Lori, Aarron, and I vacationed around the eastern part of the United States and one of our stops was Niagara Falls. I am not one to get excited about things in general, but this is certainly a site I enjoyed seeing. The beauty of the falls was immense and to know that God created that site is a true demonstration of His power and glory.

I want to talk about that power and glory for a bit. I am studying the word “glory” and was brought to the book of Ezekiel where his vision of God coming back to fill the temple is written. Here Ezekiel describes the coming of God into the temple and all of the power and glory that He brings.

“²And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.” – Ezekiel 43:2 (ESV)

“The sound of many waters”. The spectacular experience of Niagara Falls is what I picture here. If you have not been, it is extremely loud. There is this sense that a number of freight trains are bearing down on you. I can imagine if you had never heard or did not know of what the sound was, you would be extremely frightened and would tend to look for cover. And that is what Ezekiel did.

“³And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face.” – Ezekiel 43:3 (ESV)

“And I fell on my face.” He knew it was God coming, and was dropped to the ground in reverence and awe. He was aware of the power of God and was shielding his face from His holiness and majesty. Ezekiel knew that the sound he heard was something to be feared and took the position that would demonstrate the awe he had for the power and glory of God that was coming.

God’s glory is powerful like the rushing water. I know that I do not want to be in the way of it when He comes again. I heard the facts of the power of the water rushing over the falls at Niagara. I also know that the power of God is even more than that. I have to remember to admire the glory and power of God, but like Ezekiel, I also have to be reverent in the face of that power and glory. God is greater than all things because he created all things. And for that I respect and hold Him in the utmost regard and reverence.

What is out there that you see is extremely powerful? Are you one that thinks you can beat it? What if you would have reverence for the power and glory of God, how would you respond knowing that it is He who created all of those things?

Have you every been minimally punished for something that you did and everyone knew about? I know that I have, and I have taken that approach with my sons for their actions.

We will not always do that which is right. We are human and therefore are fallible. I know that I have made many mistakes and will continue to do so. I remember a time that each of my sons did something that was not in the best interest of those around him and instead of bringing down the rain of my authority and power, we took a teaching approach and displayed love for them that they were able to embrace and understand the err in their actions to the tune of learning and working to avoid that error again. You do know that God takes the same approach with us as His children?

“¹⁰Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. ¹¹For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.” – Isaiah 48:10-11 (ESV)

God gives us the opportunities to do right by Him. He allows us to be in situations where we have the chance to do the right thing and make the decisions on our own. I know that I have been in many situations, and will continue to, where I have the choice to do God’s work or turn away from Him. Like being at the doctor’s office and seeing someone crying for what I can only presume is news they are not happy to receive. I took the opportunity to pray for them and for God’s hand in the situation. I did not say anything to the person, just prayed quietly for them. That was an opportunity for God’s Glory to shine. I had the chance to do His work and took it, although I cannot say that I do that every time.

I am a child of God and He loves me regardless of my faults and falters. I have similar opportunities each day and some I see and take and others I miss or ignore. You see, God knows my heart and only wants for His glory. If He were to destroy me for my misses, I would have been gone a long time ago. He loves me and knows that I will falter. And when I do, He loves me all the more. I am still responsible for the choices that I make, but God loves me all the same to bring glory to Himself through the love and compassion that He is.

I don’t deserve the love and compassion that God heaps on me daily, but He provides them for me in spite of me all for His glory to be shone through for all to see.

What do you have in your past that you cannot believe you were not punished to the full extent for? Are you even aware that you were given glory in spite of your indiscretion? What if you approached each day with the goal of bringing glory to God and allowing Him to love you in spite of yourself?

“²Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’” – Isaiah 6:2-3 (ESV)

The seraphim, great beings of tremendous power. They are seen here in Isaiah’s vision and he sees them in positions of understanding the power and glory of God. They cover their face and feet to yield to the glory of God. As they fly they shout to one another of the glory of God.

I am a simple human in this world and I should believe in God on my own. I should bow to His glory and know that He is great and I am lowly. I should, take my cues from others and do as they do. If the powerful seraphim bow to God, shouldn’t I do the same?

In society, we are bombarded to lift others up into positions of power and authority. We are called on to recognize that authority and be in awe of it. God’s word tells us to respect the authority, not to lift them to a place of awe. That place is reserved for God as noted in the verses above.

As I follower of Christ, it is my duty to raise Him up and to demonstrate the glory for Him that He deserves. I should be recognizing the glory of God.

Who is it that you are recognizing? Are you placing man in the position of glory? What if you were to recognize God and the one deserving of glory and give it to Him?

“²It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” – Proverbs 25:2 (ESV)

God does not give us all of the answers or the turns we will make on our journey. He will provide for us when the time is right and our need is realized. I have been and continue to be disappointed that I do not have all of the answers and that God knows, but will not tell me. But it is verses like the above that keep me moving forward and searching for those answers.

There are a number of quotes that call out the journey as opposed to the destination. As I read and study this morning I realized again that to be true. I have to embrace the travel so as to continue looking for the answers. God “hides” things from us, to encourage our continued search. It is our duty to continue that search and not give up. It is in that journey and searching that I am able to grow and learn.

