LET IT BE KNOWN
Denise Linton
Today's Scripture: “Let them give glory to the Lord,
and declare his praise in the coastlands.” Isaiah 42:12, ESV
Theme: When the unlikely happens, give glory to God for the victory.
WE KNOW ON WHOM TO CALL
There is a joke I heard about a lady who had been driving around a packed shopping mall parking lot during the Christmas season. She prayed that God would open a space for her. Right after her prayer, she saw a car pulling out right in front of the shopping center. She cried, “Never mind, God! I found a spot!” We are all guilty of this.
In Luke 17:11-19, we read that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when ten lepers stood at a distance and called out “Jesus, Master, have pity on us” (v.13). Jesus healed them, yet out of the ten, only one came back and gave glory to God. All ten lepers knew that they could call on Jesus to heal them from a horrible disease, but only one said, “Thank you” and acknowledged the miracle that had taken place.
God not only deserves our glory and our gratitude, but He also commands it. We were created to glorify Him, “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7). One of the best ways to glorify God is to be thankful and share His victories with others.
SHARING HIS VICTORIES
In the movie “American Underdog,” the story of Kurt Warner entering the NFL fourteen years later than most other NFL players, God did something amazing. Kurt could have taken all of the credit upon himself. He could have said he worked hard, or that he was just lucky. But instead, Kurt said, “Thank you, Jesus” when he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Throughout every victory in his career, he acknowledged it was God’s victory. As our verse of the day urges us, Kurt declared his praise in the “coastlands.”
Think about the hundreds of thousands of people who have heard or read about Kurt’s testimony. Some of them may have heard the stories from the Bible or knew God existed, but considered these things myths, fables, or legends. They sound as fantastical as hearing that a 28-year-old is starting in his first NFL game! That just seems like a myth. But it became a reality and Kurt turned into one of the greats of the NFL. We have no idea how many people began to turn to God, based on the praise and glory that was given to Him because of Kurt Warner.
“SHOW ME” MENTALITY
We are a society of action. We may hear something, but when we actually see something with our own eyes, it is harder to question or make excuses for the results. When we give God glory and praise—not only for the big things in life but the small ones, too—people take notice. So give thanks in all things, no matter how big or how small, and purpose in your heart to say, “I I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1, NIV).
Make it Personal: Sometimes it is easy to forget to say, “Thank You” and give God the glory, especially in the small things. Challenge yourself this week to thank God for the small things. Start by thanking Him for all of the green lights on the way to work, or maybe for the red lights that helped slow you down. Thank Him for the coffee being hot, or even not too hot to drink! Thank Him for the parking spot near the front door (to get you out of the rain) or the farthest parking spot (to get a few steps in). God has given us His care, His providence, and most importantly, His salvation. So, why not give God the praise He deserves and share it with others? Giving Him the glory and declaring His praise in the coastlands could be the door to someone’s eternity.
Pray: Father, I am sorry for the times I have not given You the glory and praise that You deserve or command. I’m sorry for the times that I have taken the credit for something You did and missed out on sharing Your greatness with others. Thank You, God, for every aspect of my life. You are my Creator, my Provider, and my Salvation. All victories belong to You, and You deserve my praise.
Read: Luke 17:11-19; Psalm 9:1; Psalms 95:2-3
Weekly Memory Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11, ESV