Glory Towers

STORY: Morning Glory

“Glory!” came a proclamation from my audience that Saturday morning. It startled me the first time I heard it, to be honest. But then it popped up again later that weekend during another one of my retreat messages. I had heard “Amen” and other responsive words interjected into my talks from audiences before, but this was my first time to hear “Glory!” I think it might be a response more used in that part of the south than where my previous audiences resided. I have to admit, I like it. Sort of like saying “sic ‘em” to a dog, when a person responds to a speaker’s statement with “Glory!” It revved me up and fueled the rest of the speech, to know my words were touching hearts.

And that’s what glory does. It touches hearts. Now, whenever I see a morning glory it reminds me of that other morning glory. A great reminder.

When was the last time you let God’s glory speak to you like that?

STUDY: Shout Glory!

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. (Psalm 3:3 NLT)

• What does it mean for the Lord to be your shield?
• How can God be your glory?
• What comfort does it bring you, to know God holds up your head high for you? What does a head held high represent?

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. (Psalm 8:1 NLT)

• This psalm reminds me of the old Sandi Patty song. As uplifting as her tune is, it’s the lyrics that elevate the spirit. What is majestic about the Lord’s name? How can His name fill the earth?
• How high is His glory?

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:7-10 NLT)

• Several modern songs use the lyrics from this Bible psalm. God is the King of glory—but what do you think that means?
• What are the actions mentioned in this psalm? What would you be instructed to do today to be ready for the King of glory?

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” (Psalm 29:1-3, 9 NLT)

• Who honors the Lord? (One answer is specific, one is implied.)
• Why honor the Lord?
• What does honor look like?
• Where might you worship Him?
• Whose voice echoes, thunders, twists trees?
• When is a good time to shout, “Glory”?

Then the nations will tremble before the Lord. The kings of the earth will tremble before his glory. For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. He will appear in his glory. (Psalm 102:15-16 NLT)

• This is a good verse to remember during our nation’s unrest. There will come a day when the world leaders will do what?
• And after all the bad news, there is very good news. What happens to Jerusalem? And how will the Lord appear?

For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. (Psalm 113:4 NLT)

• There is Someone higher than the nations. We can put more trust in Him than in any government or ruler. How does knowing that affect you?
• How high is the Lord’s glory?

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1 NLT)

• This psalm has also been made into a current song. What is it a good reminder of when pride or self-focus get puffed up?
• Why does the Lord’s name get all the glory?

STEPS: Sing Glory!

1. Praise the Lord. It’s not merely a phrase to say, it’s an action to do. “Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!” (Psalm 72:19 NLT)
2. Focus on the names of God and what they mean to you. “Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!” (Psalm 148:13 NLT)
3. Be a glory-sighter! Tell younger generations about God’s glory. “Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.” (Psalm 90:16 NLT)

Copyright © 2016 Kathy Carlton Willis. Used by permission.