from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel
for Wed 08/26/2026

... Everything entrusted to us is temporary, but the glory of God endures forever.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that every part of life is meant to point beyond ourselves to the greatness of God.

Isaiah 39 ↗ gives us a sobering picture of King Hezekiah after God had graciously healed him. When representatives from Babylon came to visit, Hezekiah showed them his treasures, his storehouses, and his armory. He had an opportunity to speak of the Lord who had restored his life, but instead the attention settled on what he possessed.

Isaiah 40 ↗ provides the needed contrast. Human glory is compared to grass and flowers that quickly wither and fall, while the glory and Word of God endure forever. Whatever strength, influence, possessions, ability, or accomplishment we may have is temporary. God alone is eternal, incomparable, and worthy of praise.

The danger comes when we begin to treat God’s gifts as though they originated with us. Scripture does not forbid us from working diligently or recognizing what has been accomplished. It calls us to remember the true source of every good thing. Our abilities, opportunities, resources, and even the breath in our lungs are held by the gracious hand of God.

Jesus reveals God’s glory most clearly. He came not seeking the praise of men, but doing the will of the Father. Through His death and resurrection, Christ accomplished what no human achievement could ever accomplish: redemption for sinners and reconciliation with God.

Therefore, the believer’s life should increasingly become a testimony that directs attention to the Lord. Our work, relationships, possessions, words, and service are not ultimately platforms for self-exaltation. They are opportunities to honor the One who has given us everything we possess.

Consider today whether the blessings entrusted to you are drawing attention to yourself or directing praise to the God who gave them.

Father, keep my heart from seeking glory that belongs to You. Teach me to receive every gift with humility and to use my life in a way that honors Christ. Amen.

• Psalms 115:1 ↗ - God’s Glory, Not Ours - A reminder that the glory belongs to God, not to ourselves.
• Isaiah 40:6-8 ↗ - Human glory fades, but God’s Word and glory endure forever.
• James 1:17 ↗ - Every good and perfect gift comes from God.
• 1 Chronicles 29:11-14 ↗ - Everything we possess ultimately comes from God’s hand.
• John 8:50 ↗ - Jesus did not seek His own glory, but honored the Father.
• Colossians 3:17 ↗ - Whatever we do should be done in the name of the Lord with thanksgiving.
• 1 Peter 4:10-11 ↗ - God-given gifts are to be used in ways that bring glory to Him.

Hezekiah’s Pride

• 2 Kings 18:3-6 ↗ - Hezekiah began his reign by trusting the Lord and removing the idols from Judah.
• 2 Kings 19:14-19 ↗ - When threatened by Assyria, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer rather than relying on his own strength.
• 2 Kings 20:1-6 ↗ - When Hezekiah became seriously ill, he prayed, and God graciously extended his life.
• 2 Kings 20:12-15 ↗ - After his healing, Hezekiah showed the Babylonian envoys his treasures, storehouses, and armory, drawing attention to what he possessed.
• 2 Kings 20:16-18 ↗ - Isaiah warned that these treasures would eventually be carried away to Babylon.
• 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 ↗ - Hezekiah’s heart became proud after receiving God’s blessing, but he eventually humbled himself before the Lord.
• 2 Chronicles 32:27-29 ↗ - God had greatly blessed Hezekiah with wealth and possessions, illustrating that his abundance was ultimately God’s provision.