EDIFYING REASONS FOR GLORIFYING GOD

SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021

A book always has a reason for writing it. The first impression of a book usually comes from the book cover and title, and then the introduction. For your readers to get the most out of it, there's a specific way to craft your introduction such that you create the purpose of writing the book in their mind. This is the same with praising, worshipping and glorifying God. In your devotions, declare the reason for thanking and worshipping God as you do so.

Reference: Ephesians 3:20-21 New International Version (NIV) "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

As Christians, we don't just praise, honour and glorify God without a reason. The lyric of a song actually says, "If you simply turn right, left, front, back or look around, you'll find one million and one reasons to be thankful and grateful to God." What reason did apostle Paul give to justify His act of glorifying God? The reason is that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

Now let's analyse Pauline reason here for giving God the glory and see how we can benefit from the specific points derived from the reason:

1. Paul acknowledged that God is able: This refers to divine ability, which is the power of God's Spirit that transcends human capacities or capabilities. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue" (NASB 1995).

2. God identifies with your problem more than you think: Beloved, God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine because He cares more than we think or assume. So Paul talks about God granting us limitless possibilities beyond our requests. We can assert or trust God's credibility and integrity and this has more to do with our belief system. Don't ever limit God.

3. God delivers our solution in or through our prayers: When we ask or imagine, then He is committed to doing what we desire, as we pray.

4. Paul affirms that we can receive from God according to His power that is at work within us: Yes this is very important because we receive, live and function according to the power level God has deposited in us. That means, the grace to receive is personal. Therefore, get to know God for yourself and train yourself to walk in His surpassing power. An example of someone who took advantage of the divine power at a higher level and demonstrated its quality of transmission was David. When Goliath stood for forty days and kept shouting and ranting on the ranks of Israel, about choosing a man to challenge him, King Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

Fearlessly, David as a young chap said to King Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine, I will represent the God of Israel." When Saul dressed David in his own tunic, David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried to walk around but it didn't work because he was not used to them. So He took them off and went straight to challenge Goliath with the consciousness of the power of God at work in him (1 Samuel 17:32-40 NIV).

Think about several times you've tried to borrow someone else' tactics or armour or maybe, you trusted in the arm of the flesh, instead of depending on the power of God at work in you and going all the way to believe God. Look inside because the power of God is heavily invested in your inward man. David understood the workings of this power and boasted about it. And the power delivered stupendously.

5. Paul pointed to the benefits and vastness of God's glory: He said, "To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (verse 21). The impact of God's glory which is felt in the church and effectuated in Christ Jesus is extended to all generations, for ever and ever. No wonder the Bible says, "For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the LORD" (Habakkuk 2:14 NLT). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:16; 2 Corinthians 9:13.

Guided Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, I glorify you today for bringing me to the knowledge of the gospel of Christ, for answering my prayers and for aligning my desires with your purpose. Your praise is forever on my lips and my heart beats to honour your Name, in Jesus' Name, Amen!