“I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims … And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.”—Isaiah 6:1–3 KJV

In 1823, Oxford scholar Reginald Heber was sent to India to serve as Bishop of Calcutta. His time in India proved to be productive. While there, he was the first person to create a book that organized hymns according to the church calendar.

He found himself focusing on hymns that underscored church theology. His hymns made an impact in India and around the world. One hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” expressed Heber’s sense of the holiness of God and the importance of the trinity. He wrote, “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee.” God is “merciful and mighty!”

Basing his text on this passage from Isaiah, he wrote of saints who adore God, “casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,” and cherubim and seraphim falling before Him. God is eternal; He “was, and is, and evermore shall be.”

Holiness is important; no sinful person can see God’s glory. Only He is holy. “There is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love, and purity.” And he wrote that all God’s works shall praise His Name, “in earth, and sky, and sea.”

Today, allow the Spirit of God to fill your heart with wonder and awe. Worship and adore God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!”

Reflection Question: Compose a reaction to God’s holiness.

“Felix … sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ … Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him.”—Acts 24:24–27 NKJV

Felix seemed interested in the Gospel. He “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” We do not know the length of this visit or the depth of the discussion. We simply know that Paul “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” (v. 25).

But these subjects made Felix uncomfortable, throwing him into fear. He said he would call for Paul at a convenient time for more conversations. In fact, “he sent for him more often and conversed with him” (v. 26). It seems likely that Felix was interested in Paul’s message but had other priorities. And he seemed more interested in receiving money from Paul.

Many people are like Felix. They may say they are interested in the Christian faith, but how serious is their interest? They may go to church but treat this more as a social event. They read the Bible, but only when convenient. Their interest often is just a curiosity. They may believe in God but don’t spend time developing their relationship with Him.

What is your priority? Focusing on your own interests? Or is Bible reading a priority? Do you embrace passages you find convicting? Do you dig into the Word and make this a central part of your daily schedule? Are you open to the leading of the Spirit?

Today, declare that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Don’t put it off.

Reflection Question: What are your priorities? Where do you spend your time?