God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth, and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Philippians 2911 on a trip to the Black Hills many years ago, my family sat in an amphitheater at the foot of Mount Rushmore listening to an actor playing the role of President Teddy Roosevelt. The president spoke of the wonder of America, her history, her might, her determination, and the greatness of her people. Darkness descended on us as his speech climbed to a crescendo, as he extolled the incredible courage and ingenious creativity of the men and women who shaped this nation and made her great. In dramatic ending, the president swung his arm toward the then unseen faces on stone and shouted, behold the proof. At that moment, huge white spotlights illuminated the massive monument sculpted into the stone of the mountain. The star spangled Banner played on the theater's loudspeakers, and everyone present rose as one person to sing our national anthem as the flag of the United States of America waved majestically with those great, gleaming white faces in the background. The experience was one of the most awesome of my life, but it pales in comparison to standing in the presence of the Almighty God, beholding his glory. Not everyone will see Mount Rushmore, but one day all of us will stand before God, and on that day some will look on him in fearful and certain expectation of punishment deserved for refusing to come to him when time existed. But those in Christ will look upon his face with awe and wonder and will bow before him to offer him our highest praise, knowing that the promise of eternal life is assured. The apostle Paul wrote, I tell you, now is the time of gods favor. Now is the day of salvation. Let us then come to stand in awe of him today so that we can stand in awe of him all eternity.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.