I titled this “There is glory in learning” to indicated that the journey is the learning. I must remain diligent with growth and learning and that is what brings the glory to not only God, but also to me. I will find knowledge and wisdom and God on my journey and that is where the destination lies.

Where are you focusing your attention, the journey or the destination? Are you looking to reach the destination so much that you are missing out on learning from the journey? What if you were to take the journey with God and allow Him to reveal to you, what glory would you realize then?

“¹¹Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)

This morning I am reminded that it is important to embrace the idea and act of emotional intelligence. The above verse gives the idea merit. Emotional intelligence is the control of ones emotions so as to impact the situation and understand the facts of things as opposed to simply leaping to conclusions based on how one feels.

I have worked hard on the topic of emotional intelligence over the past couple of years, and where I have made great strides, I still have a long way to go. Seeing and studying this verse helps me to stay on task with the learning and growing in this area.

As I continue to grow in the area of emotional intelligence, I have the opportunity to bring glory to myself. Not the kind of glory that makes me the “big man on campus” and a larger than life celebrity, but the kind of glory that sets me apart from others in the area of care and love for all. This care and love are of and from God and demonstrate His love and therefore place me in a position of glory with Him.

I must remember that it is not that those around me find me great or what they think about me in general. It is what God thinks of me that really matters. The idea and act of emotional intelligence fall right in line with making God smile and that smile is what I am after each day in my life, or at least should be.

What is it that you are out there in the world doing that you believe brings you glory? Are you seeking the glory from those around you? What if you were to seek the glory through patience and forgiveness and seeking that glory from God?

“¹³With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” – Psalm 108:13 (ESV)

I really love the way God’s Word spells it out. With the verse above, it is pretty clear that with God on our side, we will win. And that is what we are all looking for out of life, right, the ability to win.

But, we have work to do in order for God to be on our side out there in the world. Within Psalm 108, there is listed the work that must be done to ensure that God is on our side.

“³I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.” – Psalm 108:3 (ESV)

Here I see the work. I have to continue thanking God for all that He does, and not just my private, but out loud so all can see where I give my allegiance and trust. I need to continue praising God for all that He does and will do, and again so that all can hear my voice go to God.

The actions I take to complete God’s plan in my life may not be for all to see as I have to be careful not to make it about me and bringing glory to me. What should be visible for all is the thankfulness and praise that I heap on God for the work He is doing in my life, and make sure that regardless of my circumstances, I continue bringing the thankful heart and vocal praise for my God that delivers me.

“⁵Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! ⁶That you beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!” – Psalm 108:5-6 (ESV)

And there it is. With my continued thanks and praise, it is all for the exaltation of God. It is my duty to exalt Him and bring all glory to Him, for the purpose of being delivered. That delivery may not be what we want to see, as God may have plans for our suffering, but, the delivery is the ultimate delivery with Him and as stated in verse 13 above, “With God we shall do valiantly”.

I am confident that God will rescue me from my foes and adversity. Maybe not in the manner I choose, but He will rescue me and I will win.

Where are your placing your confidence? Are you approaching the world to win on your own? What if you were to thank and praise God and bring all glory to Him to win with Him?

It really should go without saying, but we are tasked with bringing God’s glory to all. I am to be God’s spokesperson here in this world and as I am, I am to be sure that His Name is glorified and heard by all.

“³Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” – Psalm 96:3 (ESV)

Pretty simple when I look at this verse. I am to take God to all that I am in contact with, groups and individuals alike. Being declared to the Israelites and they are to do so in their time with the nations that surround them, I am to do so also with those that surround me.

Now the nations and peoples of the time were limited to the reach that was available. The reach was to where one could get to at the time. The reach of today is far greater than of that time and we should be taking advantage of that reach to bring the glory of God to all the nations and people.

I have written about this a number of times that when I started my study and blog just over 5 years ago, I was doing so as an exercise in accountability with my bible study group. It was a selfish exercise that I did for me and my growth in my relationship with God. But that selfish exercise I realized was reaching people in the community that were made aware and I received a number of communications that they were impacted by my simple questioning and dive into God’s Word.

I now see my blog as an opportunity to reach others that may not have been subject to the Word of God. Not that I am some scholar that knows more than others, for God knows the truth that I am a simple man in Texas, USA that is struggling each day to understand where I fit into God’s plan and more specifically what He has planned for me.

I know that God has given me the opportunity to reach others through my study and blog and for that I am grateful and only want to keep doing so. It is part my duty to reach others and spread the glory of God to all. Now that the reach can be global, I am doing so through this small study in hopes that my study will somehow reach those that may be struggling with the same or similar items. I hope that together we are able to figure things out and continue to glorify God and bring His glory to all nations and peoples.

What are you spreading? Are you taking the approach of bring God’s glory to all nations and peoples? What if you did?

I am re-engaging in my study of the word “glory” and what a way for it kick off.

