Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 90

Day 90

Revelation 3:3a

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent."

To remember means to recall, or to bring up to consciousness items stored in memory. In Revelation 3, Jesus expressed concern about people who knew the right way to go, but had strayed almost completely away from it. They had just enough ritual and routine left to look alive, but he considered them dead. His exhortation to them was to first remember.

We must remember the highlights of our spiritual experience - the times of peace, joy, contentment and zeal for the things of God. We should remember how we applied God's Word to bring those things into manifestation. We should

remember our sweet fellowship with Him. What is left of what we had to cherish? The next thing He exhorted them to do was to hold fast.

When we seem to be losing everything and are left holding on with very little to keep us in tact, we must grasp tightly to what we have left with gratitude. We should be thankful that it has been enough to keep us afloat. It is what remains that enables us to regroup. When we grab hold of what is left, then we go to the next step. Jesus told them to repent.

To repent means to go the other way, to move in the opposite direction, beginning with a change of mind. As we hold fast to what remains, we must realize that we cannot stand forever with the little we have left. It is necessary to go the way that will renew our relationship and, consequently, our strength.

Let us focus on what we need to do to strengthen our stand today, and immediately act to contribute to our spiritual well-being. The natural world is temporary. The spiritual world is eternal. We should always put more emphasis on that which will last forever.

I will remember, hold fast, and repent. With God's help, I will be vic­torious.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 89

Day 89

Ephesians 6:24

"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen"

God desires so much for us to love Him in sincerity. If we think for a moment, there is a difference between how we feel when we are around those who love us sincerely and those who love us as a duty. It is not difficult to figure out which group makes us feel better. Jesus differentiated between those who loved Him in word and those who loved Him in deed. He referred to those who were obedient as the ones who truly loved Him.

Paul expressed his wish that grace be to all those who love Jesus sincerely. Grace is God's willingness to use His power on our behalf, even though we could not deserve it. There have been so many things God has done for us, when it was obvious that we did not earn his favor. Oh, how wonderful He is! A songwriter said, 'Think about His love; think about His goodness; think about His grace that's brought us through..." If we would meditate enough on God's goodness and express gratitude to Him, it may help us to love Him in sincerity.

 I will meditate on the goodness of the Lord and express gratitude to Him. I love God sincerely and His grace is with me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 88

Day 88

Matthew 18:8                              

"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."

Spiritual choices are not usually that difficult if the scripture tells us what to do, or if we have clear direction our spirits about the matter. They can sometimes be uncomfortable for our flesh, but it would be insulting to call them "hard" decisions.

We should have a few scriptures like Matthew 18:8 embedded in our spirits to remind us of how simple spiritual \decisions are. It is not that every choice we make will mean either heaven or hell. However, we are headed in one direction or the other all t e time. We make spiritual decisions that are heavenly or hellish. Our choices take us closer to God, or lead us away from Him.

Let us keep all spiritual decisions simple by not consulting our flesh or entertaining input from it. These are n t decisions to determine how we will feel, or how we will be\ pacified. These are decisions to demonstrate that we want to please God and not Satan. Every spiritual decision we make should remind us that we will one day hear Him say, "Well done!" We want to lease Him who has chosen us.

I will make all spiritual choices based on my desire and determination to please God at all times.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 87

Day 87

Matthew 16:26

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Every day there is a possibility that we can be pressured into making a decision that will do us spiritual damage. We can pacify our flesh, do what feels good or satisfying for the moment and propel ourselves backward. On the other hand, we can control ourselves, endure the temptation and be pushed forward spiritually by the forces within us.

It is easier to prepare mentally to make the right choice in a particular situation, after we have blown it before and learned to despise the consequences of our wrong decision. We should thank God that there is a better way. Although experience is a good teacher, it is not the best one.

The best way to equip ourselves to make the right choices is to build our spirits up. (The real man is on the inside of us the part of us that has been born again is our spirit. Actually, our bodies are temporary suits that we will discard or have transformed into eternal suits. Our spirits are already eternal.) Our spirit, which is born of God, is the part of us most capable of making godly decisions. Therefore, that is the part of us that we must make strong.

The apostle Paul said in Acts 20:32 that the Word of God will build us up. Peter said in his first epistle that the milk of the Word helps us grow. We must read, meditate and memorize scripture. The psalmist said in Psalm 119:11, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Let us give ourselves doses of the Word daily, beginning at the start of the day.

