Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 137

Day 137

John 10:10

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

How do we feel about living today? Does it correspond to Jesus' intentions for us? If we are not  enjoying  an overflowing life, then we are disconnected, at least in part, from the plan of God through Jesus Christ. If He came to provide abundant living, He did not fail. There is no failure in Christ.

There are many facets to our abundant life. We can see them like the many gadgets in our houses that make  them modern dwellings. There is an object we operate to  cause running water to come out. There is another that causes lights to come on, and another that starts the central air climate control system. All these systems are connected to sources outside the home. If something does not work, we do not automatically assume the fault is with the source. We examine the machinery that makes the connection. Although natural sources can malfunction, nothing is ever wrong with our spiritual  source. God does not fail. The fault is always in our connections. It is important that we know what to expect, so we can know  when we need to check our connections. Jesus has provided a full, enjoyable life. Of course, that is not to be interpreted in worldly terms. The world cannot understand a man in a  developed society who would happily give his life to minister to primitive people who have no modem  conveniences.  Enjoying a full  life in Christ is an inner satisfaction and fulfillment. It is lacking nothing necessary to fulfill our divine purpose with joy.

As we examine our lives, if something is missing,  we can check our manual, the Bible, and make sure our connections are right. One thing we must examine is our words. The Bible indicates that two people cannot walk together in disagreement. So, we must be sure we are saying what God says and not contradicting Him.

Another point of examination is our actions. Jesus said the doer of the Word is blessed. God told Joshua that as he did what he meditated on in the Word, he would be successful and prosperous.

We need to check our status today. If abundant  life  is not in any facet of our existence, then we must adjust our connections and let the life of Christ flow in.

I will have abundant life in every area of my existence. I will adjust all connections in every area where God's life is not evident. My life will be full.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 136

Day 136

Romans 4:16

"Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, hut to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,"

Paul noted in Romans 4 that God's promise to Abraham was made to his seed through the righteousness of faith, so we could all benefit. In other words, since we are Abraham's seed by faith, we are included with the natural seed, when it comes to Abraham's blessing.

Romans 4:16 said the promise depends on faith, so it could be sure to us who are Abraham's seed by faith. When something is sure, it is guaranteed. There is no risk involved. A guaranteed promise gives us security. We do not need to wonder about whether or not we are entitled to it. No discussion is necessary. All we need to do is accept it.

I accept Abraham’s blessings as mine.  I  am Abraham’s seed by faith and, therefore, an heir of the promise to him.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 135

Day 135

Zechariah 12:10

"And I will pour upon the House of David, and  upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourneth for His only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is  in bitterness for His firstborn."

Zechariah prophesied about Israel's future.  In  the twelfth verse, he said the day would come when the Jews would mourn for Jesus, whom they pierced. Hundreds of years would pass before He was pierced, and thousands of years before they would mourn for Him. Prophecy is a remarkable thing. This prophecy shows us that God is fully aware of the future.

If we know that it is going to rain today, we will plan accordingly. We would probably carry our umbrellas and raincoats with us. We would be sure our car windows are rolled up. We would probably plan indoor  activities  whenever possible. Our Father knows when it will rain or shine in our  lives, and He has made preparations for us. Whenever we are taken by surprise, let us remember two things. First, God is not surprised, and He has a plan we can get in on, if we connect to Him. So, we can remain calm and in control. Secondly, may we be reminded that our walk with Him needs to get closer and closer, so we are not surprised as much.

Three Hebrew men were once placed in a fiery furnace (Daniel 3), but they were not afraid, They were confident that their future was secure, because they had committed it to God. God showed up because of their faith, but He did not come up with a plan on the spot. He knew long before then  how  He would deliver them.

Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to show us things to come. As we fellowship with Him more, we will be taken by surprise less and less. Let us allow Him to increase our sense of security. Even when we do not know what the future holds, we can rest, knowing that He plans only good for our future.

I will fellowship more with the Holy Spirit. I will he surprised less and less. I will. remain calm and in control, knowing that God has a good plan for me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 134

Day 134

Psalm 16:8

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

There is a sure way for us to move with confidence. It is to know that the Lord is at our right hand, that He supports what we are doing. The psalmist said he set the Lord always before him. He did not allow the Lord to get out of his sight. To do that, he had to meditate God's Word continually, since he could not always physically see God. That caused him to make godly decisions. When he made godly decisions, he was confident that God was with him.

