New Post, New Year

Dear 2017,

It has been a year since my mentor and spiritual father retired.  It has been almost a year since I became the lead pastor at our church.  Saying that I have learned much over the past year would be a understatement, what would not be is to say that I have so much more to learn.  The fear of failure looms over me daily, fear that I will let people down, fear that people will not grow in their walk with God, fear that the church will collapse. I know that I am not to fear, I know that I have been given a spirit of power and not fear, are all realities that I deal with daily.  Then throw into the mix my most important ministry, my family and once agin fear raises it's ugly head.  Will I put the church before my family, will I put others needs before the "others" in my own house?  I want to be for my kids a great example of father, pastor, follower of Jesus.  I want to be for my wife a great example of husband, pastor, follower of Jesus.  But I am human, I am frail, I often choose the wrong over the right.  However you time, you year of 2017 still marches on, you do not quit or slow down or anything, you just keep on keeping on.  My prayer for 2017 is that I would become a even more intense follower of Jesus.  In following Jesus I will become a better husband, father, friend, pastor, leader of people, discipler of others followers. May today as I head back to the office be the beginning of that journey this year, 2017.

Sincerely,

J

Luke 7:18-28

Do you find it difficult surrendering to God’s will when you don’t understand the full picture? What steps can you take to seek God’s perspective in a current challenging situation?

John was in prison and I am sure was wondering, why God I thought I was doing your will, I thought I was serving you, why prison?  While in prison John hears about Jesus and wonders is this the one whom I have been waiting, is this the guy who I have been telling people about?  It's interesting to me that John gets put in prison not because he is telling people to repent of their sin and be ready to follow God, but because he takes a stand against the king and the sin that the king is committing.  I wonder if he second guess that choice.  Jesus reassures John about who he is and as far as we know John continued faithfully to follow all the rest of his days that soon would be shortened by his death.

Do I find it difficult to surrender to God's will when I don't understand the full picture? Of course, who wouldn't, I think this is the human (natural) response.  However the supernatural response brought on only by the Holy Spirit at work in me is to trust God regardless.  It's vital then that I spend time seeking God through His word and in prayer so that I am able to trust Him.  I imagine that is exactly what John did as He sought to have his questions answered.

Father today help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, help me to trust you in all situations of life.

Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1 (NLT) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

Wow I love the thought of this verse, I just wish I lived it practically in my life. Do I really believe that I have all that I need in Christ? I mean when I look at my life all of my needs are met, I am not even sure I know what it truly means to be in "need". However, in looking at my life I see how the Lord has provided me with the ability to meet all of my needs.  My wife of almost 22 years is a gift from the Lord who orchestrated us meeting, falling in love and now enjoying 22 years of marriage.  My job/ministry is provided by God as the only day I was on campus that summer of 1994 I met my future employer and have for the past 21 years had an amazing job/ministry as a pastor of an incredible church.  While it's true I can say I honestly have not been in "need" like many of my friends in other countries that are so dependent on Christ just to provide food for the day.  I can say my Lord is my shepherd.  He guides me, protects me, cares for me, provides for me and loves me.  What more could I possibly need, if I suppose if something came up He my Lord would know and would provide as He sees fit.

Father help me to recognize daily, moment by moment, your shepherding in my life.  Remind me of how you have provided in the past so that I can look forward in the future to seeing you meet all of my needs.