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 22:40 to pray that they did not enter temptation. Paul said in I Corinthians 14:4 that the person who speaks in other tongues builds himself up. Praying in other tongues, or praying in the Holy Spirit, charges us up. Jude agreed with this in the 20th verse of his letter. In Ephesians 6, as Paul concluded his description of the whole armor of God, he recommended that we pray always. Let us pray, as I Thessalonians 5:17 admonishes us, unceasingly throughout the day, not only when we are in a "closet," but while we are doing other things as well.

James 3 tells us that our tongues steer the course of nature. Proverbs 18:21 declares that life and death are in the power of the tongue. We must act in faith and declare that what we have prayed about is coming to pass. If we commit our tongues and conduct to God, let us operate in the spirit of faith and declare what we believe, as Paul admonished us in II Corinthians 4:13.

I will get God's Word in me. I will pray always. I will operate in tire spirit of faith. I will commit my ways to God and make confessions in line with the Word.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 86

Day 86

Matthew 18:14

"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

 In Matthew 18, Jesus had strong words of warning to anyone who would hurt children or hinder them spiritually. He warned that they each have an angel that is continually in the presence of God. That could mean that they report on what is being done to those in their care. This could result in adults failing to receive answers to prayer, or having blessings due them held up.

Jesus said in Matthew 8:14 that God did not want one little child to be lost. He is more particular about the way children are treated, because they are dependent on adults. They are not old enough to make many decisions for themselves. For the most part, it is up to adults as to what they see, hear and experience. As children grow up, their decisions are often affected by childhood training and experience. Most children, if they receive the right input, will make good choices, as they reach an age of accountability and become responsible for their own decisions.

Before we conclude that this lesson only applies to the young children living in our homes, let us realize that they are not the only children we will be held accountable for. Every child we have opportunity to interact with will have an experience that will either help them or hurt them. So, it is important that we see them through God's eyes and treat them accordingly. Many children who were raised in a negative, unhealthy environment were helped to make the right choices by the input of a loving, caring adult who had no blood relationship to them. Every word and every gesture counts. Let us make positive input in some children today - whether they are our own or not. We can pray when we are unable to do anything else.

I will be a part of the answer for children today. With God's help, I will make a positive difference.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 85

Day 85

Ephesians 6:15

 KJV: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

NIV: And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace"

J.B. Phillips: "the gospel of peace firmly on your feet"

Amplified: And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness and readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."

A person in a fight must have his feet in a state of readiness. This is true in a real battle of life and death, as well as in a sports battle, such as tennis, basketball, etc. When the moment comes to attack, counterattack or defend oneself, being flat-footed can cause timing to be off. If timing is off, it could result in a loss.

Jesus said in John 16:4 NIV, "I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first, because I was with you." He wanted His disciples to be prepared in the event they faced persecution, or even martyrdom. As long as He was physically with them, they had nothing to be concerned about. It was their time of preparation, and He shielded them from everything that could alarm or hurt them. However, the time would come when He would send them off to accomplish the mission for which they had been prepared.

Jesus predicted all the calamities of the end times; all the wickedness and the evil state and backsliding of mankind in the last days. He foretold of division in families, because some decided to serve Christ. He warned of false prophets coming in His name. We have even been told of persecution facing all Christians, and martyrdom facing some true believers.

A consistent study of, and meditation upon, God's Word will help us stay ready on our feet. Constant communion with the Holy Spirit will also positively affect us, since His role is to prepare us. He teaches us, guides us into truth and shows us things to come.

I will remain ready as I stay in communion with God through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 84

Day 84

Ezekiel 12: 19, 20 NIV

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God."

The passage above reveals what God had to say about people who had a desire to do what was right. God does not give undivided hearts, new spirits or hearts of flesh to persons who do not want them. On the other hand, isn't it wonderful to know that He is a heart fixer for those who want their heart fixed?

This is one of the most important things for a person to know, whose heart is toward God. Sinners have sometimes hesitated to become Christians, because they are sincere and they fear not being able to live right. Backsliders have hesitated to return to God for the same reason. Christians struggle with their flesh and work in their natural strength, frustrating themselves, trying to achieve spiritual goals. Although there is a part for us to play, it is most valuable to know what God is willing and able to do.

