A Glimpse of God's Glory by Mike Jarboe

Last night Becky and I had the privilege of joining the congregation at Princeton Pike in celebrating the dedication of their new addition, a large group of classrooms, athletic facilities, and meeting space focused on the goal of outreach to the people of Butler County. During the service, one of the guest performers Jason Crabb highlighted a story from the Bible that is familiar to most of us. In Exodus 33:18 we have an incredible utterance when Moses says to God, “Now show me Your glory.” Can you imagine? Surprisingly, this was not something that angered God, rather He tells Moses of a place where he was able to hide and safely look upon God as He passed by.

I’ve been overwhelmed by what are clearly two words from God in the past weeks and there is simply one affirmation after another that these are ordained for both my personal walk with God and for the church. The words are “distinctive” and “glory”. Only last night and today in prayer, I’ve discovered that the two are closely linked. How so?

God and Moses converse in Chapter 33 and we find that Moses is asking for God’s help for Israel’s journey. Along with a request to see God’s glory, Moses asks that God also teach him His ways. He even asks that God go along with Israel on the journey. Why, because the presence of the Lord will be the distinctive that marks the people of Israel as different amongst the nations of the world. It’s the visible sign of God’s ­­glory that will set them apart.

At Cornerstone, whether we are aware of it or not, we are already shaping the distinctive for our church during this season of our journey. It’s my belief that what God may be telling us something important. Last night, Pastor Clardy told his crowd in a passionate appeal to “Get ready for the glory!” I’m believing that God has something incredible in store for them, but I’m inclined to believe that it wasn’t a message for one church, but for us too! Can any of you feel it? Is there a building sense of anticipation?

God, we want to establish our distinctive. We aren’t seeking to be defined by buildings or programs or anything else that simply fits in with the existing way of things. Instead, we want to see You. We want You to teach us your ways. Let the glory of Your presence be the distinctive. I go to Cornerstone because God is there. He’s moving in our aisles. He’s ministering at our altars. He’s transforming our children and our youth. His glory fills this place (Isaiah 6).

God is on the move

Wednesday night’s service at the Church of God General Assembly was God inspiring as Bishop Sean Teal presented the message “God is on the move.” Little David had no idea how God would use him for kingdom purposes, but just at the right time God appointed him for the slaying of Goliath. God is on the move in your life and ministry. Like many in true service for the King, we do not look the part and cannot wear somebody else’s uniform. We must be called of God and ready to move when He says to move. It may not make sense right now the way God is using you, or seemingly not using you, but keep your faith and heart towards Him and be in position to move when the time is right. Man does not determine your destiny, circumstances does not determine the outcome, even your feelings can be unpredictable, but God has your life in His hands and that is all you need to enter into the next day. The Bible tells us to “cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” Remember, when you get rejected, God is preparing you for redirection, because God is on the move. May all of us see through spiritual eyes how God is directing His church and together we must move as the spirit of God leads each of us. Have a blessed week!