Acts 9:1-22

The story of Paul's conversion is simply an amazing tribute to in even more amazing God.  As I think about this man Paul he was just a chapter earlier giving the approval for the stoning of a follower of Jesus, Stephen.  Think about that he was literally saying yes this man deserves to die because he is a follower of Jesus.  I cannot imagine that Paul just sat and watched and did not participate in throwing stones.  Stones that would eventually take the life of a man simply because He followed Jesus a man that clearly Paul had great hatred.  We see that hatred again here in chapter nine, as he was, "uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers." Paul wanted those who would follow Christ dead. Until....
Until he was knocked off his feet by the very one he hated, Jesus.  What I find amazing about this encounter is verse 9, "He stayed there blind for three days and did not eat or drink."  I am led to believe that this encounter so "messed" him up that he physically was unable to do much of anything. I picture him sitting in a corner of a house just unable to move, because he had been so moved by Jesus that he could think of nothing else.  I can't say that I have ever had this same reaction to God moving in my life.  But I can say that I have had similar, when something happened in my soul that so moved me that I could hardly do or think of anything or anyone else except for God.  But those have been few and seemingly far between.  I wonder why this is????? I do long to know God more and more, I want grow in my love for Christ.  But so often my attention is given to many, many other things.  I wonder if sometimes I miss His work because I am not paying attention.  Or I wonder if when I do encounter Christ, it's not as soul rocking as it could be because of so many distractions.  I do not know, but I believe that I want to pray that God would so impact my soul that I would so caught up in Him that I could not mistake it was Him speaking to me.

Our View of God

Something that I have been learning over the course of this past year is that to rightly interpret the Word of God, one must have a right understanding of God's heart. If to us God is an angry judge, then we'll interpret His Word differently than if we see Him as He truly is, a wise, powerful and loving Father.

Take for example what Richard Dawkins in his book The God Delusion,  has said about the God of the Bible. “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.” Why would someone say this about God? Because his understanding of God's heart is wrong.

 Now for some they want to get in this man's face and tell him how wrong he is and with words condemn him.  I know because I used to be one of them.  My heart hurts for him, somewhere along his life's journey something happened that cause his view of God's heart to be misplaced.  Today I read of the story of the woman caught in adultery and brought before Jesus (Mark 2:23-28). What was Jesus reaction to her?  What was his reaction to her accusers? Isn't it interesting his response to both. Jesus answers with both Grace and Truth. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. Truth is the application of God's Word rightly to life. In Christ we find a perfect balance of Grace and Truth.  "I don't condemn you, now leave your life of sin." It is often our misapplication of truth that leaves people feeling condemned and isolated according to Andy Stanley in Deep and Wide. 

When we encounter people either in the church or in the world that don't understand the heart of God, we must act in grace and truth.  Honestly as I look at myself I realize I do not completely understand the heart of God.  I can only hope that people will treat me with grace and truth when those times come and they will come.

Not much Said

One of my favorite characters of the Christmas story is Joseph.  We really do not know much about Joseph and honestly not much is said about him from scripture.  The reason he is my favorite is because even though not much is said about him, his actions are incredible.

Follow his story in the Gospels: Matthew 1:19-24 we find Joseph struggling with Mary's news of pregnancy that he knew he had nothing to do with. I can't imagine that kind of news, you would think he would feel betrayal, anger and even a desire to get back at her.  But instead the Bible describes him as "being a just man". He was unwilling to put her to shame.  It was while he was "sleeping on it" that an angel appeared to him and gave him some much needed information and instruction.  The Bible says that he woke up and immediately did what he was told.  The story of Joseph continues in Matthew 2:13-15. The wise men have left and again a angel appears to Joseph in a dream and gives him instruction to take Jesus and Mary and go to Egypt.  Again we see that he wakes up out of sleep and immediately does what he is instructed.  No specifics given, no questions about how will I provide, where will we live, just obedience.  An action that saved no doubt his life and Mary's but more importantly the life of his toddler son, Jesus. Then some time passes, Herod dies and an angel again appears to him twice and again he awakes and obeys.

Again not much is said about him or any words of his recorded, but his actions are all we need to know. This man of integrity, obedience puts me to shame.  How often have I questioned God when he has directed me.  How often have I let the questions of why, what if, keep me from doing what God is directing me to do. As I look at Joseph I am challenged in my walk with God.  I am challenged in my obedience to God in the face of uncertainty.   I am challenged in my lack of trust in a God who sees the beginning from the end and wants the best for me.   Perhaps that's the biggest issue is that I struggle with "trust".  Do I really trust God?  Do I really believe that God wants his best for me?

