“And today the LORD is making this agreement with you: you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you; and provided you keep all his commandments, he will then raise you high in praise and renown and glory above all other nations he has made, and you will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God, as he promised.” Dt 26:16-19

I often forget that true glory comes from becoming fully immersed in God. It’s so easy to get lost trying to seek the glory of this earth. At times, it feels like I am constantly seeking the approval and admiration of others, even to the point where my actions are driven by this desire. But what for? Why would I ever need the glory and admiration of this world, if I can have the praise and glory of God?

It is often said that one cannot serve both God and the world at the same time. And today’s reading reminds me that if I choose to serve Him, He will raise me to the utmost glory and praise. It also reassures me that I do not need momentary glory on this earth when I can have it for eternity with Him. So today, I choose to seek the praise of God, not the world. I choose to serve Him.

“Lord, grant me the discipline to serve You above the world, because You know I cannot do it alone. Though I am weak, I know I can do it with you.”

– Stephen W

“You say, ‘The LORD’s way is not fair!’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” – Ezekiel 18:25

This passage reminds me of a sermon I heard from Voddie Baucham, where he tackles the question “If God is so powerful and good, why do bad things happen?” He answers, “You’re not asking the question properly…here’s how you ask that question properly. You look me in my eyes and you ask me this: how on earth can a holy and righteous God know what I did, and thought, and said yesterday, and not kill me in my sleep last night?”

I am often tempted to be bitter when things happen to me that I feel I don’t deserve. But this passage makes me realize: who am I that thinks to judge the ways of God? I am but a sinner, and my only redemption is in Jesus who gave himself up in love on the cross for us.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”

– Anonymous