May God Alone Be Lifted Up

“My soul glorifies the Lord
     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”
Luke 1:47

Consider some people God has greatly used.

I think of Corrie Ten Boom, Mother Teresa or perhaps even Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani just rearrested and imprisoned in Iran on Christmas day.

Each of them was, or is, being used greatly by God.

I doubt any of them would have thought of themselves being used in the way they were when they were still teen-agers.

Yet, if you want God to use your life for something great then expect that you will find yourself in circumstances and situations you cannot handle.

However, you will never find yourself in circumstances and situations that God cannot handle.

Knowing this, you can be confident in Him!

God is glorified when what is accomplished through us is not possible without Him.

Anything else is just kudos for us and if there is one thing we do not need it is one more swelled head in ministry.

Here is a resolution challenge for you as we move close to the New Year.

In 2013 look for ways to secretly and anonymously bless others and honor God.

Don’t whine, don’t complain and don’t look to have the “…seat of honor…”

Instead, go out of your way to give God credit for anything that brings honor and accolades.

We looked this week at the life of Mary the mother of Jesus.

She endured much in her life and yet we do not hear a word recorded of her where she seeks to exalt herself or bemoan her circumstances.

Imagine the impact on the world of a life, a family or a church who only sought honor for God and not for themselves!

In 2013 will you let God use you in such a way?

Father:

Make us willing to be used for your honor and glory each day of our life.

May we be changed in such a way that our desire is to see you lifted up. 

We pray this in the matchless name of your Son Jesus Christ

Amen