Christmas Joy

Joy at Christmas for many is very difficult.  I know that for me personally Christmas is bitter-sweet. 22 years ago on Christmas Eve my brother Nathan passed away due to complications from Leukemia. I will never forget that day or that Christmas in 1993.  The bitterness of that day will always have an impact on Christmas for me.

However the sweet of Christmas is much more overwhelming than the bitter and I am so thankful. Psalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy." There is much in my life for me to "break out in praise and joy,"  I know have an amazing wife and 5 incredible children that I get to celebrate Christmas with this year.  But more importantly than that is what Christmas is really all about, Jesus.  Because Jesus came to earth as a baby and than grew to be a man who willingly laid down His life for mine and for the whole world, I know that I will see my brother again.  Nathan had a personal relationship with Jesus and right now stands in the very presence of the King that was born in a manger.  I know I will see Nathan again because I too have a relationship with Jesus.  I am thankful because my wife and kids also know Jesus and no matter what comes our way we will be together for eternity.  If Jesus had never come to earth than there would be no hope, no joy, no reason beyond this earth to praise.

So today I have much to "break out in praise and sing for joy" about and am thankful for both the trials and the good times that have been a part of my life.

Father today as I remember the trials of the past, the beauty of the present and look forward to the future, help me to "break out in praise and sing for joy" as I look to you the author and perfecter of my faith.

Whats Your Scent?

As a kid we had stickers that were called "scratch and sniff".  I really loved scratching those things and then taking a big whiff, most of the time.  I remember one time doing this, it was a black and white sticker and being the "who cares, lets do this" kid I took a huge whiff and about died.  It was a skunk scratch and sniff sticker.  Seriously who does that, why would you make something that smelled so awful.
With this in mind, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising to up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15) What is your scent today?  Paul in writing to the church in Corinth has given many different exhortations including this one about our testimony before fellow followers of Jesus and those who are not. In verse 16 Paul exhorts that there are two scents we give off death and life.  As I think about my life, its super easy to be a scent of life at church or in my little comfort zones.  But when I am not in my opinion is when it really counts.  When things don't go my way, when I am pressed on an issue, when I am just not feeling it, what is my scent in those kinds of moments?
I want people to see (smell) Christ in my life.  I want the scent of Christ to so permeate my life that the aroma of Christ would linger long after I am gone.
Father God today let my life be a Christ-like fragrance.

What is God?

God is a Spirit.  Infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

John 4:24For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

This to me is very difficult question to fully grasp.  To be honest I am not sure we as humanity can fully grasp the answer to this question.  God is a Spirit, which means simply that God does not have a body, that he is invisible.  Jesus even said that "no man has ever seen God, and no man will ever see God with his physical eyes."  However Jesus also stated that "if you have seen me, you have seen the father."  So for us the only way we see God is indirectly.  We see him in creation, we see him in answer prayer, we see him through the reflection of himself in the things that He has made.  Again this is difficult and almost sounds fairy tale like.  But this is where faith comes into play.  Hebrews 11:1 says,  "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Since we cannot see we must by faith believe that He exists because the Bible makes it clear that He does.  I know that is a very Sunday response and probably to some is unacceptable, but for me personally I am okay with this answer.  

Father help me to see you through the things you have made today.  Help me to practice your presence as you go with me through the Holy Spirit indwelling in my life.  Help me to serve you faithfully today and to proclaim your love that you have shown through your son Jesus. 

John 20:30-31

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,and that by believing you may have life in his name.

I always find this verse and others like it interesting.  John in chapter 21 repeats the first verse but hads that the world is not big enough to contain all the books that could have been written about Jesus.  Pretty sure that is just exaggeration to make a point.  But there is no doubt that Jesus ministry though short was prolific.  

I love verse 31 because John tells us that knowing Jesus is not a hope so, or maybe but a know so.  I can know Jesus without any doubts.  I know doubt will creep in, Satan is a master of getting us to doubt.  But the fact still remains Jesus is who he said he is and can do what he says he can do.  

Today I pray that as I go through this day that I will seek Jesus all day. As Satan tempts me to doubt the power and just the truth of Christ that I will be reminded that God's word makes it clear in who I have believed.

