Lord, of a person working their
way up a mountainside. I've
come part way up and made a
campsite. I've broken camp and
started higher, only to find that I
am unable to make progress
and must return to my former
spot to make camp again. I
have left camp during the day
and explored the land higher up
finding wonderful places to live,
but I am unable to stay there,
and I return again to my original
site. I have not been able to
actually break camp and
relocate to a higher level of
living. I know that You are
calling me there, but I know that
my effort cannot bring me there.
What is it that You are wanting
to do in my heart to make that
move possible?
forgiveness, love, and life you would still be dead in your sins and existing in that death far
below in the valley. You depended not on your goodness or worth to bring you life, but on Me,
and the pull you are now feeling on your heart can only be accomplished in the same way.
The area between the life you are now experiencing and the one you long for is full of
issues that lie deep in your heart. These are even the strongholds of the enemy that seem so
much like normal life that you can hardly identify them. They include laying aside your own
preferences and cultivating a thankful heart. You need to trust Me, finally, and believe that I
am not only good, but infinitely kind. The fear in your heart is not a premonition from Me but
rather a flaming missile sent by our enemy to destroy you. Remember to take up your shield
of faith: faith in My goodness, My kindness, My sovereignty, and My love. I am the Father of
mercies and the God of all comfort. Do not give the devil opportunity by allowing disaster
scenarios to be played out before your eyes or in your mind. I have given you discernment as a
protection for yourself and, if used in the body of believers, as a tool for edification. Do not
allow it to be twisted into a critical spirit. Listen to My heart and pray always for those who need
Me. Be willing to give up personal comfort or time for the purpose of interceding with Me as I
direct you.
You can do none of these things by yourself. You haven't the strength for the trip. You've
tried that before. You are more than helpless; you are dead. Your were crucified with Me,
remember? You were buried with Me and raised to a new life in Me. It is no longer your life but
Mine resurrected through you. The temptations to bitterness, worry, fear, and criticism have no
power over a dead person. It's not your life anymore; it's Mine, and these must all answer to
Me. My life not only conquers temptation, but is proactive through intercession as well. My
Spirit is all-powerful but shows itself to humanity in gentleness, humility, and the sweet aroma of
a life intimate with Me. My Spirit brings you liberty and transforms your life into one lived at
greater heights, moving upward yet bestowing blessing to help others who are finding their way
along the journey as well.
Leave the burden of your old ways behind you, and I will carry you to the places you long
for. I can keep you there and make them your home. I died and rose again that you might
have newness of life. Come and receive it.
2 Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 6:1-4; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:9-11; Galatians 2:20
Romans 6; Titus 3:1-11; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Romans 6:4
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