from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel
for
Give God the Glory
... Live in such a way that our lives direct attention to the greatness of God rather than to ourselves.
Psalms 115:1 NKJV (devotion translation)
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.
Devotion:
Today’s Scripture reminds us that everything worthy in our lives ultimately points back to the Lord.
As Solomon built the temple, every measurement, material, and furnishing reflected God’s careful design and holy purpose. The temple was not built to display the greatness of a king but to declare the greatness of God. Even its beauty reminded the people that the Lord is worthy of reverence, worship, and obedience. Scripture also warns us through the example of Herod that seeking glory for ourselves leads only to pride and judgment. God alone deserves the honor that belongs to Him.
The Lord’s attention to every detail of the temple also reveals something precious about His character. He is not distant or unconcerned. The God who carefully prescribed every aspect of His house is the same God who knows every detail of our lives. Nothing escapes His notice. He sees our joys, our burdens, our victories, and our struggles. His care is personal because His love is steadfast.
As followers of Christ, we no longer come to God through an earthly temple or a system of sacrifices. Jesus Christ is our perfect High Priest, and through His sacrifice we have direct access to the Father. This privilege should deepen our humility. Whatever gifts, opportunities, or accomplishments we possess are expressions of God’s grace, not reasons for self-exaltation.
Each day presents quiet opportunities to honor the Lord. We glorify Him by serving faithfully, speaking truthfully, loving others sincerely, and remembering that every good thing comes from His hand. A heart that delights in giving God the glory finds lasting joy because it rests in the One who never changes.
May we live in such a way that our lives direct attention to the greatness of God rather than to ourselves.
Prayer:
Father, guard my heart from pride and teach me to give You the glory that belongs to You alone. Thank You for knowing every detail of my life and for making a way to come near through Jesus Christ. Help me live each day for Your honor. Amen.
Digging Deeper:
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 ↗ - Live to glorify God in everything.
- Isaiah 42:8 ↗ - God alone deserves all glory.
- James 1:17 ↗ - Every good gift comes from God’s hand.
- Hebrews 4:14-16 ↗ - Christ gives believers direct access to the Father.
- 1 Peter 5:6 ↗ - Humility honors God, while pride is rejected.
Solomon’s Temple
- 1 Kings 5:1-18 ↗ - Solomon prepares materials and workers for building the temple.
- 1 Kings 6:1-38 ↗ - Solomon builds the temple according to God’s design.
- 1 Kings 8:10-13 ↗ - The glory of the Lord fills the completed temple.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 ↗ - God’s glory fills the temple, and the people worship Him.
Herod’s Pride
- Acts 12:20-23 ↗ - Herod accepts glory that belongs to God and is struck down in judgment.