February 15

Morning

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. — 2 Pet 3:18 BSB

Heaven will be filled with the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity—those countless ages—will pass, and yet forever and ever, “to Him be the glory!”

Isn’t He a “Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”? “To Him be the glory!” Isn’t He the eternal King?—King of kings and Lord of lords, the everlasting Father? “To Him be the glory forever!” His praises will never cease. What was purchased by His blood deserves to last as long as immortality itself. The glory of the cross must never fade; the radiance of the empty tomb and resurrection must never dim. O Jesus, You will be praised forever! As long as spirits live—long as the Father’s throne stands—forever, forever, unto You will be the glory!

Believer, you are looking forward to the day when you’ll join the saints above in giving glory to Jesus. But are you glorifying Him now? The apostle says, “To Him be glory both now and forever!” Will you not make that your prayer today? “Lord, help me to glorify You! I am poor—help me to glorify You with contentment. I am sick—help me to honor You with patience. I have talents—help me to use them for Your glory. I have time—help me to redeem it for Your service. I have a heart—let it love no one but You, and burn with affection only for You. I have a mind—help me to think for You. You’ve placed me in this world for a reason—show me what it is, and help me to live out my life’s purpose. I may not be able to do much, but as the widow gave her two mites, which were all she had, so I give You my time and my eternity. I am Yours—take me, and help me glorify You in all I say, in all I do, and with all I have.”

Evening

All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad. — Ps 45:8 BSB

Who is given the privilege of making the Savior glad? His church—His people. But can we really make Him glad? He brings us joy, but how can we bring joy to Him? Through our love. We may think our love is weak and faint, and so it often is, but to Christ, it’s sweet. Listen to His own words of love in the Song of Solomon: “How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine!” Dear heart, see how He delights in you. When you rest your head on His chest, you don’t just receive joy—you give Him joy. When you gaze lovingly upon His face, you don’t just gain comfort—you give Him delight.

Our praise also brings Him joy—not just the song of our lips but the melody of a grateful heart. Even our gifts, though they may seem small, are precious to Him. He loves to see us give our time, talents, and resources for His sake—not because of what we give but because of the love behind the gift. To Him, the smallest offerings from His people are more valuable than vast sums of gold and silver. Holiness is like fragrant incense to Him. Forgiving your enemies makes Christ glad. Giving to the poor brings Him joy. Helping save souls allows Him to see the fruit of His sacrifice. Proclaiming His gospel is a sweet aroma to Him. Lifting up the cross among the lost honors Him.

Even now, you have the power to break your alabaster jar and pour the precious oil of joy upon His head, just like the woman in the gospel whose act of love is remembered wherever the good news is preached. Will you hesitate, then? Will you not offer up the fragrant myrrh and sweet spices of your heart’s praise to your beloved Lord?