What do the Scriptures principally teach?

The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Micah 6:8He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

This really seems to be a problem today as I believe it always has been a problem all the way from the beginning.  I don't however think the problem is the Word of God per-say, but that we as humans are unwilling to trust God.  Its as if we cannot take him at his word.  That some how we really don't trust that he will do what he says he will do.  We might read the Bible and say well that worked for that guy or those people but I am not sure it will work for me.  So we turn to other things or we "add" or "take away" from the Word of God in order to justify our actions and course in life.

The second things especially in our culture today is that we are always looking for the next best thing.  I have heard it said once "we are unsatisfied with what will come out tomorrow".  It everywhere from Youtube to American Idol to even in our churches.  Where we are looking for the latest and greatest Bible study series put out by this person or that person.  It's like we go through Bible study fads, for example "Experiencing God" or "Purpose Driven Life".  We are not satisfied by just studying the Word of God, it's just not enough.  I have literally heard that said from people in the church.

Please understand I am not saying that those things are bad, not at all.  I have grown much from those studies and others.  But many people put them on the same level or even higher than the Word of God.  This is a tragic mistake and I believe may very well fall into what this passage is speaking to.  Now I do not believe that the authors of such studies ever mean for it to happen.  I believe there intentions are that these studies be a supplement to an already steady diet of the Word of God.  The problem is us.  Is the word of God really sufficient for life and godliness?  Is the Word of God infallible?  Is the Word of God relevant to my life?  I believe the answer is yes to all these questions.

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

The Bible is called the "Word of God" because it is just that, His very words.   However they were written down by man, forty to be exact.  God inspired or through special revelation gave the forty writers the exact words to be written.

While someone might say the Bible was written by men, they would be accurate.  But this only half the story the other half the grander half is that every word did not come from man's own knowledge or volition but came from the inspiration of God through the Holy Spirit in each man's life.  To say that the Bible is irrelevant because man wrote is ignorant and does not recognize the involvement of God in writing His love letter to us.

God gave us His word according to this verse for several reasons.  First because it is profitable.  Profitable is not in this case a monetary word.  But rather means is for our benefit in order to bless us with the following reasons He gave it.  Second it is profitable for teaching.  Teaching could also be translated doctrine which is instruction or precepts.  They are the precepts necessary for us to put into practice for our benefit, not to harm us, not to control us, but to free us. Third it is profitable for correction.  Correction means to improve our life.  Again showing the Word of God is for our best not our determent.  Fourth it is profitable for training in righteousness.  Righteousness means right living or living that is beneficial for our lives.

It is sad to me that people who either are ignorant of the Bible or have such extreme baggage in their lives cannot grasp the "profitable" aspect of the Bible in life.  They say it is irrelevant, they say it is antiquated, they say it no longer applies, they say it can't be from God because men wrote it, they say it is full of errors and contradictions.

I often wonder why this is and I think to this point of what I have experienced in my life.  #1 They have had a terrible experience with the church and with those (maybe Pastors) that have abused the Word of God and thus have abused them.  #2 As it says in Romans 1 they willfully suppress the truth.  Another words they push it away from them in order to not except the truth.  We cannot force the Word of God down someones throat.  Nor can we through guilt driven tactics condemn people who do not live according to its words.  We must lovingly teach it, lovingly live it and prayerfully lift those who despise it up to God.  Asking him to change their hearts.

What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer:  The word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Key Passages:

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Today many claim they know how to glorify God and enjoy him forever.  But often that claim is based on man's understanding and not the Word of God.  What is amazing to me is how quickly we as followers of Christ are so quick to jump on a band wagon of the lastest and greatest speaker or study or book.  Often we just take what someone who is supposed to be a scholar or expert on the subject word for it, without checking it against scripture.

Notice that the answer does not say a pulpit, or a conference or a gifted speaker but the only rule is the Word of God found in the Old and New Testament.  Now I realize this catechism was written by men. But if I put into practice what I just wrote then I will check against scripture and amazing it is consistent with scripture.

