Category Archives: Glory

Bible, Glory, Healing, Light, Praise, Rejoicing, Revelation, Scripture, Seeing, Sunrise, Sunset

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

MALACHI 1:11

“‘For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations,’ says the LORD of armies.”

One thing I love about being outdoors is the opportunity to observe the sunrises and sunsets. I haven’t hunted much lately, but when I did, I loved watching the woods come alive at the first ray of light. In the evening, as the sun set, the woods would begin to go to sleep. Both times are marked by peace. We need more of that, amen?

If you read this verse today as an unbeliever, you might think the Lord is very arrogant. “My name shall be great.” “In every place…offered to My name.” “My name shall be great.” Wow! What an ego. Wrong! The Lord is the Lord of all. He is not bragging. He is simply stating the truth. He is reminding the people of this.

APPLICATION

When I read today’s verse, I immediately thought of a song that has been popular for a while. The lyrics come right out of Psalm 113. “3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised. 4 The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens.”

When you see a sunrise or a sunset, what do you think about? Do you stop to extol the greatness of our God. Today’s verse and this Psalm tells us to do just that. I want to challenge you when you see your next sunrise to take a moment and lift a word of praise to Jesus. When you see the sun set, stop and thank the Lord for another day He has given you. He is worthy of all our praise.

I am planning a camping trip soon. Can’t wait. But now, based on this verse, I am even more excited. It will be easy to praise Him as I am enjoying the outdoors. Would you pray that I hear His voice while I am out there? I am seeking some direction right now in my ministry and need to hear His voice. I don’t want to get off track.

Your name is lifted high, O Lord, above the heavens. Both the rising and setting of the sun declares Your glory.

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Bible, Glory, Honor, Praise, Reverence, Scripture, Sincerity, Truth, Worship, Worthy

DEFILED WORSHIP

MALACHI 1:7

“‘You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, “How have we defiled You?” In that you say, “The table of the LORD is to be despised.”’”

Worship is something I take seriously. I hope you do also. In my ministry experience over the past 4+ decades, I have seen quite a diversity of worship. Some has been pointed more at man than God, unfortunately. As I preach or sing in worship, it is my prayer that everything done is pointed heavenward.

The Lord is chastising the priests of Israel because of their manner of worship. They were bringing defiled offerings to Him, and He was not pleased. Their excuse was that since the people were not taking it seriously, it did not matter what they did. They missed it. They were wrong.

APPLICATION

So, how do you know if you are doing it right? By listening to Him. By making it all about Him and not you. If you are a singer, sing to the Lord. If you are a preacher, preach to draw people to Christ, not yourself or your church. If you are sitting in the pew or chair, forget about yourself and concentrate on Him. If we shy away from the truth, we have despised worship as much as those priests who brought defiled offerings.

Psalm 96:7-9 is a beautiful picture of worship. “7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courtyards. 9 Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Now, if we do that, we are truly worshipping. This Sunday, as you are in church, reflect on today’s verse and this Psalm. Check your attitude at the door. Spend time BEFORE you go to church worshipping in your Quiet Time. Prepare your heart for worship before you ever set foot inside the church. Let Jesus see your heart and feel your reverence.

O Lord, my God, You are too wonderful for words. I worship You.

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Appearance, Bible, Christ's Return, Deliverance, Devil, End Times, Eternity, Evil, Following, Glory, God's Will, Heaven, Hell, Judgment, Miracles, Return, Scripture

ESCAPE ROUTE

ZECHARIAH 14:5

“And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!”

I have had the opportunity to participate in a couple of Escape Room experiences. You know – those rooms set up to allow groups of people to problem solve a situation, gather clues and follow directions to get out of that room. There is always a way out if the team can just figure it out. Fortunately, I was able to escape each time, lol.

Look back at verse 4 of Zechariah 14 for a second. It says, “…the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west forming a very large valley…” That valley is the one referred to in today’s verse. Azel was obviously a village on the other side of that valley. The earthquake mentioned here is not in historical records but must have been massive for it to have been remembered two centuries later. But the best part of this verse is the last phrase – “Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!”

