As you begin this time of reflection use the following questions as a guide for an opening prayer:
God what does it mean to Honor you?
What does it mean to live for your glory?
How can I grow to be more like you today?
With your prayer concluded consider the following question:
What do you think of when you read the words \”Honoring God\”?
Take a moment to write down your response
Today\’s meditation will be on the passage Psalm 138 and 2 Timothy 2: 14-26 from the NRSV
translation.
translation.
As you read through the passages for the first time write down the things that stick out to you.
Psalm 138:
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted your name and your word
3 On the day I called, you answered me,
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
but the haughty he perceives from far away.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
2 Timothy 2: 14-26
14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God[a] that they are to avoid wrangling over
words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present
yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly
explaining the word of truth.
16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 17 and their talk will
spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from
the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place.
They are upsetting the faith of some.
19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are
his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay,
words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present
yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly
explaining the word of truth.
16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 17 and their talk will
spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from
the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place.
They are upsetting the faith of some.
19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are
his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay,
some for special use, some for ordinary. 21 All who cleanse themselves of the things I have
mentioned[b] will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house,
ready for every good work.
22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless
controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant[c] must not be
quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with
gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and
that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his
will.[d]
mentioned[b] will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house,
ready for every good work.
22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless
controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant[c] must not be
quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with
gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and
that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his
will.[d]
On this next read through of the passages pay attention to any verses that cause an
emotional response write down the verse and continue onward.
emotional response write down the verse and continue onward.
Take a few moments to pray and reflect on why the verses you wrote down caused an
emotional response, what is God trying to tell you?
emotional response, what is God trying to tell you?
Read through the passages one last time
Walk back through the questions asked at the beginning of the reflection
(they are listed again below for your convenience), what has God revealed to you?
(they are listed again below for your convenience), what has God revealed to you?
God what does it mean to Honor you?
What does it mean to live for your glory?
How can I grow to be more like you today?
In Step With God 