Now I do believe that out of pulpits, conferences, gifted speakers and the like that God's Word is given and from that we learn how to glorify God and enjoy him forever.  If I did not believe that then I would stop doing what I am doing and get a "real job".  

God's Word should be our authority, not a man.  Let that man point me to the Word of God and use the Word of God to direct my life.

My Prayer

This morning I have the opportunity to preach the Word of God to the people of God.  It's a matter I don't take lightly.  I realize that every time I do the spirit of God changes me and continues to teach me.  I also realize that every time I do the spirit of God changes people and that people make life changing decisions.  That is both humbly and a bit scary, realize that something I say God may use to change a heart and that person makes some life altering decisions.

Father thank you for the opportunity to be used by you and to be a mirror that reflects your son.  Help me to be an accurate reflection that would point people to a relationship with Jesus.  I pray for those who will be listening that you would soften their hearts.  I pray that if there is anyone that does not know you that they would either put their faith and trust in you or they would come closer to do so. You are good and your love endures forever.  Help me to be an instrument of that love.

My portion

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I have been looking at the question, "What is the chief end of man?"  This week in taking a closer look I have been challenged that my life was designed to be "God Centered."  Simply meaning God is to be the center of everything I do, every thought I have, every word, every action, every reaction, everything in my is to glorify Him.  

That is impossible in my own strength.  It it impossible if I try to somehow accomplish this apart from God.  Naturally I will not keep God at the center, because "me" keeps creeping up.  So Satan whispers in my ear why bother? Why bother, because as the song and psalm says, "better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere."  It is better for me to strive to keep God at the center than to live my life with me at the center.  

The verse above tells me, "God is my portion forever", but what does that mean.  The word portion means in some cases a lot of land that is owned by someone.  It also means a possession.  I think what is interesting is that I do possess God but not in the sense that I purchased God, but rather the opposite, that He purchased me with the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.  That is why I can say like David, "he is my portion forever."  Because of Jesus I have a relationship that is eternal.  Nothing can separate me from his love.  Nothing can sever our relationship.  So why strive to keep God at the center? Because I have an eternal relationship with Him through Christ and the greatest thing Christ did for me was to die for my sin.  The least I can do for him is to live my life with God at the center.

Father today may you continually remind me that you are my portion forever.  May that throughout the day challenge me to keep you at the center of my life.  

1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This is one of those verses I wish was not in the Bible.  Because as I reflect on my life there many things that do not bring Glory.  There are many times the intent or purpose of my heart is not to bring glory to God.  But this verse is clear that whatever I do is to be for the glory of God. 

In this world I am not sure that this is completely possible.  However I do believe that this should be my goal.  This should be a driving force in my life.  This should be something that I strive for in everything.  It also should be the basis of how I evaluate everything I do.  

However understanding that I will probably not live up to this also should not determine my worth or identity.  Another words I cannot let Satan get a foothold in my life when I do not achieve the goals that motivate and challenge my life.  I must remember always that God's love is not determined by what I do or do not do.  His love never changes, his love endures forever.  I cannot make him love me anymore or any less.

Father today as I strive to bring you glory, wrap your arms of love around me and never let me go. Help me to be quick to recognize when something in my life does not bring you glory.  Help me to be quick to confess it and to turn away from it and run back to you.

Psalm 73:25-26

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

As David writes I hear his heart being poured out to God.  This life offers so many distractions and passions.  So many things via for our soul and can literally suck the life out of us.  Many things that are not bad but are good, but are they best?  David writes that there is nothing on earth that he desires more than God.  I wish I could say that was true of my life all the time.  But that would be a lie!  Too often things of this earth to grab hold of my desire.  Honestly they are at times things that are not evil but none the less are things that take what belongs to God.  My flesh and my heart do fail, they do fall short.  However I am encouraged today that even though they do it does not change God.  He is and was and will always be God.  God is my strength, God is mine forever.  Nothing can change that, nothing can remove that from my life.  Yes things of this earth can diminish that reality in my life.  But the truth of God is never changing.

