On Wednesday nights at our church, I work with a group of young children. They range in age from four to eight-years-old. As most of us know, using an object lesson is one of the most effective ways to teach a lesson. The curriculum we use had a wonderful one last week.

I took a blank piece of paper and wrote the words “God is eternal” as tiny as I could in the middle of the paper. I pinned it up on a bulletin board in the front of the classroom. Needless to say, the children had a hard time reading what it said from where they sat.

However, I brought a magnifying glass with me and had several of them come up to the front and use that to read the sentence. Once they had the glass, it was easy for them to see what the words said.

So what was the point? It was to demonstrate what it means to glorify God. We take a truth about God and through the way we speak and how we live, we magnify, or make “bigger,” that truth about God so that others can see it.

Then I gave them an illustration. Suppose they were playing ball outside with kids from their neighborhood and a few of them went running after a loose ball. Maybe one of the kids pushed you out of the way in trying to get to the ball first. If you wanted to glorify God, what type of response should you have? Run over and push them back? Yell at them? One little boy said that you should walk over and politely say, “Please don’t do that again.” 🙂 I thought that was a good response.

When our reaction to situations we face is the same as an unbeliever’s, we’re doing nothing to glorify God. But we get to decide if our lives are going to show others – even fellow believers – how great He is. As we learn about God and His character through His Word, we can ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to exalt Him.

What are some specific ways in which we can glorify God? Here are some ideas I found.

By praising Him when times are hard

We proclaim His goodness when we’re going through a trial.

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” ~Psalm 50:14-15

Deliverance may not always take the form we think it should, but God is always faithful to deliver us. Even in the midst of our difficulty, we can praise Him.

By giving Him the credit when times are good

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” ~James 1:17

Sometimes I think this is harder than praising God when times are tough! We’re just cruising along, enjoying our blessings, and don’t make proclaiming our thankfulness to God a priority.

By sharing answered prayer

It can be a great encouragement to let people know when God has answered a prayer in our life. It reminds us of the blessing ourselves and can edify others as they continue praying for something they’re burdened about.

By having a consistent lifestyle

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” ~1 Peter 2:12

In other words, don’t be a hypocrite. People are often watching to see if you practice what you preach – and that can include our children. Our goal is not for them to think highly of us, but of the God we serve.

Here’s another familiar verse about how the way we live our lives can bring glory to God.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16

By bearing fruit

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” ~John 15:8

We bear fruit as we abide in Christ. This means staying connected to Him and depending on Him to meet our needs.

By being like-minded as believers

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Romans 15:5-6

We need to be aligned doctrinally, but often we get worked up over things that don’t make a difference. As Christians, we must live according to the Bible, but outside of that, we should seek to dwell in unity.

As we look back over this list, may we be able to say with David, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name forevermore.” ~Psalm 86:12

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There’s a lot on the internet about the word/term perception. As I looked around, I came across the familiar abbreviation “ESP.” That’s extrasensory perception, otherwise known as a gut feeling or a sixth sense. We might experience that sensation at some point, but I’ll leave that for someone more scientifically minded to delve into!

The type of perception I want to talk about comes from a passage in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 29, Moses talks to the Israelites about the miracles God has performed prior to their leaving Egypt as well as during their travels through the wilderness.

In verse 4, Moses says this to the Israelites. “Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.”

As I thought about that it struck me as a great tragedy that we would lack the ability to be aware of what’s really happening around us. Maybe we could even physically see it with our eyes or hear it with our ears, but wouldn’t be able to understand what is actually going on.

I know I want a heart that perceives, one that is spiritually conscious, emotionally sensitive, and realizes what needs to be done. Unlike the Israelites, I want to recognize when God is working and moving in the circumstances of life.

While perception is important in many areas, here are five for us to focus on.

We need perception in order to…

…notice the continual blessings of God.

Last week I had a medical test scheduled that I was anxious to have done. I showed up for the appointment – early even! – and was told that I was supposed to be at a different office location across town. The office personnel were very helpful and said they would try to fit me in there. Within just a few minutes, I was told that there had been a cancellation. I was able to go right in at my scheduled time and have the test done. One of the nurses said it was my lucky day, but I knew it wasn’t luck!

Every day the blessings of God surround us. But, if you’re like me, you can get so busy that you don’t notice them. May God give us the ability to perceive those blessings and give Him praise for them.

…encourage the hearts of our husband and children.

I specifically remember a couple of nights when I’ve gone to bed and then sensed that I needed to get up and go check on one of my girls. (Those teenagers stay up a lot later than I do!) It’s not easy because I crave my sleep! Yet I’ve come to believe that it’s usually the Holy Spirit prompting me to connect with them. In those specific instances, it truly was a moment that they needed to have conversations with me that were much more important than the missed sleep!

