Approaching God
As you come into God’s presence, remember that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Recognize places in your body where you are holding tension and relax. Take a few deep breaths and release your concerns to the keeping of your powerful, loving heavenly Father (1 Peter 5:7).
Listening to God
Read these words from Revelation 4:8-11, where the veil between our world and the heavenly realm is lifted. Here we gain insight into the reality of God’s magnificence. He receives constant praise because He deserves it!
“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.’ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’”
Talking to God
Imagine yourself in God’s throne room and join your voice with the four creatures and twenty-four elders. For which qualities or actions do you want to glorify God? His work in the whole scope of history? Things He has done in your own life? Glorify God for the things He brings to mind.
Responding to God
Revelation 4:10 says the twenty-four elders lay their crowns down before the throne. Think of the honors or achievements you have attained in life. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is any aspect of “glory” you are clinging to for your own sake, for your own sense of identity or security. Commit to set your sights and your efforts on promoting God’s glory and His great joy.
Surrendering to God
“Lord, our world claims many paths to glory—wealth, fame, beauty, achievement. You showed us a different way in Jesus Christ. Thank you. Today, help me bring glory not to myself but to you.”
By Kristy Manion
A HISTORICAL SIDEBAR
Soli Deo Gloria (Latin: glory to God alone) does imply a call to do all things to the glory of God alone (e.g., 1 Cor 10:31). However, the Reformers meant this in the context of salvation: no church and no person can claim any glory regarding a person’s salvation. “We never truly glory in him until we have utterly discarded our own glory . . . The elect [or predestined] are justified [i.e., declared righteous] by the Lord, in order that they may glory in him, and in none else” (John Calvin).
