Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 133

Day 133

Exodus 13:3

 "And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten."

It is interesting to note that Moses told Israel that the Lord brought them out of Egypt by "strength of hand." The expression, "strength of hand" denotes personal involvement, as well as strength.

When we say someone had a "hand" in  doing something, we mean they were involved. If we say it was by the strength of their hand, we mean without their help, it could not have been done.

When we are being oppressed by the enemy, God is not pleased. If we sincerely look to Him as our source of help, He will arise and become personally involved in our deliverance. If we practice seeing God as our help, our confidence level will rise. The challenges of life will diminish in our eyes, as we realize the strength of His hand is on our side.

It is good to meditate on Exodus 13:3  and  allow  our minds to recapture the scenes that led to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. It will give us an image of the power available to use through the hand of God. Isaiah 59: I says, "Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save." In other words, the same strength demonstrated  in the deliverance of Abraham's seed from Egypt is available to us now. God has not lost any strength, and all of it is available to deliver us and help us.

Let us lift up our heads and change our sad countenance to a joyful one if we need to. God is God. He is the only God.  We have omnipotence on our side. We can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

I will meditate on the strength of the  Lord's  hand. I will rejoice in the fact that His hand is available to me. I will use that knowledge to encourage myself.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 132

Day 132

Mark 4:39

 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto  the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. "

When Jesus left His peace with us, He was leaving us a great calm. He was leaving us the ability to cease from raging on the inside. We can be still.

In Mark 4:39, the word "peace" is followed by  the words ''be still." As we examine ourselves to see how we are maintaining our God-given peace, let us notice if we begin to get agitated. If necessary, we must speak to ourselves and command our souls and bodies to be still.

Since Jesus gave us peace, we do not need to ask for it. We must express thanks, as we acknowledge receiving it. Then, we must maintain it. We can have peace inside, in the midst of a storm outside, but we cannot have inner peace at the same time we are having an inner storm. Just as the winds and waves must be still to have peace in a physical storm, our inner turmoil must cease to have inner peace. We will calm our inner storms just as Jesus calmed the natural storm. With the peace He has given us, we can speak peace to our storms and command them to be still.

I receive and will maintain the peace Jesus left for me. I command every inner turmoil in me to be still. I am at peace.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 131

Day 131

Proverbs 21:30

 "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord."

We know that wisdom is important and that following it will always bring the most desirable results. Therefore, the path of wisdom should always be followed. The main challenge before us is learning to discern what wisdom is speaking. Solomon gave us a clue in Proverbs 21:30. He said there is no wisdom that will counsel you against God.

Nobody's advice is better than the advice and  counsel we get through the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit. In our day and time, we see more and more educated idiots.  People who have graduated from universities are coming up with counsel that goes contrary to the Bible. They are even attempting to create laws that forbid us from obeying God's Word. It is insane to think that our society will prosper, when we attempt to outsmart our Creator. We have already suffered grave consequences for such ridiculous behavior.

Let us remember that one sure way to goof up is by choosing guidance that goes contrary to the Bible or the Holy Spirit's leading in our spirits. (The Holy Spirit will never lead us contrary to the written Word.) May we choose to always obey God, since anything else would be stupid.

I will follow wisdom by always walking in line with God's leading through the Bible and by the Holy Spirit guiding my spirit.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 130

Day 130

Psalm 68:1

"Let God arise, let his enemies he scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him."

The psalmist, David, saw his enemies as God's enemies. He always depended on divine help in battle. His attitude  was one of confidence in God and, since he and God were on the same side, the enemies did not stand a chance. Therefore, when he said, "Let God arise," he thought of himself going to battle with no chance of losing, because God was with him.

We, too, must see ourselves always winning because of who is on our side. In II Corinthians 2:14, Paul offered thanks to God who "always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus." He also said in Romans 8:3 I, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Then, in Romans 8:37, he said, "in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Now, it is important that we realize that since God gave us the ability to choose in every area of life, we have to choose victory. When David said, "Let God arise," he saw  himself going out to fight and Heaven backing him up. He did not see himself in bed complaining, while the angels did all the work. God arose when David arose. Even though it seemed  at times that David did very little to accomplish his victories, he did initiate the fight. He did not expect divine action without his cooperation.