APPLICATION

Wow, there’s a lot in that verse, huh? Where do we start? First of all, let’s address the escape route that God will make for the people of Jerusalem on that day. He does the miraculous to achieve His purpose. He is still doing that today. We can all probably recount a story that was nothing less than miraculous. Will you join me in looking around for those today? God is still providing a way out for us. We can share the story of Jesus with someone who is lost today and provide them with that miraculous way of escape from the punishment of hell.

How about the Lord returning with “all the holy ones”? Won’t that be a sight? I plan to be there. These “holy ones” will include His legions of angels and perhaps all the saints. That last part is us, the believers, who are with Him in glory. That is shouting ground. Look at Jude 1:14-15. “14 Behold, the Lord has come with many thousands of His holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

Whether I am with Him or not when He returns to earth to judge it, the fact of the matter is He is coming with authority. He is coming back as King and Judge, not a baby in a manger. He is not coming back to spend years teaching. No, He is coming back to issue forth judgment on the unbelieving masses and on the evil one himself. What a day that will be!

What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. And I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace…What a day, glorious day that will be. 

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Creation, Faith, Glory, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Scripture

THINGS GOD DOES

ZECHARIAH 12:1

“The pronouncement of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: The LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of a person within him, declares:”

Creation! Isn’t it amazing? I had the privilege recently to visit Newfoundland. One day we visited several sites in Western Newfoundland and saw majestic mountains, rocky shores and beautiful landscapes. My friend who accompanied me said several times, “How can anyone see this and not believe in a Grand Creator?” I agree.

Zechariah begins a new prophecy in chapter 12 and opens up by describing the Great Creator. Look at the verse again. God is the one who created the heavens (all the stars, the sun, the moon, etc.). He set the foundation of the earth (established boundaries for the seas and land, formed mountains and the landscape). He also formed man and placed a spirit in each. Just read Genesis 1:26-28. Look at all that God does.

APPLICATION

Just because God is finished creating, that does not mean He has stopped working. He is still very much at work in the world. We just have to open our eyes to see it. In Romans 1, Paul says it is apparent, if we look. Verse 20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

Look at all the Lord is doing all around you. He has placed His Holy Spirit in you, if you are a believer. Do you get that? The Spirit of God dwells in you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God,…” God loves you and wants to dwell within you. God is still at work.

So, if God is in you and is still at work, there is no limit to what you can do. But you must submit your will to His. Then He is able to work in and through you to accomplish great things. Jesus even told us we would do greater things than Him. Hard to believe, huh? But Jesus said it, so it has to be true. Let’s get to work with God today.

Father, I want to do Your will today. Use me as Your vessel.

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Bible, Glorify, Glory, Majesty, Praise, Scripture

WELL GLORY!

ZECHARIAH 6:13

“‘“‘Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the majesty and sit and rule on His throne. So He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.’”’”

I can still hear his booming voice as if it was yesterday. My late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber, would quite often yell, “Well, Glory!” When he entered the church building you could hear him. He couldn’t sneak in anywhere, lol. He wasn’t being obnoxious or trying to call attention to himself. Wayne’s ultimate desire was truly to bring glory to his Lord.

Why am I talking about glory? Because the Hebrew word for “majesty” can be translated “glory.” In fact, this word is often used to describe God’s glory. This Branch (mentioned in yesterday’s verse) will bear God’s glory. How is that possible? Because He is God. Jesus, the Messiah, prophesied here in Zechariah, has built the temple and taken His seat. Glory!

APPLICATION

What has that got to do with us? A lot! We are to bear the glory of Christ. We are to give all the glory to Him. We are all about His glory. The world doesn’t want us to do that. Why? Because it points out their darkness. The world wants us to wallow in the pit with them instead of standing and shouting, “Well Glory!”

Why don’t you do a word study on the word “glory” throughout Scripture? Notice the different ways it is used. For instance, in John 9:24, the religious leaders told the blind man whom Jesus had healed to “give glory to God” because they knew Jesus was indeed a sinner. Not everyone who says they are giving glory to God understands it.

I know I am supposed to give glory in all things. Honestly, that’s hard sometimes. When you don’t get the news you want from the doctor, it’s hard to give God the glory. When you don’t get the promotion you have been praying for, it’s hard. But in all things, we must learn to glorify Him. As we do that, we please the Father and point others to Him.

