Church Bulletin – February 25, 2018

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13

 How may we glorify God? We glorify God by being content in that state in which Providence has placed us. We give God the glory of his wisdom when we rest satisfied with what he carves out to us. Thus Paul glorified God. The Lord cast him into as great a variety of conditions as any man: ‘in prisons more frequent, in death oft,’ yet he had learned to be content. A good Christian argues thus: It is God that has put me in this condition. He could have raised me higher, if he pleased, but that might have been a snare to me. He has done it in wisdom and love; therefore, I will sit down satisfied with my condition. God counts himself much honored by such a Christian. For one to be content when he is in heaven is no wonder, but to be content under the cross is like a Christian.

We glorify God by walking cheerfully. It brings glory to God when the world sees a Christian who has within him that which can make him cheerful in the worst times. The people of God have ground for cheerfulness. They are justified and adopted, and this creates inward peace. It reflects upon a master when the servant is always drooping and sad; so when God’s people hang their heads, it looks as if they did not serve a good master, or repented of their choice, which reflects dishonor on God.

It will be a great comfort in a dying hour to think we have glorified God in our lives. At the hour of death all your earthly comforts will vanish. What is one the better for an estate that is spent? But to have conscience telling you that you have glorified God on the earth, what sweet comfort and peace will this let into your soul! The servant that has been all day working in the vineyard longs till evening comes when he shall receive his pay.

If we glorify God, he will glorify our souls forever. By raising God’s glory, we increase our own. – Thomas Watson