As we face opposing forces today, may we rise up on the inside. Let us see our battles as God's battles and say, "Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered." Then after saying that, let  us do what we know to do, as we anticipate divine assistance to assure us victory.

I will arise today to meet every challenge with confidence. I will see God arising every time I arise. God will help me, and I will win every battle.

Come Up Higher, Vol.2 | Day 129

Day 129

Malachi 4:2

 “ But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."

God always wants to be a blessing to all who will allow Him. Every organized system will produce what it was designed to produce, if the proper procedures are followed. God is totally organized. He has designed His system to produce blessings. James I :17 said every good and perfect gift comes from God. We learn from Malachi 4:2 that healing is in God's system, and the procedure for obtaining it is having reverence for the  name  of the Lord. Healing has been provided for us through Jesus Christ, but everyone is not experiencing it.

When we respect someone's name, our behavior in regards to the person demonstrates that respect. If  someone makes a request to us in the name of a particular dignitary, our response will be in accordance with the respect we have for that name, or that person. A name represents the person. How we respond to a name is not based on the sound of the letters used to spell it, but who is represented by that name.

Before we dogmatically declare that we reverence the name of the Lord, let us forget the religious acts we perform, and rather examine our reaction to God's messages sent to us. We receive requests in His name through the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirits, the gifts of the Spirit, and perhaps a few other ways. In any case, it is important to remember that it is our response to God's direction and instructions for our lives that determine our level of reverence for His name. Our respect for the name of the Lord will cause us to have faith in whatever He says. Faith is what brings results.Let us confess that we·have respect for the name of the Lord and then act like it. Just as we train children to respect others, we can train ourselves to respect God's name. As we discipline ourselves to respect the name of the Lord, we can boldly say, "The Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in His wings for me."

I reverence the name of the Lord. His name is the highest name. There is no name above the name of the Lord. I will discipline myself to increase my level of respect for His name.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 128

Day 128

Malachi 4:2

 "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall "

The prophet, Malachi, had a message for those who reverenced the name of the Lord. The Sun of Righteousness would arise with healing in His wings for them, and they would leap playfully, like calves released from the stall.

To reverently fear someone's name, one must have great respect for the person. A name only has worth, because of the quality of the person who bears that  name. If we fear the name of the Lord, we fear the Lord Himself.

The more we respect someone, the more likely we are to cooperate with them. Our level of reverence for God is evident by our lifestyles. Jesus said our love for Him is demonstrated by our obedience to His commands.

Let us remind ourselves of two things. First, the commands of God are not to make life hard, but for our benefit and protection. Secondly, obedience to God produces great benefits. If we walk in line with God's will, we will not feel that we must earn healing, but we position ourselves for the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus Christ) to arise with healing, health, strength and joy for us.

I will always reverently fear the name of the Lord My reverence will he shown by my obedience to Him. The Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing, health, strength, and joy for me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 124

Day 124

Genesis 9:6 Amplified Version

"Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed,for in the image of God He made man."

In Genesis 9:5 and 6, God reveals the value of human life and establishes the law of capital punishment. This was written many years before the Mosaic law was established. God did not give many rules to Noah. Therefore, what He gave him had to be very important.

The first command God gave Noah after the flood  was to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. The second command was to refrain from eating blood, and the third was to avenge the blood of every human being who was murdered.

God highly values the blood (the life) of every man. His desire is for every human being to know Him and to fellowship with Him. Originally, He made man in His image. He intended for us to look like Him and act like Him. Every normal father is pleased to hear someone say a child has to be his, because he looks just like him. Imagine, then, the pain a father feels when he views the lifeless body of one of his own. God grieves the death of every man, because we are all his creation.

The Heavenly Father gave the ultimate sacrifice to prove His love for every human being. He gave His only begotten Son- He gave Himself. Jesus died and shed the most valuable of all blood to save everyone who would receive Him. He died to save us from spiritual death. If we would meditate on this until it becomes a revelation in our hearts, we would not need anything else to elevate our godly self-esteem.

May we value ourselves, as well as every other human being on this planet, because of the value God has placed upon us. Let us be on God's side, as we work together for the lives (spiritual and physical) of all people.