I will glorify Your holy name, O gracious God. You are worthy of all the glory!

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Abiding, Advocate, Attitude, Bible, Blessing, Glory, God's Will, Promises, Scripture

LOOK AT WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE

ZECHARIAH 6:10

“‘Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah; and you shall go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon.’”

Too often we overlook the work of the Lord in our lives. We either don’t think He is working, or we think we have somehow accomplished this ourselves. How foolish! I am guilty of this. I know you are shocked, right? I want the credit, or I want to complain. I needed to be reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness today in this verse.

Take a look at the names mentioned in today’s verse. Heldai means “the Lord’s world.” Tobijah means “the Lord is my good.” Jedaiah means “God knows.” Josiah means “the Lord supports.” And Zephaniah means “the Lord hides.” Aren’t those great reminders that the Lord is active and working? These instructions the Lord gives Zechariah all relate to these five individuals whose names all point back to God.

APPLICATION

How is the Lord working in your life? Well Carl, I just don’t see the Lord doing anything in my life. Really? Did you wake up this morning? Psalm 3:5 says, “I lie down to sleep, I awake again because the Lord sustains me.” Hmmm. Did you eat yesterday? How about your health? Is it good? All these are signs the Lord is working.

The Lord has a vested interest in our daily lives. He wants us to live in such a way that points back to Him. Why? To glorify His name and bring others into the kingdom. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 tells us this. “…so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” Are you doing that? I ask myself that question each day.

Will you live today in a manner that reflects that this is the Lord’s world, that He is your good, that He knows, that He supports, and that He hides His Word in your heart? He wants that for you. I want that for you. Decide right now to do that. That will definitely please the Father.

You are at work in my heart today, O Lord. Help me show others the way.

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Access, Angels, Belief, Bible, Confession, Death, Forgiveness, Glory, Heaven, Life, Salvation, Scripture

FREE ACCESS

ZECHARIAH 3:7

“‘The LORD of armies says this: “If you walk in My ways and perform My service, then you will both govern My house and be in charge of My courtyards, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.”’”

What does “free access” mean to you? I picture going to an amusement park and having a ticket that allows you to ride all the rides, eat all the food you want, drink all you want and having reserved parking in the parking lot. But even with that you still would not be allowed behind the scenes of these rides or in the offices of those who made all the decisions.

The LORD of armies is saying through the angel that if Joshua would “walk in My ways and perform My service” then he would have free access. But to where? He would be promised to be with the angels who were around him when he died. Eternal life, promised heaven. Who wouldn’t jump at that offer, right?

APPLICATION

We are promised the same if… Our “if” is receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is no other way to gain free access to glory. Jesus tells us that in John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

Paul says something similar in Romans 10:9. “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;…”

You can’t get much plainer than that. Free access comes one way – through Jesus. Let me ask that question again. Who wouldn’t jump at that offer, right?

You may be surprised. Many think coming to Jesus will cramp their lifestyle. They will have to give up too much. They don’t understand the freedom they could have in Christ. That’s where you come in. You have to tell them. You have to show them. You have to live in such a way that they come to you asking you about your freedom. Free access is available to all. Help others come to it.

I am free, Father, to live my life pleasing You. I can’t wait to see You face-to-face.

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Bible, Fire, Glory, Protection, Scripture

FIRE AND GLORY

ZECHARIAH 2:5

“‘But I,’ declares the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire to her on all sides, and I will be the glory in her midst.’”

I have never seen a huge wall of fire. The closest I have come to that is when I watched my grandmother burn off a field. She walked the edge of the field and started small fires every six or eight feet. I remember those flames moving forward and eventually connecting until there was one continuous wall of fire to watch. But that fire burned out.

What we have today in verse 5 is the Lord saying He would be the fire that would encircle Jerusalem. He would be a wall of deterrence to anyone who tried to attack. And His fire does not burn out. Not only would He be the fire, but He also would send His glory in their midst. He would dwell with them.

APPLICATION

This reminds me of the pillar of fire that the Lord sent to be with the people of Israel when they left Egypt. Exodus 13:21 says, “And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.” He led them by His fire.