If we go our own way without consulting God or choose to go against the Bible, we cannot have full assurance of victory when we are challenged. It is best for us to do as Solomon  said in Proverbs 3:5 and 6. He advised us to rely on God and not our own understanding, and to acknowledge Him so we can receive direction.

Let us pause and examine how much we keep the Lord before us. Have we gotten so busy doing things our own way, because we are very intelligent and know quite well how to run our affairs alone? Are we seeking God only when we have  a need and do not know how to get it met? The Lord should be always before us. Sometimes, when we think we need Him the least is when we need Him most.

I will keep the Lord always before me. He will remain at my right hand and my confidence will be strong.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | 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. 1 | Day 132

Day 132

Mark4:39

"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. 1 | 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 /tis 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 127

Day 127

Proverbs 4:18

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

It is thrilling to know that there is more of God to be revealed to us; more knowledge, more understanding and more wisdom. Whatever our current struggles may be, with Christ in us, we have the hope of overcoming every challenge. We will still win, despite the fact that we are still seeking wisdom in many areas, because our path is getting brighter all the time. Insight we do not have today will come tomorrow. We will continue to increase, until we arrive at perfection.

So, let us not give up, for giving up is the only way to lose. The psalmist said we should wait on the Lord and be of good courage, so He could strengthen our spirits. A strong spirit in a man will sustain him through difficult times.

Our path is getting brighter, not dimmer. May we remember that when circumstances declare something contrary to God's Word. We walk by faith. Paul said the spirit of faith declares what it believes. So, let us declare today, since we believe God's Word, that our path is shining more and more, as we head for perfection.

My path is getting brighter and brighter as I move toward perfection. Regardless of what it looks like now, my chances of winning are getting greater every moment.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 126

Day 126

Exodus 24:8

 "Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words."

Moses read the words of the covenant God made with Israel. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. The people heard their part and God's part. They told Moses they would be obedient and do all God instructed them to do. That meant they were accepting the covenant. Moses then sprinkled the blood of the covenant on them, indicating that the agreement was then in force.

The covenant could not be established without blood. Once the blood was applied, the covenant was irreversible - it was sealed forever. If we grasp this concept, it will be easier for us to understand the integrity of God's Word. God finalized the words of the Old Covenant with blood, and He performed everything He promised. In the part of the world where these things took place, blood was the most powerful symbol in making a covenant. Since the Old Covenant was sealed with the blood of the animals and God did not alter one word, how much more secure is the New Covenant, which was sealed  by  the blood of Jesus Christ?

Jesus promised His disciples many things before His departure. He said He would not leave them comfortless, but would send the Holy Spirit. He assured them that He would return for them, and they would be where He was. They were promised supernatural power to carry on His work on earth. He made other promises. Before He departed, while having communion with them, He said the grape juice they drank represented His blood of the New Testament. That meant when His blood was shed to ratify the New Covenant, all he promised was secured.

It is up to us now to receive the covenant. Like the children of Israel, we receive that covenant by agreeing to our part. They said they would be obedient to all God's instructions. As we receive communion (an act of accepting the blood of the covenant), may we remember that it is a way of saying we will  be obedient to all of God's Word. He is always faithful to keep His Word to us.

I will he obedient to all the instructions I receive from God. I will remember my part of the covenant, as well as God's part, when I partake of Holy Communion.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 2 | Day 125

Day 125

Exodus 12:13

 "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. "

We know the blood represents life. God told the Israelites to put the blood of a lamb (a type of the blood  of  Jesus) on their door posts, so the death angel would not touch them. The blood would symbolize life to that house -  a shadow of the results of Calvary. This is where Jesus would conquer death by his sacrifice; by the shedding of His blood.

This helps us understand what is meant by "pleading the blood." To plead the blood means to claim protection from harm by applying the blood of Jesus to our lives. Just as the Israelites placed their confidence in the blood for protection as destruction came their way, we should also trust God to protect us, because of the blood of Jesus. The blood of Christ represents our redemption, our covenant and our new eternal life.

Now the blood was provided for the Israelites, but they had to apply it. Whether or not we use the same terminology, such as "pleading the blood," in some way we must make the benefits of Calvary applicable to our individual lives and circumstances. Just because something has been provided does not mean we will benefit from it. We must apply it. How do we do that? By the words of our mouth. So, let us lift up our voices and agree with God that the blood of Jesus makes a difference in our lives today. We are protected, because of the blood.

I declare that the blood of Jesus makes a difference in my life today. I am protected from every plot of the destroyer.

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, Muhammed, 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.