I will consider all life valuable, including my own. I will participate in saving lives - spiritual and physical.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 123

Day 123

Genesis 9:4 Amplified Version

 "But you shall not eat flesh with the life of it, which is its blood. "

After the flood, God blessed Noah when he left the ark and gave him permission to eat any animal or plant he desired. However, he forbade him to eat meat with blood in it. He told him the life of the flesh was the blood.

This can help us understand why Jesus said in  John 6:54, "Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." To eat His flesh and drink His blood was to partake of His life. Since He  had eternal life in Him, we automatically have eternal life in us by receiving His blood.

There is no eternal life outside the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We must receive His blood by faith, or be without life. That is why nobody else could have served as a mediator between God and man. No other man could be the way to God. Buddha, Muhammad, Confucius and all the others had human blood with natural life. Jesus, the Son of God, was the  only living human who had blood containing eternal life - the life of God.

When we partake of communion, we celebrate the eternal life received by the blood of Christ. May we have a greater appreciation for the blood represented by the cup.

I have received the body and blood of Jesus, by faith. I have eternal life in me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 122

Day 122

Genesis 4:10 Amplified Version

 "And the Lord] said, What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground?"

God told Cain that Abel's blood was crying to Him from the ground. In Genesis 4:11, He told Cain a curse  had  come upon him, because of the blood he had shed. The earth that received his brother's blood would not produce for him, as it had before. (Cain was a farmer.) It is amazing how nature reacts to evil It is no wonder we see natural disasters. Although people sometimes blame them on God, our planet is designed to revolt against wickedness. Disasters occur because of the presence of evil and not due to acts of God, except in rare cases of divine judgment.

It is clear that drought, floods, and other weather conditions that hinder the earth from producing its full strength for men occur as a result of innocent blood crying from the ground. That is why it is so important for Christians to inhabit the land. It is because of God's blessing, through those who will yield to Him, that the earth is not completely void of productivity. We are the salt of the earth.

Hebrews 12:24 says Jesus' blood speaks of better things than Abel's blood. The blood of Jesus cries out for mercy. Wherever it is received, mercy abounds. This can help us to understand the significance of Jesus' blood. If human blood can cause the earth to refuse to produce as it should, then it is clear that blood is more than just red cells and white cells. Blood speaks and makes demands. Therefore, the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, speaks  and  demands.  It demands  mercy  instead of vengeance. That  is why the songwriter  wrote, "And  there  may I, though vile as he, wash all  my  sins  away,"  and  "sinners plunged beneath that flood,  lose  all  their  guilty  stains." Revelation I 2:11 says, "And they overcame him by the  blood  of the Lamb... "

May we understand, and appreciate more, the blood Jesus shed for us. Whenever we partake of communion  and drink the grape juice, symbolic of His blood, let us understand the power we are accepting. Hear the demands the blood made, and agree with it as you drink.

I will have greater and greater respect for the blood of Jesus, and the communion cup that represents that blood. I receive what Jesus' blood demands for me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 121

Day 121

Psalm 51:6

 "Behold, you desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart."

The Bible tells us that God guides us by our spirits -- our innermost being. The spirit is also called the heart. Our spirits should rule over our minds and bodies, as we are led by the Holy Spirit. David recognized the importance of this spiritual order and asked in Psalm 51 to know wisdom in his heart.

The most important part of our being is our spirit. It is the part of us that is born again. Our bodies are temporary, but our spirits are eternal. Our minds will always be with us,  but they assist us in this natural world with natural things, and sometimes they conflict with spiritual matters. The spirit of man is the part of us that is the primary communicator with God, who is a Spirit.

To function on a level higher than the natural realm we live in, we need spiritual wisdom -- wisdom in our spirits. Natural wisdom that comes to our minds is very helpful in this earth realm, but we are not of this world. We need natural wisdom to function here, but spiritual wisdom  is what we need to fulfill our God-given mission on this planet.

Wisdom will come to our inmost heart, as we fellowship with God through prayer and the study of His Word. It will come not by ritualistic prayer and study, but prayer and study in an atmosphere where we are conscious of His presence and see ourselves as "sitting at His feet." This is done by choice, not feeling, although we may feel something at times.