Father thank you that you never change.  Thank you that you long to show my your strength.  Thank you that no matter what I do or do not do, that it does not change you.  Today may I be focused on you, may I be driven by you, may I desire you all throughout this day.

Revelation 4:11

Revelation 4:11You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

The significance of this verse is awesome.  God is worthy, he and he along is worthy, why? Because he is our Lord and God and creator.  The phrase Lord and God means that it is he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding, the owner who is in control.  So if he is worthy because of being "Lord and God" then I must ask myself is he in control of my life?  Or is something else in control of my life?  Nothing else is worthy, nothing else should be in control.  

He is also creator  and by his will I was created and have being.  God created (formed, designed) us for and by his will.  Why?  Because is is God's intention that if he is in control of our lives then he plans to work through and in us to accomplish his will of reconciliation.   God's desire is to be in relationship with us.  God created us to be in relationship with us.  He wants to accomplish this by taking our lives and showing others that this can be a reality.

Because He is our Lord and God and our creator. He is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.  Glory means to exalt, honor means highest value and power means ability.  God is all of these things and nothing I do or do not do changes that about Him.  However I can be one who points others to see his glory, honor and power.

Father give me strength today to demonstrate who you are, to be a mirror example of Jesus to others. May my life point people to see your glory, honor and power.  May I be open to learn new things and see things I have taken for granted.  So that I can better accomplish your will in my life.

What is the chief end of man?

Today I am going to be starting a new series and honestly rebirthing a process in my life that has been void for some time.  One of the best ways for me to process the word of God is first read the scripture, then speak the scripture and finally write my thoughts about the scripture.  Also today we are starting to work through the "Westminster Shorter Catechism" with our kids.  So I am attempting to kill two birds with one stone as I prepare to teach them.  However this is more than "prep time" for me as I want to become more and more a student of the scripture.

Today's question:  What is the chief end of man?

Revelation 4:11You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

#1 The existence of humans beings in its origin is to be the true image of God that is God-centered rather than self-centered.  Our one thought and desire, before sin ruined everything, was to serve God and to take delight in Him.  

#2 When Adam sinned against God, all was changed.  Instead of thinking about how great and wonderful God is, he began to think about himself.  He began to think about what it would be like if he (Adam) himself could be great, and of how he could enjoy himself.

#3 To "glorify God" does not mean "to make God glorious".  God already is glorious.  He has been glorious from all eternity, and nothing created by God can ever make Him more glorious.  

#4 To "glorify God" must therefore be understood this way:  it means to reflect God's glory, much like the moon reflects the light of the sun.  We are to be a mirror that people can look into and see the glory of God.

#5 Man people do not want to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  Since there are many who do not want to glorify God, it may seem that the this statement is false, but it is not.  Even if a person does not want to glorify God willingly, he still remains subject to God.

#6 Both those who willingly glorify God (saved) and those who do not (unsaved) are instruments by which God's glory is revealed.  Those who are saved show God's mercy and praise.  Those who are not saved show God's wrath and justice and honor.  The difference is that in the case of those who are lost God causes them to glorify Him even though they do not enjoy it.  But in the case of the saved they glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

#7 "The chief end" must not be supposed that the true Christian life can be divided up into various departments or compartments seperated the one from the other.  It is true, of course, that the Christians may have other "ends" in life other than to glorify God.  Worship alone, is not the whole of hte Christian life, nor is "witnessing", or "serving".  Also just cause a person preaches the gospel does he necessarily glorify God.  Many who preach, preach false doctrine and do not glorify God.

#8 "The chief end" means that true Christian discipleship is that which sees the whole of life and it's activities as that which is to be consciously lived unto the glory of God and to enjoy Him forever. 

Father thank you for the reminder today of what living on this earth is to be all about.  Thank you that you give me the choice to "glorify you".  Help me to make the right choice every time, every day, all through the day to "glorify you and enjoy you".  Help me to be a mirror that reflects your glory, so that people can see in me your son Jesus.  Help me to treat those who do not know you as you see them and may they come to understand that they are an image bearer and to put their faith and trust in Jesus so that image becomes clear.