Again, God promises to enable those who already want to serve Him. In other words, if we have a genuine desire, He is willing to supply the power to fulfill that desire. We must not be defeated in our minds and allow discouragement to set in because of seemingly insurmountable struggles against our flesh. Burdensome struggles over our flesh should be presented to God. It is amazing what He can and will do if we are truly sincere. Sometimes when we see that the Word already tells us what we must do, we feel like there is no use going to God about it. However, we miss it when we think we are left to ourselves to even do the Word alone. We must do the Word, but the Holy Spirit will help us.

Cry out for help and use the most powerful tool God has given you - the confession toward faith, which results in the confession of faith. Declare that what you have committed to God is being accomplished. Declare it consistently out of respect to God, because you count Him faithful and trustworthy. This is your confession toward faith. After doing this continually, you will arrive at your confession of faith, which will be a declaration coming out of your heart. You will have a knowing that it is done, even though you have not seen it as yet. This "knowing" is strong and explainable.

We are saved by faith. We express our desire to God, accept His faithfulness and trustworthiness and confess by faith that it is done. He gives us a heart to fulfill our confession. The new heart makes such a difference in our ability to do right. That same process is what we live by. The just are saved by faith, and the just shall live by faith.

 I expect to progress continually in my spiritual life. God will help me. I will ask for His help. I will confess that it is so until I see it manifested.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 83

Day 83

Ezekiel 22:14 NIV

"Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it"

The Lord, through Ezekiel the prophet, pronounced judgment on Israel, because of their wickedness. In chapter 22:14, He challenged them on ability to resist His punishment. No matter how strong and powerful people may appear to be, they are no match for God. We wondered at the work of God as He split the "iron curtain" and destroyed the "Berlin Wall." Lenin and Marx and their followers seemed impossible to defeat. Those who carried on their form of government in Russia and Germany appeared as if they would get away with blasphemy against God and the abuse of His people as long as they pleased. However, as Lenin's statue lies in ruins, and pieces of the Berlin wall have become souvenirs, God has demonstrated once again that no one has the ability to resist Him.

When  we are on a mission to fulfill God's plan and purpose, we should be bold and fearless. Anything that stands in our way will have no ability to resist the power of God. A psalmist said that because the Lord was on his side, he would not be afraid of what man could do to him. We can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ.

I will move forward to fulfill the plans and purposes God  for my life. No one will be able to withstand me, and nothing will be able to stop me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 82

Day 82

Ezekiel 10:1 NIV

 "l looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sapphire above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim."

The prophet Ezekiel reported that he saw the likeness of, or what appeared to be, a throne of sapphire. In these earthly houses (bodies) we live in, we are limited to interpreting spiritual things. We are reacting to spiritual things as they appear to us. Sometimes we are right. Other times, we are wrong. Paul said we see like a poor reflection in a mirror. We understand partially. The time is coming when we will see clearly and understand perfectly.

Meanwhile, are we stuck with, or limited to, our perception of things? Can we do no more than move around in the haze and react to what we think we see? Psalm 25:14 NIV says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them." Jesus said in John 14:21 NIV: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and show myself to him." The scripture reveals that we are not stuck with our limited perception. Through our intimate relationship with God, we can gain clear insight. He who knows all things perfectly is willing to share with those who hunger for that knowledge. He spreads a table continually for us. I Corinthians 2:9, 10 NIV says, "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him - but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit."

Communion with the Holy Spirit can produce clear spiritual  insight for us.  Now we know that the level of revelation will match the level of intimacy. We monitor how much we share with people, depending on how well we know them and how close our relationship is with them. We just don't tell everybody anything and everything we know. So it is with God. There is a secret place of the Most High. The deeper we get into that place and the more we abide in it, the more we will know and understand clearly. There is one who knows it all, and we must seek to know Him.

I will seek to know God more and more. I am getting closer to God, and God is getting closer to me. As I commune with the Holy Spirit, I will get clearer and clearer understanding of what I need to know.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 81

Day 81

I    Kings 3:14, 15 NIV

 "Elisha said, ' surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you. But now bring me a harpist"

In II Kings 3, we find the story of a king who did not serve God wholeheartedly, yet God delivered him, because of who he was with. Jesus said we are the salt of the earth. Salt is a preservative. It is applied to foods that cannot be saved from rotting without it, and it makes a difference between the destruction and the survival of those foods. So, likewise, we make the difference between destruction and survival of our towns and cities.

