All Glory to the Father

Psalm 67:1-3
¹May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah
²that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
³ Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

The purpose of God's blessings and grace upon His chosen people, the Jews, is so that the rest of the world will see and believe in the one, true God. God never chose the Israelites because He loved them more or favored them above the Gentiles. God chose them so that the rest of the world would look to them to believe that God truly exists and that they would come to believe in Him. The purpose of God's blessings is for His glory.

I often sin in pride thinking that God will bless me because I deserve it. The only reason why God gives and takes away is so that His glory will be increased. When I pray, I have to check my heart. Am I asking God for things because He's powerful and I want that power for myself? Or am I praying for God's will and glory to shine? These past few months have really been a time of God revealing to me just how self-focused I am. In my mind, it's still all about me. But truly, it's all about Him. When I ask for things, I need to think if I am praying for God's will or if I am praying for my will. For example, I am praying for a new car. I don't really want a fancy or brand new car, but I would like one with AC, tinted windows and more space for Lion in the back. Is it ok to ask for this? I'm sure that it never hurts to ask, but I have to know that if this doesn't add to God's glory, then I shouldn't bet on it happening. God blesses so that others may know Him and glorify Him. I suppose I could justify my asking for a car with me promising to give Him all the glory and credit, because truly, it would be a miracle to receive such a blessing. However, I have to look at my prayers for what they are and not try to manipulate my requests to look more righteous than they really are. I praise God that we already have a car and that we have such a beautiful place to live and a family that honors and loves Jesus. I have so much to be thankful for and I just need to keep giving God all the glory.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for having a selfish heart. I pray that You would purify me and make me more like Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank You for setting the example and giving all the glory to Your Father in Heaven. I pray that if it glorifies You, that we would receive a car with AC, but if it doesn't then I just want whatever gives You the glory. If that means we have to live in a cardboard box, then I want Your will to be done. I love You with all my heart, mind, and strength, Lord. Please continue to give me the fruit of the Spirit. May I walk in Your ways always to win more over to the kingdom of Heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.