I will pray and study in the presence of God. I will sit at His feet and learn of Him. He will impart wisdom into my inmost heart.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 120

Day 120

Job 36:5

 "Behold God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. "

When we need wisdom, which is all the time, we need God. As Elihu said in Job 36:5, He is mighty in wisdom.

Jesus likened our relationship with Him to a vine and its branches. Branches cannot be fruitful when they are separated, because they draw their life from the vine. Even so, we must not expect to operate in wisdom, unless we are drawing it from the source of wisdom. We must do the things that cause us to suck life, power and wisdom from God. Prayer, praise and worship enable us to draw life from God. Communion, fellowship and quiet meditation also help. Reading and studying His  Word make a difference. Praying in the Holy Spirit will also contribute to our success.

We always need wisdom, although sometimes it seems we need it more urgently than other times. Let us establish a constant flow between us and God. Today, may we  increase what we are already doing to cause a greater flow of wisdom  into our spirits.

I will increase in prayer, praise and worship. I will do more reading, studying and meditating of God's Word. More and more of His wisdom will flow into me, and I will walk in it.

Come Up Higher, Vol.2 | Day 119

Day 119

Psalm 32:8

 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

God has promised us instructions and teaching while we are on our journey in this life. We must expect to  receive  through the different methods He has given us. Jesus once said "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." If we are not expecting something, we can easily miss it. We can hear  sounds  and words, but miss what God is saying, because we are not anticipating his guidance.

In Psalm 32:8, the Lord said He would guide us with His eye. A stationary object cannot be guided. If we do not get in motion, we cannot be led. Sometimes, we will never know if we have chosen the right direction until we leave the place we are currently in. While we are progressing, we will sense the eye of the Lord approving or disapproving of our movement.

We must not be afraid to make a move. God is very liberal with wisdom and guidance. It is for His own name's sake that He freely gives instruction. We can only become proficient in following the Lord by stepping out and learning His voice,  and His methods of divine guidance. He will always guide us perfectly, but we must learn how to flow perfectly with  Him. The top of the ladder is reached one step at a time. Let us begin, or continue climbing today. We will, as we pray and fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I will listen for and receive teaching, instruction and guidance from God today. He will lead me, and I will follow.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 118

Day 118

I Corinthians 12:9

 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Most Christians have not suffered like the apostle Paul. Shipwrecks, stoning, imprisonment, constant harassment and rejection of his kinsmen did not stop him from fulfilling his calling. However, like a normal human, he became weary of the persecution the devil was sending his way time and time again. After seeking God about the matter three times, he received a revelation that would be the boost he needed to survive the long haul.

Jesus told Paul His grace was enough to put him over. Grace is God's ability given to us freely, although we can in no way deserve it. Paul learned that He had God's ability to overcome every test and trial. He also learned that he could discourage the devil by making him sorry for attacking him. As a result, the attacks eventually slacked off. In the latter years of Paul's life, he was free to preach and teach from a private house under government protection, free of harassment.

Paul said he would no longer be disgusted over inability. Jesus had revealed to him that in the moments of human weakness, divine strength becomes available and functions at its best. So, he became excited over the fact that the best time to enjoy the power of Christ taking over for him was when he was in his weakest moment.

As long as we can handle our affairs in our  own strength, it is easy to forget that we have strength beyond our human limits. It is when we run out, that we are forced to seek that which is not inherently ours. It is then that we experience  the wonderful power of God in manifestation.  After experiencing this over and over, we will stop dreading weak moments. Weak moments are opportunities to experience God's power.

Whenever we are weak today, God's grace is sufficient for us. Christ's strength will be perfected in our weakness.

God will give me strength today to overcome all weakness. I have His grace. I have His strength. I am strong in God today.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 117

Day 117

James 1:5 Amplified Version

"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him."

Why would James suggest that we ask God for wisdom if we lacked it? It appears as though we should not accept a lack of wisdom in the time of need. James went on to say that God gives it liberally, without finding fault with us. That is indicative of God's desire for us to always have the  understanding  we need, as well as direction on how to proceed.

The Bible states in James 1:6 that we should ask in faith, without doubting, if we hope to receive wisdom from God. If we are told to have faith and not doubt, then that alone indicates that the wisdom is certainly available to us. If we know that it is available to us, then there is no need for doubt.