Jehoram, the son of Ahab, was not as wicked as his parents, but he still followed the ungodly example of another king (Jeroboam). When Jehoram went out o war, (he enlisted the aid of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, who was godly king. When the prophet of God was called upon to assist then\ in a crisis, Jehoram was told by the prophet that help was coming, only because Jehoshaphat was among them. God wrought a mighty! deliverance for the team of three kings, because one of them was a godly man.

We have a great responsibility as intercessors in our areas of dwelling and influence. Not only do we need to pray, we need to live a life that will make a difference. When God brings deliverance to our area, people around us should know that it was because of us and our relationship with God. The deliverance of the three kings was a testimony to the power of godly living. It was because of one man's dedication to serve God that the miracle took place.

Paul was able to gain deliverance and protection for all the men on the ship with him on the way to Rome. The only reason they were saved was because Paul was on the ship. God delivered them on his behalf. Would God intervene in a situation because of us? If He did, would it be a testimony that would glorify Him because of the life we live? God saved Egypt from the devastating effects of a seven-year famine, because Joseph was there. All Egypt should have recognized that Joseph was a man of God used to save them. The king of Egypt acknowledged that the Spirit of God was in Joseph and promoted him to Prime Minister, or second in command.

When we live as we ought before God and man, people will even seek us out in the time of trouble, and we will have the opportunity to glorify God by bringing deliverance. God can and will save others because of us.

I will be an intercessor in prayer and in deeds. I will position myself to be used of God to bring deliverance and demonstrate the benefits of godly living.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 80

Day 80

Ephesians 6:11

 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Paul exhorted the church of Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God. That statement denotes responsibility on our part. Everything is not automatically in place. We must willfully take what has been provided for us and use it according to the instructions given.

Armor and soldiers work together. The armor cannot work without the soldier, and the soldier cannot be protected and equipped for battle without the armor. Too many Christians have new armor that works well, but is unused. They are unprepared when attacks come.

If the enemy bursts in on a soldier, and he is in his pajamas, he can become frantic, because his attacker is ready for battle and he is not. If we are dressed for war when our enemy bursts in, we are expecting him, and he is a loser. Furthermore, when we get dressed, we are not just waiting for him (unless all we have on is defensive armor). We are the ones doing the bursting in. He can scarcely take us by surprise, because we are always the aggressor, the attacker. We are surprising him most of the time.

Something must be done to remind us to stay dressed. There are so many distractions for us. We are tempted to switch pieces of our armor for harmful clothing. We are tempted to put on cares, fears and worries; lust, pride and covetousness; jealousy, envy and strife; complacency, pleasure and lasciviousness. How do we get tempted to wear improper clothing? Situations, circumstances and audio-visual aids bombard us. Let us understand this and "tempt" ourselves to stay dressed with God's clothing. Let us create situations, circumstances and audio-visual aids that will bombard us with reminders to wear the proper clothing - the full armor of God.

Remember, the main weapon we should use for gaining ground is the sword of the spirit-the Word of God. Let us go forward! Concentrate on the sword, because the Word takes care of all the other armor. The Word gives us our helmet, breastplate, girdle, shoes and shield. So, as we focus on the Word, all else will fall in place.

I  will create situations, circumstances and audio-visual aids that will bombard me with reminders to wear the proper clothing - the whole armor of God. I will particularly focus on the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. The Word will produce everything else.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 79

Day 79

Ephesians 6:17

"And take..... the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God."

The sword of the spirit is the only offensive piece of armor mentioned, besides prayer. Prayer can be used defensively and offensively. The sword is not designed for defense, but for offense.

What do we want? Do we want to maintain ground? God did not ordain that His people should maintain ground only. His plan is for us to invade and conquer, and to gain ground. The path of the just is supposed to get brighter and brighter. We are destined to go from glory to glory. The gates of Hell cannot prevail against the church. The church is supposed to be advancing and Hell resisting, with the end result proving that we are more than conquerors through Christ.

What makes the difference in how things work out for us? Is it God's choice? God has already stated His choice. He will not alter what has gone forth from His lips. His Word is forever settled in Heaven. There is no shadow of turning with God. So, who has to change? We do! We must adapt ourselves to the plan that will not change. If God has equipped us with armor so we can defend ourselves and also gain ground, we must check up on how we are using what he has given us.