Often, if we’re paying attention, we can sense that something is wrong with our husband or children. I’m sure I’ve missed some opportunities in the past. But we can pray that God will give us hearts to perceive what our family members need so we can come alongside and uplift them.

…root out sinful habits in our own lives.

Psalm 66:18 says that if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord won’t hear me. If we indulge in known sin and aren’t willing to repent, our prayer life is affected.

We need to deal with sin swiftly. This requires humility on our part, a willingness to admit that we fail God and do our own thing often. Job says, “How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.” [13:23] We need a heart like that so we can perceive our sin and seek forgiveness.

…minister to the needs of others around us.

This one hits close to home. I’m often too self-focused to perceive the needs of others. Philippians 2:4 reminds us to care about what’s going on in people’s lives. If we have a heart that can perceive those needs, then God can use us to meet them.

…recognize truth.

There are many false teachers today, and likely there always have been. Sometimes it’s easy to be swayed by the arguments of men. Yet how vital it is that we base everything we believe on the Word of God. Listening to what “tickles our ears” may make us feel good, but if it’s not truth, we can easily be led astray. We need to ground ourselves in Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to give us insight that will keep us on the right path.

May God graciously give us hearts to perceive in these five areas – and even more – as we seek to live in a way that honors Him.

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Often our inadequacies stare us right in the face.

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, employee, church member…the list is long. We have many roles to fill, many things we’re expected to do, to schedule, to handle.

And no matter how well we keep all the balls up in the air, at some point, one’s going to drop. And we can so easily get down on ourselves because we’ve failed again.

If you’re like me, you might jump to the assumption that I’m not loved because I’ve messed up.

Yes, I tell myself, I have to perform in order to be worthy of love. It’s important that I get it all right.

But that’s now how it works, at least not in God’s economy.

Because God loves us whether or not we spent thirty minutes reading our Bible this morning. His love isn’t based on our not missing a church service for the past three years. And He loves us even when we worry first and trust Him second.

Because if God’s love was based on our performance, it wouldn’t be love.

Does God want us to read our Bibles and go to church and totally trust Him? Yes, because He knows it will help us grow in our faith and ultimately be a better, Spirit-filled person.

But He loves us whether or not we do those things.

I had a conversation about this with my husband recently. Since our talk, I’ve written the following in my journal each morning.

I am loved because God loves me.

End of sentence. No if’s, and’s, or but’s.

What did I do to deserve that love? Nothing. What can I do that will cause Him to love me more? Nothing. What will make Him love me less? Nothing.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ~1 John 4:10

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” ~Ephesians 2:4-5

I’m not enough. You’re not enough. The woman at church with the perfect hair and adoring husband and obedient children – she’s not enough, either.

No matter how many good deeds we do or how often we pray or the sum of money we give, we will never be enough.

But we don’t have to be enough to be loved by God.

I just am. You just are.

Loved by God.

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Around this time of year, my husband and daughters ask me for a list of things I want for Christmas. I often have a hard time coming up with ideas for them!

However, in the weird way that my mind works sometimes, I started thinking about what it’d be like to create a list of spiritual “gifts” I’d like to receive. I came up with a list of those fairly quickly! Maybe it’s because I see many areas in my walk with Christ that need to improve.

No, these won’t be under my tree this year. But they’re available to all of us if we’re willing to submit ourselves to the teaching of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit.

So if spiritual things could be boxed up, here’s what I’d want to unwrap on Christmas morning.

1. An awareness of Jesus’ presence in my life every single day.

How often do we start our day with Him, then trudge through the remaining hours in our own strength and understanding. Or maybe that’s just me!

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I’d like to live every day in the realization that Jesus is with me, and that God the Father is watching over and guiding me through every circumstance.

2. More trust and less worry.

I feel like I have grown in this area, but there’s definitely room for improvement! Do you tend to worry first, then move to trust? That’s my default mode, but I want trust to be my first response.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

“All worrying makes you King and God incompetent.” ~Ann Voskamp

3. Wisdom

This gift is priceless. We need it every day – in our marriage, our parenting, and other relationships. We need it for guidance in decision making. Wisdom is an incredibly valuable gift, and we’re told how to get it. It comes as we fear the Lord and ask Him for it.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” ~Proverbs 9:10

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” ~James 1:5

4. A heart full of worship.

Our God deserves our praise. This is a season when we sing about worshipping and adoring Him, but let’s make it a reality in our lives throughout the year. More than just words from our lips, our worship can flow from our souls as we bow our hearts before Him.

“Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.” ~1 Chronicles 16:23-25

5. A readiness to fight temptation with Scripture.

Having a Bible verse at the ready when we’re tempted to __________ [gossip/lose our temper/complain/allow bitterness in] will help us get victory over sin. That means we have to memorize verses that apply to whatever temptation we find ourselves facing. God’s Word has power over sin!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” ~Psalm 119:11

6. Freedom from negative thoughts.

I don’t know about you, but I can so easily slip into a mental rant about a particular person or situation that I don’t feel is right. It would be much better to put my energy into praying about it and free up my mind for better things!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8

7. Eyes to see the needs of others.

Often this is just a case of us needing to slow down and notice. We can also ask God to open our eyes to ways we can help anyone He brings across our path. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a person who’s lost or easing a financial burden, the first step is to see the need.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” ~Galatians 6:2

Is there another spiritual gift you find yourself in need of this Christmas season? How thankful we can be that the baby Jesus we’re celebrating provided a way for us to become the children of God and have access to all that He provides!

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Way back in January, I decided to choose an audio program to help me listen to the whole Bible in a year. I chose the Bible in One Year 2019 plan in the YouVersion app on my phone. It includes a portion from Psalms or Proverbs, then a New Testament and Old Testament passage each day. I usually listen while I’m getting ready in the morning – putting on makeup, doing my hair, etc.

I’ve been in Ezekiel lately, and I’ll be honest, there are days it’s hard to focus. But one morning last week, I heard the following verse, and it caught my attention.

“Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.” ~Ezekiel 36:36

The Israelites had been through some tough times. They mostly brought these difficulties on themselves because they followed false gods and refused to obey God’s commands. Yet in this passage, God promises to restore what has been lost.

While we live in a totally different culture than those Israelites, we, too, face troubling things – some of our own making, others not. So today, do you have any ruined places in your life? Are there parts of your life that feel desolate?

Maybe it’s a dream you’ve held on to for a long time that’s finally collapsed. Perhaps you’ve been hurt emotionally and are having a hard time recovering. It could be that some area of your life has been devastated and you don’t think it will ever be repaired. When you look around, there’s only a pile of rubble left.

What about desolate ground? Are there relationships that used to be sweet that aren’t anymore? Maybe a place where you used to be flourishing is now empty and barren. As you look ahead to 2020, your outlook is dreary and bleak. For some reason, you could feel isolated and abandoned.

If any of those thoughts resonate with you, do you know what we can find in this verse that Ezekiel penned?

Hope.

God is the builder of ruined places. If it were left up to us, we’d only flounder around and make a bigger mess of things. But our all-wise God says that He will build the ruined places. And we know we can trust Him to do it well.

“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” ~Psalm 3:2-3

Then I love the thought of God planting in ground that was seen as desolate. He can take what is abandoned and barren, and cause new life to grow. Will it be exactly what was growing there before? Maybe, maybe not. It could be even better. It could be that what was there before was not best for us. The old growth needed to be uprooted so that a new thing could grow.

“The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” ~Lamentations 3:24

What God chooses to do is always as a testimony for His honor and glory. He rebuilt and replanted for the Israelites so that the heathen around them would know that He had done it.

If you’ve lost hope today, take heart. The God we serve can rebuild from the ruins, and make something that’s even more glorious. He can cause beautiful things to regrow from ground we thought could never be used again.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” ~Romans 15:13

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God’s blessings are many in my life these days. I’m so grateful. My family is in good health, and our needs and many of our wants are being met.

Yet even in the midst of good times, I can struggle. Emotional, mental, and spiritual battles aren’t necessarily seen on the outside. And many friends are going through hardships that have me praying to God on their behalf.

I’m still doing my study through Psalms in which I’m writing down specific things I learn about God from each chapter. I came to Psalm 91 last week and started digging into verse 4.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.“

We can find comfort and consolation in this verse!! I’m sure I won’t do it justice, but here are three thoughts to encourage us.

God protects us.

As birds protect their young from harm, so God protects His children. No matter what threatens us, He is there. Whether it’s an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship, God is able to shelter us and keep us safe.

His power allows His care to extend into every area of our lives. His mercy and tenderness cause Him to draw us close to Himself. There’s no better place to be when life’s storms are raging.

MacLaren’s commentary on this verse says “…protection consists, not in averting the blows, but in changing their character.” I love this thought because we know that God’s protection doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer. But through every struggle, He is right there beside us and can use it for our good.

God is our refuge.

