Glory in the Highest!

Now to the King

eternal, immortal, invisible,

to God who alone is wise,

be honor and glory

forever and ever.

Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17

The Christmas Season is a special time of year and for me, this Christmas seems more real to me than ever. I guess it could be that I am a year older. I'm closer to 40 than I've ever been. I'll turn 38 in 2011 and as I look back through the years I am amazed at the brevity of life. Scripture is so true, my life is only a vapor (James 4:14). As I look back over my life, I see a precious wife, a full quiver of children, wonderful brothers, a sweet sister, Godly in-laws, countless friends, three precious churches that I have served, and so much more.

I also see a life stained with sin. There have been some obvious downs over 37-plus years. I have made poor financial decisions, stupid relational decisions, said hurtful things to those I love. There have been seasons in my life where I was at a guilty distance from God, choosing my way instead of His, and I have learned that there is a high cost to low living.

Trying to gain a perspective over life can be difficult. It takes time to meditate through those ups and downs. Upon reflecting and considering my worship to the King, I am arrested by the verse in 1 Timothy 1:17, Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. The first thought that comes to mind: This is the only way to live.

One of the things that the Lord has taught me of Himself this Christmas is that He is worthy of my worship. In other words, He is worthy of my entire life... all that I am and all that I have should give Him the highest honor and the highest glory. Yes, glory in the highest! The word glory is a great word crafted with such significance. The word can be used to refer to the worship of and honor of the character, the nature, and the reputation of God Himself.

Try pondering God's character, God's nature, and God's reputation for a few days as you reflect over your life. Over the last few weeks I have and I am still needing more time to reflect and meditate on such a profound privilege of worshipping this new born King. Glory in the highest! Why?

There is no one with a character more sterling than the Kings!

There is no one with a nature more supernatural than the Kings!

There is no one with a reputation more supreme than the Kings!

One song that has ministered to me the last few weeks is the song Christmas Offering. Take time over the next few days to reflect upon these words below (or better yet, see the video), I am sure you will conclude, shouting: Glory in the Highest!

At the feet of Jesus,
Keith

Christmas Offering
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star

While angels sang to lowly shepherds

Three wise men seeking truth they traveled from afar

Hoping to find the child from heaven

Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love
There is no shadow in Your Presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your Blood and it's only through you mercy
Lord I come

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You
I bring an offering to You

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You