I will adapt to the plan God has for me. I will use the weapons He has given me to gain ground. I am going from glory to glory.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 78

Day 78

I  Samuel 13:15

 "Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone:"

This verse is extracted from a sad story with a tragic ending. Amnon schemed, because of his lust, to engage in sexual activity with his half sister. She was a beautiful girl and he thought he loved her so much until it made him sick. A "friend" helped him plot to get her in his bedroom. She pleaded with him to do what was right, but he raped her anyway. After the assault, he wanted nothing to do with her. He could not stand her and sent her away disgraced. Did he ever love her?

It is very important that we not base our value on other people's opinion. Someone who could "love" us so much one minute could hate us another minute. It depends on the motivation for their "love." All love is not true love. Some is lust or selfishness. We can be devastated by the conduct of those who say they love us, if we base our worth on their opinions.

God truly loves us. He has proven it and continues to prove it. He is definitely unselfish. His love gave, and it keeps on giving. His thoughts towards us are for continual good and not evil. We are valuable and precious. There is no higher opinion than God's. Let us hold fast to the knowledge of His love for us and confess it regularly. Appreciate kind expressions of others, but don't formulate your opinion of yourself from them. Stay humble and neutral in response to the "love" of others.

I will emphasize God's love for me and value myself based upon His love. I will stay humble and neutral in my response to the expressions of love from others.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 77

Day 77

Ezekiel 19: 10-12 NIV

 "Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water. Its branches were strong,fit for a ruler’s scepter. It towered high above the thick foliage, conspicuous for its height and for its many branches. But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them."

The above verses were extracted from Ezekiel 19, which is a lamentation about the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder to us about the fragility of power and success. You can spend years growing a beautiful, strong tree, which could be cut down in seconds. You can build a huge building over many years, and it can be reduced to rubble in seconds. It is so important to keep proper values and priorities. We must keep ourselves and our accomplishments in proper perspective.

Moses warned Israel not to forget how they got what they got once they had gotten it. Forgetting things causes us to lose perspective. There are things that need to be forgotten, but there are other things that need to be consistently remembered. A good memory of certain things can aid us in saving our "trees" and "buildings" from sudden destruction.

It may behoove us to set up reminders, as the Israelites were instructed to do. Reminders can be audio/visual objects or habits developed for a specific purpose. Jesus instructed us to celebrate communion in remembrance of Him. It is vitally important that we remember Him and all He means to us, as well as the way He wants us to live.

I   humble myself continually before God,who is my source. I remember continually from whence I came, how I came to where I am, and whose/ am.

Come Up Higher, Vol.1 | Day 76

Day 76

Nehemiah 8:9-10 NIV

"Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, 'This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred t,o, our Lord. Do not give, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'

It is understandable that the Israelites would weep as they heard the law, because they were not keeping it. They could not keep what they did not know. Some were understanding for the first time. They were realizing that they were out of line with God's will. They were not keeping the law as required. However, to end with weeping would be to end with the wrong attitude. Once they heard and realized what to do, it was time to celebrate being able to do what God had requested.

We can be convicted because of what we hear, and feel sorry for our error. Nevertheless, after we are sorry and repent, rejoicing should follow. Then we should celebrate receiving knowledge, and plan to do what we know. To act otherwise is to act as though God is dead. If you memorize someone, there is a finality to the service. Whatever you did not do before could  never be done. Discussing  what the person wanted done that never was done can produce sorrow and end, at best, in solemnness. However, if the person were to come back to life, the ceremony would probably conclude on a high note. Laughter and applause would erupt as a plan is unveiled to accomplish what was not already done.

God is not dead. He is alive. We still have time to do what He wants. Let us rejoice in that, and get with it.

 I will rejoice at the discovery of what God wants me to do. Sorrow will tum to laughter and mourning will tum to joy. Joy will give me strength to accomplish the task.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 75

Day 75

Ezekiel 10:15-17 NIV

"When the cherubim moved, the wheels beside them moved: and when the cherubim spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not leave their side. When the cherubim stood still, they also stood still: and when the cherubim rose, they rose with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in them."

I get the impression that the wheels were empowered by creatures called cherubim. The wheels, as they were described, seemed to be like flying saucers. They moved as the cherubim moved. The Bible refers to us, God's children, as vessels and the Body of Christ. These terms speak of a dependency on empowerment, or vehicles that function on behalf of someone else.

A vessel is a container which someone uses to transport substances from one location to another. A body is a "suit" which transports a person from one location to another. Neither vessels move independently.

