Our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 4:8-10)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:8-10

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to earth in human form. He grew up, experiencing the same things we did … happiness and sorrow, hunger and a full belly, fatigue and rest.

Through His teen years and twenties, He learned and plied the trade of His earthly father, constructing … well, we’re not exactly told what, but likely tables and shelves and bedsteads. He may have smashed a thumb or two with a hammer or felt the pain of sore muscles.

At thirty, He began His earthly ministry, and at the very first, experienced temptation by the lies of the enemy. He went on to heal lepers and blind men, cast out demons, and raise the dead to life. He grew intimate relationships with twelve chosen followers.

He taught love and warned of persecution. He claimed oneness with the Father, the Creator of all. He forgave sins.

Finally, He was betrayed by a close friend, denied by an even closer friend, and forced through a sham trial. Beaten. Ridiculed. Spat on.

Crucified. Buried. “… descended into the lower parts of the earth …”

Ah, but then He rose from the dead. Alive!

After spending time with His followers—some 500 of them—He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Where He sits today. Alive and interceding for us.

One day, He will return. He will gather all His followers to Himself. One day, He will set up an earthly kingdom, a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Praise our Lord Jesus today for what He’s done and for whom He is.

All Glory to God (John 11:38-44)

Today's scripture: John 11:38-44

We reach the end of our story with Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead, and we read so much about how Jesus works.

First, Jesus was "deeply moved." Jesus loves people. He loves us. He loved His friend and He grieved with Lazarus' sisters because He knew they were in pain at the loss of their brother. Jesus raised Lazarus just because He loved His friends so much.

Second, He raised Lazarus from the dead not only because He loved his friends, but also because He knew mankind sometimes needs to have tangible proof. We sometimes need to see a miracle.

Finally—and most importantly—Jesus raised Lazarus because He wanted to point those around Him to the Father to give Him all the glory. No matter what happens, our eyes should look to God. He deserves all glory, honor, and praise.

We have to remember: It's not about us. It's not about the miracles. It's not about healing. It's about God. It's about His will, His plan, His purpose. We may not always understand everything, but we can trust Him.

And even when the healing doesn't happen, we can give Him glory. Just as Job said, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21).

Glorifying God (2 Cor. 9:12-15)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:12-15

The age-old question: What is the meaning of life?

For Christ-followers, the meaning of our lives is our faith. And the purpose of our lives is to bring glory to God. Everything we do, everything we say, all that we are … to bring glory to God.

Sometimes we use a word over and over, and we forget its actual meaning. Good old Webster defines “glory” as “worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving.” So when we say we glorify God, we mean—or at least we should mean—we’re giving all praise (“worship” or “reverence”), all honor (“a showing of respect), all thanksgiving (“a prayer expressing gratitude).

So the next question is: Do we do these things? Do we truly praise God at all times, through good times and bad? Do we worship Him with the reverence and respect He so deserves? Do we show heartfelt gratitude for His blessings—and for the pain, knowing He’s using it to refine us?

It’s easy to take God for granted, and that’s tragic. We let days—or weeks or months—go by without spending time with Him. Oh, we thank Him when things are going well, and we cry out to Him when times are dark. But do we really, truly glorify Him—each and every day?

God is worthy of all honor, praise, worship, and yes, glory. And we as His very blessed children of grace should give Him all He deserves.