“As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,” Luke 19:37 (ESV). First, the multitude of disciples with Him praised God for the miracles they had seen. Then the masses that wanted freedom from Roman tyranny joined in. On that triumphant day as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, both the multitude of disciples and the masses of Jerusalem were praising God for what they wanted and needed. But glorious praise, the kind that fills heaven and that God deserves is praise for what He wants...which in fact, is what we truly need. Lord, help me to offer surrendered praise instead of seeking praise. Praise that lifts me to You rather than pulls You toward my needs. Praise that blends voices of heaven and earth: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4 (ESV).
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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