 The wheels Ezekiel saw were full of the spirit of the cherubim and moved or stood still based on the activity of the cherubim, or living creatures. Our goal should be to be the "wheels" of God. Total surrender should be our lifestyle until we move when God moves and stand still when He stands still, because we are so yielded- to His spirit.

We are challenged, because we have us and Him to transport. It takes daily effort to have more of Him and less of us operating our "wheels." We must focus on the fact that He is more powerful and more glorious. He will make us work better and look better. So, whenever our decisions do not match His, and we see an opportunity to choose, let us hold up our "Yield" signs to the living God.

My entire being is a vehicle of God. I will move with Him and stop with Him. He will govern my conduct. I am filled with His  Spirit. I yield to the Master.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 74

Day 74

Ezekiel 10:3-4 NIV

"Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the Lord rose from above cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord."

This scripture talks about the glory of God moving from the inner court to the outer court. It reminds me that the glory of God and the effects of that glory can be experienced at different levels and in dif­ferent circumstances. Sometimes we can think we must be in a certain place, doing a certain thing, in order to experience God's glory. Surely there is a benefit to being in the Most Holy Place, but we must be open to experiencing God's glory in the outer court as well. The presence of God can be felt and experienced while singing happy praise songs or while just washing dishes or cleaning the car and thinking about. the Lord. We must increase our awareness of God being with us in the everyday activities of life.

The more we realize God's constant presence with us, whether we feel it or not, the more He will affect the way we live. It is a good practice to talk candidly, without formality, to God during normal activities. If we just wait for our devotional time or church services, we can subconsciously expect to be affected by His presence only during those times.

It is wonderful to experience God's presence in the sanctuary set aside for worship, etc. It "is great to have His manifested presence in our prayer closet. However, those are places we visit. It is more important to have an awareness of God in the places where we are tempted and tried. There is a song that says, "Let your glory fill this place..." Let us break out with that song or something similar in a very "unspiritual" place and expect His glory to fill that place. We don't go to the temple anymore, because we are the temple of God, according to I Corinthians 3: I6-17.

I will expect God's presence and glory to be with me wherever I am at all times.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 73

Day 73

Isaiah 63:7

"I will mention the lovingkindness of the Lord and the praises of the Lord according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses."

When reading Isaiah 63:7, we can see that we have not praised God according to His performance. If we were to render praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness, mercies, lovingkindness and all that He has bestowed on us, we would be continually grateful. Before we get to the provisions He has made for His children, we can realize that He even provides for the ungodly. He makes the sun shine on the just and the unjust.

According to His great goodness toward His people, we should never murmur or complain. We have not even laid hold of half of what He has given us. He daily loads us with benefits. For the most part, it is up to us. Our faith and obedience will determine how much we can experience each day.

His mercies and lovingkindness are immeasurable. When we comprehend and grasp a little of the impact that God's mercy and lov­ingkindness has had on our lives, we will walk, talk and act differently.

Each time we are tempted to complain or entertain sadness, let us meditate upon the greatness of Our God in relationship to His goodness, mercies and lovingkindness. We should be forever grateful.

I will increase my praise. By my words and actions, I will praise God more and more. I am grateful to God for who He is and what He has done for me.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 72

Day 72

Isaiah 60:6; I Peter 2:9

"The multitudes of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord."

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:"

 The verses above connect splendor and glory to the praises of God. In Isaiah 60:6, Isaiah. speaks of camels corning with gold and incense. In I Peter 2:9, Peter talks about our being chosen, royal and special.

Yes, our God is splendid! He has brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. There is a place for the quiet, personal, private praise. There is also a place for the grand, outward show of celebration of who Our God is and what He has done. We dare not substitute one for the other. They both have a valuable place and purpose.

We must be perceptive as to the right place and timing for grand praise. However, we must know surely that Our God is too great to limit our praise of Him to the closet.

I will praise God privately and publicly. I will have my private moments of praise. I will also make a big fuss about Him as I celebrate His greatness publicly.

Come Up Higher, Vol. 1 | Day 71

Day 71

Psalm 149:6

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;"

 The high praises are those who exalt God - those who declare His greatness as unsurpassable, His glory as unmatchable, His wisdom as past finding out. Of what benefit is it to have the high praises of God in our mouths? It ministers to God, who is our Father. It also ministers to us, who are His children, as we face the challenges of life. As we praise Him with high praises, we put things in their proper perspective and cause problems to shrink in our own eyes.

 I will let the high praises of God be in my mouth.