“¹⁸Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. ¹⁹Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” – Psalm 72:18-19 (ESV)

The passage of Psalm 72 is a prayer to the granting of kingship to Solomon. As was the time then, yes, the king inherited the thrown. Solomon was to be king based on his lineage. There was another part of it though. Whereas the king was granted the thrown through right of lineage, in order for the king to be fully installed and accepted, as a theocracy they ruled in the name of God and must be “blessed” into the role so as to be there in and perform in the name of God.

Solomon was wise and as we find it so much so that he asked for wisdom from God. What comes from this passage, we find his father, David, praying for his continued wisdom and rule in and for God.

I was brought to the passage with verse 18 and as the full passage wraps up, it is apparent that God led me here for a lesson. We know that our leaders are to be given their respect for the positions they have been elected/appointed to or hold otherwise. I do not always agree with those in those positions, but as a follower of Christ I respect the position they are in.

No one knew the type of king that Solomon was to be. David wanted to assure that the people were reminded that he was a man of God and would rule as a man of God and should be give the respect of the position he was to hold.

David wraps up the passage with the verses you see I have quoted, and where does his ultimate delivery of honor and glory go but to God Himself. He was speaking from authority he had, but his prayer was to God and to give glory to Him. As I look at the passage and these verses, David was thinking of God, even in the installation of his son as king.

I have to continually remember these verses, but mare than in just what they say. I have to be conscious of the position of those verses and that they represent the full give of glory to God in all that I do.

Where are you giving glory daily? Are you looking to give glory to those that are in positions of “authority” or simply giving them the respect they deserve? What if we continued to heap glory on God for all things?

Paul wrote to be content with where you are, and that marriage was not something that we should concern ourselves with. In fact in verse 38 of 1 Corinthians chapter 7 he wrote: “³⁸So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.” (ESV)

Now I read in Hebrews chapter 13:

“⁴Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)

When I read the two together, it can be a bit confusing when not taken in the right context. As I wrote referring to the verse in 1 Corinthians, I referred to the purpose of staying where we are as a means to focus our attention on God. Even Paul in the passage indicates that there is nothing wrong or sinful of marriage, only that we should refrain from those things that distract us from serving and pleasing God.

Now when I read the verse and passage in Hebrews chapter 13, I see that marriage is something to be held in honor. I have to remember, when I marry, it is for good and therefor I should be devoted to the sanctity of marriage and my wife Lori. And to take it a bit further as relates to the passage, that devotion is a sacrifice to pleasing God.

You see, if you did not know, marriage is hard and it takes a lot of work. There will be days that disagreements arise. There will be times that spouses do things that are not in line with communications that originally took place. There will be opportunities to stray from the devotion to the other. It is in those times that the honor of the marriage becomes a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. Thinking of the other and the sanctity of the marriage and coming back to the love that brought you together in the first place that God looks down and smiles on the work you have done.

I am not the expert on marriage, as the items I listed in the above paragraph have all happened in my almost 25 years with Lori. But, the thing I keep coming back to are those words we uttered on April 19, 1997, “til death do us part”. I am devoted to her and our marriage. I gladly accept the sacrifice of that devotion and know that it is pleasing to God.

Where are you devoted? Are you able to accept the sacrifices that are pleasing to God? What if your marriage where held in honor and serves as a sacrifice that makes God smile?

As I wrote the title to this writing I cannot help but think of how it might be taken. That is consistent with what I read this morning in 1 Corinthians as Paul writes about the unmarried. When reading the words of Paul, without digging in to understand, one would think that he has something against marriage and believes that one should not marry. To some degree, he is against marriage, but only as in doing so, one places them in a state where it gets in the way of serving the Lord. He is only saying it is better to remain as you are to keep your focus on God.

“²⁶I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.” – 1 Corinthians 7:26 (ESV)

Now if one does get married, they have not done anything wrong in the eyes of God or the law. One only should be aware of what comes with marriage.

“²⁸But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.” – 1 Corinthians 7:28 (ESV)

Again, as I have encountered a number of times, I have studied this passage before. I was studying the word “please” and verses 32-35 of 1 Corinthians 7 were the verses of that study. What was gained in my study was that I should do my best to stay away from those things that bring or could bring anxiety to my life. I should be focused on God and my pleasing of Him. In fact as I do just about every morning I write in the margin of my bible to capture a reminder and here is what I wrote in the margin then.

“We should be free from the anxiety of this world and concern ourselves with only pleasing the Lord!”

When I read that this morning, I was, as intended, reminded that in this world, my focus and biggest concern is to be on God. I should be doing those things to please Him and avoid those things that will distract me from Him.

That brings me back to Paul and my title to this writing. We should not allow marriage, or anything else get in the way of our serving and pleasing God. Paul sums it up well in verse 38.

“³⁸So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.” – 1 Corinthians 7:38 (ESV)

He is clear to me that marriage is not a bad thing and if deciding to marry, good for you. But as he mentioned in verse 26, “it is good for a person to remain as he is.” When doing so, one is able to direct his focus to God, pleasing and serving Him.

Where is your focus? Are you allowing the things of the world, like possibly marriage, to get in the way of your focus on God? What if you were to remove or avoid the distractions, and focus your attention on pleasing and serving God?