Since God gives wisdom generously, it is up to us how much we have. The limitations are not on His end. Proverbs contains several admonitions for us to get wisdom. Again, this shows that wisdom is available. Let us increase in wisdom today by asking for it and by confessing that we have it by faith. Solomon suggested that we call wisdom our sister and understanding our close friend.

I believe I receive wisdom from God today. Wisdom is my sister and understanding, my close friend.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 116

Day 116

I Corinthians 9:27 Amplified Version

 "But I like a boxer] I buffet my body -- handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships --- and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit -- not stand the test and be unappproved -- and rejected as a counterfeit]."

Our bodies will not experience full redemption until Jesus calls us to Heaven. When, in the twinkling of an eye, we exchange corruption for incorruption and mortality for immortality, we will collect the balance of what is due us in the redemption of our bodies. Meanwhile, our bodies remain earthly. We are responsible for managing them properly.

As long as our bodies are in this world, we are subject to sickness and disease. To live in health, we must follow natural laws and take advantage of the spiritual laws given us, to make up for what natural laws cannot do.

Another part of being in the world is being subject to the lust of the flesh. Our bodies have feelings, and those feelings can lead us into temptation. Therefore, we must discipline ourselves to endure temptation and live above sin. Paul talked about disciplining and subduing his body, so he would not  become unfit himself, after helping others to overcome. We must do the same, if we want to guarantee success. It is very important that we have a habit of roughing up our bodies and making them subject to our spirits.

Through fasting, we can teach our bodies that our bellies are not our gods. The lust for food has hindered people from obeying God. Like Jesus, we need to be able to miss a meal and say, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me."

Through exercise, which helps us maintain good health, we can teach our bodies to follow our commands. As our bodies learn to follow instructions, we will be able to obey the Holy Spirit and get up when we feel like sleeping. Our bodies will understand that they may not participate in sin, no matter how appealing it may be.

By strengthening our spirits, we stand a better chance of remaining healthy physically. We are also more likely to stay out of trouble. Our goal should always be to nourish our spirits more than our bodies. Spiritual domination will help eliminate fleshly failures. So, let us send a clear message today. May our bodies hear us say, "You will not eat more than you should. You  will eat what I permit you to. You will exercise until I say it is enough. You will read, meditate and pray at my command and not at your convenience. You will obey me." ("I" and "me" represent the spirit inside, which God intends to dominate us, as He leads.)

I will discipline my body to assist my spirit. My body will not dominate me. I will fast, pray, and exercise, and do whatever the Holy Spirit leads, to establish the proper order of command: spirit, soul, then body.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 129

Day 129

Malachi 4:2

 “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."

God always wants to be a blessing to all who will allow Him. Every organized system will produce what it was designed to produce, if the proper procedures are followed. God is totally organized. He has designed His system to produce blessings. James I :17 said every good and perfect gift comes from God. We learn from Malachi 4:2 that healing is in God's system, and the procedure for obtaining it is having reverence for the  name  of the Lord. Healing has been provided for us through Jesus Christ, but everyone is not experiencing it.

When we respect someone's name, our behavior in regards to the person demonstrates that respect. If  someone makes a request to us in the name of a particular dignitary, our response will be in accordance with the respect we have for that name, or that person. A name represents the person. How we respond to a name is not based on the sound of the letters used to spell it, but who is represented by that name.

Before we dogmatically declare that we reverence the name of the Lord, let us forget the religious acts we perform, and rather examine our reaction to God's messages sent to us. We receive requests in His name through the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirits, the gifts of the Spirit, and perhaps a few other ways. In any case, it is important to remember that it is our response to God's direction and instructions for our lives that determine our level of reverence for His name. Our respect for the name of the Lord will cause us to have faith in whatever He says. Faith is what brings results.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 115

Day 115

Psalm 1:3

 "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither and whatsover he doeth shall prosper.”

In this verse, the psalmist describes the forecast of a person who meets the following criteria:

1.  He does not follow ungodly counsel.

2.  He does not stand in the path where sinners walk.

3.   He does not participate in scorning or

mocking.

4.  His delight is in the law of God.

5.  He habitually mediates God's Word day and night.

 This person will experience victory at all times. Like a tree planted by the river, he will never be away from his source of life. Consequently, his due season will always be on time. He will never dry up, and all he does will prosper.