God will still lead you by His fire. That fire may not look the same as it did to the Israelites. He puts a fire within us, which is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. He will burn within you and will never be extinguished. I don’t care what you do, if you are child of God, there is nothing you can do to put out that flame. You may not let it shine as it should, but it’s still there.

We are to let the flame of God light our way and point others to Jesus. If we are shining our light brightly, we will lead others to the light. People want to see. They may not even realize they are walking in darkness until you shine the light of God’s love on them. Will you be the flame that points others to Him?

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

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Angels, Battles, Belief, Bible, Defense, Fighting, Glory, Protection, Scripture

WATCH THE BATTLE

ZECHARIAH 1:21

“And I said, ‘What are these coming to do?’ And he said, ‘These are the horns that have scattered Judah so that no one lifts up his head; but these craftsmen have come to frighten them, to throw down the horns of the nations who have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah in order to scatter it.’”

Have you ever watched a good fight? I remember the old Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier fights. I particularly remember all of us boys talking about it for days before it happened. The night of the fight we would often all get together at one our houses to watch these two men duke it out for the Heavy Weight Championship. Blow after blow fell until one of them was crowned the champion.

The horns and the craftsmen are going to “throw down” according to the angel who is talking to Zechariah here in verse 21 of chapter 1. A cosmic battle is taking place for Israel. Zechariah is watching it happen before it happens. We, of course, know the result of this battle. Israel was restored and is still among us today.

APPLICATION

Oh, the battles that are going on right now in heaven on your behalf! You can’t see them, but you can be reassured that they are happening. How do I know? Because the Word tells us so. Deuteronomy 20:4 says, “for the LORD your God is the One who is going with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

How about the story of Elijah and his servant in 2 Kings 6? “15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, ‘This is hopeless, my master! What are we to do?’ 16 And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.’ 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘LORD, please, open his eyes so that he may see.’ And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 

Unseen to you right now are hordes of angels in heaven and our Lord sitting on His throne. At His command they soar to earth to battle our adversaries. You don’t believe this? Just ask the Lord. He defends His own. If you are one of His children, He will come to your aid. He will “throw down” those horns in your life.

Father, I trust You to protect me and keep me.

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Abiding, Bible, Glorify, Glory, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Scripture, Temple

FILL THE HOUSE

HAGGAI 2:7

“‘I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD of armies.”

One of my fondest memories as a child was going to my Grandma Carter’s farm for Thanksgiving or Christmas. She lived about 10 miles from our home in the city (I guess you can call my hometown a city, lol), but it seemed like a different world. She had acres to explore. But the distinct memory is of her house filled to overflowing with my kin. Uncles, aunts and cousins were everywhere. There was literally no room to spare.

God tells the people that He will “fill this house with glory.” Now, when God does something, He doesn’t do it half-way. He meant He was going to fill that place full. Every nook and cranny would be filled with His Spirit. He would make it His place. Can you imagine the pride the people must have felt to hear that God was going to indwell the building they were repairing for Him. He was saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.”

APPLICATION

Has God filled your heart with His glory? So many believers are looking for another “filling.” Listen, beloved, when Christ sends His Holy Spirit to you at salvation, you are filled. Listen to the words of John in 1 John 2:27. “But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you,…” And when the Holy Spirit comes in, He indwells every nook and cranny.

So, why isn’t God’s glory shining forth in your life or my life? Because we let our old self get in the way. The Spirit is there, ready to burst forth, but we keep it shielded from exhibition by our own choices. Let me give you an example. Every morning when I wake up (and I get up earl), it is dark in our bedroom. I don’t want to wake my dear bride, so I try to walk in the darkness with little to no light. I usually have my cell phone in my hand, so I touch the screen for it to light up a little. I hold that close to my chest so only a little light illuminates the darkness to keep me from stumbling. Too much light and I risk disturbing my wife’s sleep. Too little and I might bump into something and hurt myself or even fall.

Hmmm! Are you shielding the light of the Spirit by cloaking it with darkness in your life? Be warned! If you let the Spirit in you shine forth, it may disturb those around you who are “sleeping.” But when you let it shine, your path is brighter. You can see where you are walking. The Spirit is there. Your house is full. Let Him shine!

Hide it (Him) under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it (Him) shine!

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