Are You Working for God's Glory?

Daily Reading: John 17

Scripture Focus: I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (John 17.4)

Devotional Thought: In John 17, Jesus prayed what is often referred to as “The High Priestly Prayer.”  In it, he prayed for himself, for his disciples who had been faithful to him in his earthly ministry, and for you and me who would later believe in him through the testimony of the early apostles.  We can adopt that same pattern when we pray our daily prayers.  Pray, first of all, that God would be glorified in and through your life.  Then, pray for your family and close friends.  Then, take time to pray for those who are more loosely related to you.

It is interesting that as Jesus prayed for God to be glorified, he referred to his “having accomplished the work” his Father had given him.  It was not until after he prayed verse 4, that Jesus prayed verse 5: “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence…”  What that tells me, is that we should first be concerned with the glory of God and then with our “success.”  One day we will be welcomed into the glories of heaven, but first we must complete the work God has given us to do, thus giving him glory.

We have been given the blessed privilege of bringing God glory.  When we do that, we receive glory as sons and daughters of the living God.  But, we must first complete the work he gives us to do.  Are you working for God’s glory?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I long for the day when I will see your glory in heaven.  Before that day, help me to do your will, to accomplish your purposes, and to glorify you on earth.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 37.25-33

25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.

28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

32 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.

33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.