It is easy to understand how that kind of godly living  will produce prosperity. Romans 8:6 says, "...to be spiritually minded is life and peace." When we give God's Word priority in our lives and separate ourselves from all that  displeases  the Lord, we cannot help but win. That does not mean we will not face challenges or obstacles. It means we will always win in the end.

When we really understand what God's commands are for, we can easily delight in them. They are  not just to restrict  us, but rather to benefit us. I John 5:3 tells us they are not grievous or burdensome. So, let us pray today that our spiritual eyes will be opened to understand the sweetness of God's Word, so we will have no difficulty in habitually mediating it.

I will follow only godly advice and stay in the paths of righteousness. I will refrain from scorning or mocking. I will absolutely delight in God's Word and habitually meditate it. Everything I do will prosper.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 114

Day 114

Psalm 29:11 Amplified Version

 "The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the lord will bless His people with peace."

It is so comforting to know that as God's people,  we have a source of supply that is not available to the world. How often have we wondered how we would make it with our natural strength? Then, when the strength of God kicked in, we  were able to testify that because of Him, our mission was accomplished, and we were still standing.

The psalmist, David, said the Lord will give strength. He must have realized that every time he ran out of his own  abilities, God's supernatural power came to keep him winning.

Our loving Father cares for us and is very particular about us. He always supplies what we need. Let us open up and receive from Him. Although we must do our part to take care of ourselves, He is a very present help when we need more than what we have to make it.

I am grateful for the divine supply that meets my human deficiency. I receive strength from God today to accomplish what needs to be done.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 113

Day 113

I Thessalonians 1:3 Amplified Version

 "We ought and indeed are obligated [as those in debt/ to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly, and the love  of every one of you each toward the others is increasing and abounds."

The God kind of faith is not of this world. Therefore,  it is neither obtained or maintained by simple existence on this planet. Faith comes by hearing God's Word. Doing the Word, or acting on faith that comes keeps it alive. Faith that is not acted upon dies. As James said, "Faith without works is dead." If there is no corresponding action to our faith, it becomes useless.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians, expressing his gratitude to God for what he saw happening among them. One thing he observed was that their faith was growing.  One way to maintain faith is to see that it grows. For faith to grow, it must continue to be fed faith food -- God's Word. Then  it must be exercised. We must be doers. Also, since faith works by love, we must nurture our love walk by confessing and  practicing love. Paul not only observed that the Thessalonians' faith was growing, but he also noticed an increase in the love they had toward each other.

Let us feed and exercise our faith today. Since we have a spiritual life to maintain, we need spiritual food and exercise,  just like our physical bodies need physical  food  and exercise. Let us also nourish our love walk, which helps everything else function properly.

I will feed and exercise my faith today. I will also nurture my love walk. As a result, my faith will grow and he maintained.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 112

Day 112

Acts 14:9-10

 "The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked"

Acts 14 records the marvelous healing of a man  who was born a cripple and had never walked. He heard Paul preach the gospel and developed faith to be healed.

It is interesting to note that details about the content of Paul's message were not given. It was simply stated that he preached the gospel. This indicates that healing for the physical body through Christ is a very fundamental part of the gospel.

Over the years, in many circles, the gospel has been diluted. Doubt and unbelief have caused some to eliminate physical healing as part of the gospel. This account of Paul preaching at Lystra indicates that the first century Christians saw healing as a fundamental part of the good news about  Jesus. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The crippled man could not get faith for healing, unless he heard it offered in a convincing manner. Paul convinced him by explaining the benefits of Jesus' mission to earth.

We must become convinced that healing is available to us through Jesus Christ. As we read the gospels, the book of Acts, and the letters to the churches, we should get a clear message that healing has been provided for us. The only thing that can hinder us and make the good news ineffective is our entertaining traditions  that are contrary to the  Bible. Jesus said to the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 15:6 (Amplified Version), "So for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers), you have set aside the Word of God -depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect."

May we discard every tradition or any other hindrances to our receiving the benefit Jesus suffered to provide for us. He was brutally whipped 39 times, and the Word says with those stripes we were healed. Let us gratefully receive deliverance from sickness and disease.

I will build faith for healing, because it has been given to me. By the stripes of Jesus, I was healed.