
Last week I had the privilege of leading Jonah and Lindsay Long in their wedding ceremony. The Long's were more than prepared to be wed as I had put them though the rigors of months of counseling and study. It was a great wedding and God was glorified both on that day and through the process.
On the day before the wedding, I met with the couple one last time to secure details and ease anxiety. I could tell Lindsay was visibly shaken. When I asked her why, she shared that she had been "feeling a heaviness but a lightness at the same time". In fact, she said that she often felt like she wasn't "here". She felt as if she was in some kind of dream or out-of-body experience. I let her know that what she was feeling was God's glory. She was enjoying God's hand upon her life and marriage.
It may seem wild to discuss the glory of the Lord but it isn't. God's glory is present where, and when, people live according to His Word, ways and Spirit. God shows up when we live for and through Him. A great example of this was at the rehearsal dinner.
At the dinner, the couple took the time to honor God in worship and in prayer. It was so sweet that all I could do was weep in response. God was there and He wasn't just hanging around. He was ministering to His people through His glory. You know what? That is what God longs to do. To find a people He can come and share time with ... a people who will hand over their calendar, flesh and issues and just say ... "Stop! ... Nothing is more important then God at this moment ... Let's praise Him!"
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The Path to His Glory ... Seeking
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
~ Matthew 5:6 ~
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. 3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory.
~ Psalm 27 ~
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| Look, Listen and Feel
In First Aid and CPR Training individuals are taught to look, listen and feel. Look for the chest to rise and show someone is breathing. Listen to the sounds of air by placing your ear next to their mouth. Lastly, feel the breath on your ear. The same process can be used to seek God's glory in your life.
Look - look for scriptures and guidance from God's Word about how to live. God's Word is "living and powerful" and able to transform your life. When you live according to God's Word you can expect His glory to be near.
Listen - listen to Godly things - worship, preaching, positive words, correction, coaching and the voice of God's Spirit. When you listen for God throughout your day you will hear Him speaking in common and uncommon situations. Most often, you simply need to take the time to listen and have the awareness He is speaking.
Feel - feel the weight of God's glory and presence. He can carry you through tough times, lift you over difficult waters, lighten the load, increase your joy and enthusiasm, fill you with passion and purpose, and quiet you with His love! God is always working to bring His glory into your life. Seek it and you will find it. When you do - enjoy it!
Lastly, note that the psalmist instructs us about who can expect to see and feel God's glory. Psalm 27:4-5 reads,
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
Friends, chase God this week by seeking His glory as you live from a Biblical perspective in passionate pursuit of His presence. To make it plain ... live for Jesus and watch for His glory! |
For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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