We can find safety and security when we run to God. When I’m missing my daughter and loneliness creeps in; when I get a bad medical diagnosis; when some aspect of the future worries me, I can find the haven I need in Him.

I’ve found that it’s usually the hard times, the difficult trials that drive me closer to God. He is always available as our refuge, but it’s up to us to flee to it. When doubt and temptation assault us, His presence is exactly what we need. It is where we will find the peace that can seem so elusive.

The verse says that while we’re under His wings, we can trust. We may not understand all that is happening around us, but we can trust in His grace.

God’s faithfulness surrounds us.

It encircles us on every side. It is the shield that protects us from danger.

Because of the truth of who God is, we know we can trust Him. Since He is faithful, we don’t have to wonder if He will really come through for us this time.

His faithfulness is our defense against the enemy, Satan. When he tries to get us to doubt God, we can stand on the truth that His Word has never and will never fail us.

Whether you’re in peaceful waters or riding out a storm, meditate on what we learn about God from this verse. He will protect you, be your refuge, and surround you with His faithfulness.

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Have you been disappointed lately? I was reflecting on some disappointments I’ve experienced and recalled writing about this one when it happened. It was several years ago, but I still remember it vividly. (It involves a long travel delay and our 25th wedding anniversary.)

We’re never too old or too mature to experience unfulfilled hopes and unmet expectations. No matter our age or stage, life continues to deliver disappointments.

That sounds really dreadful (!), but hopefully we can learn some lessons from the story of Elisabeth, wife to Zacharias and mother to John the Baptist, in Luke 1. If disappointments are going to come anyway, hopefully we can grow through them!

I admit to making some assumptions here. Scripture never specifically says that Elisabeth was disappointed. But it would make sense that in the midst of a culture that placed a high value on producing children – especially sons – and continuing the family line, Elisabeth experienced disappointment when she didn’t bear a child.

Children were seen as a blessing from God. Barrenness was seen as a curse or a punishment. At least at some point, I can see Elisabeth feeling like she’d failed at her primary responsibility.

Our disappointment may not be related to having a family…or it may. I’ve been there myself. But regardless of the nature of our disappointment, I hope we can take to heart some of the lessons below.

Suffering disappointment doesn’t mean we’re out of fellowship with God.

“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” ~Luke 1:6

Elisabeth’s barrenness didn’t come about because she was living in sin. Scripture says she was righteous and blameless. Obviously she wasn’t perfect, but she sought to follow God and obey Him.

This reminds us that some difficulties we experience are just part of life. All are God-allowed – and certain disappointments can be a result of our own foolish decisions. Regardless, God knows and cares about each one.

Humility is often grown in the soil of disappointment.

“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” ~Luke 1:7

Years and years went by with no son or daughter for this Godly couple. How difficult it must have been to see their relatives and friends growing families, yet realizing as time went by that that likely wouldn’t be their story.

If everything is going great and all our needs and wants are met, we can be tempted to slide over into self-reliance and pride. A humble spirit comes a lot more easily when we’re in or have been through a situation that we can’t control.

In the midst of disappointment, keep on praying.

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” ~Luke 1:13

We have no idea how many times Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed for a child over the years. But we do know that in His own time, God chose to answer that prayer. Not only did He answer, but Elisabeth became the mother to the greatest prophet born of women. [Luke 7:28]

Continue to have faith through a season of disappointment.

As far as we know, Elisabeth didn’t get the angel experience that Zacharias did. Likely she found out from Zacharias sharing the story in writing since he was unable to speak after his encounter with the angel. Yet in spite of her receiving the news second hand, we don’t see any indication of a lack of faith. Perhaps seeing what had happened to Zacharias due to his unbelief led her to accept the news right away!

If God fulfills our desire and alleviates the disappointment, recognize His hand and thank Him for it.

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” ~Luke 1:24-25

God chose to give Elisabeth a son and she acknowledged it as a gift from Him. What had been a reproach would be no longer. She rejoiced in God’s notice of her, and gave Him glory for this display of His power.

Whatever your situation, rejoice in the good news of others.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” ~Luke 1:41-45

Elisabeth’s news was uber exciting! She was way past child-bearing years, but she was finally going to have a baby. Then here comes her young cousin Mary with the news that she is going to bear the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior!

What is Elisabeth’s response? She rejoices with her. If there were any feelings of being overshadowed, we don’t see them. She is only full of excitement for what is going to take place in Mary’s life.

It can be easy (at least speaking for myself) to outwardly rejoice in someone else’s good news while wishing on the inside that my own situation was different. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be genuinely happy for the other person as we trust that God is in control and working what is best for us in our own lives.

When disappointments come, may God give us the grace to walk through them in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.

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