Moving To Higher Ground Part 1

 

What do you do when you know that you have earnestly and sincerely tried to help someone? When they have come to you to help them when nobody else would?  When you have gone out on faith and taken a risk to support them.  Well you now know that  they did not value keeping their commitment.  In turn you have been slandered, lied on, cheated, talked about and mistreated.  Well you have compassion for them. You realize they really do not “fear God.” 

 

When my helping is not helping. I’m not helping! 

This is in no way means helping by being a “busybody” in the affairs of others. Time is precious and it is “time out” for games. Not everyone believes in being responsible or keeping their commitments.  It is when you are approached with what appears to be sincerity you consider helping? This is  actually when you help someone who really wants to help themselves to you. Now it appears you were not responsible because things did not turn out as they hoped despite the minimal effort they put forth.  

 

It has been a bit disheartening to know what great lengths that others will go to and band together, just in order to discredit you.  But what they do not realize is they cannot discredit you in the eyes of God.  Somewhere down the road they will see that they missed the opportunity. What do you do?  You Praise God daily for His Omnsicience.   You now better understand what not to do.  And yes, praise be to God you become the wiser for it.  You go to “Higher Ground,” and give them and it to the Lord.

 

Plant Your Feet on Higher Ground

They will sink even lower to convince others of something that is simply not true. They will even dredge up false witnesses, really, all because you would not continue to succumb to their desires. Meaning you would not  allow them to use you. Your good intentions have now been undermined and misconstrued. What do you do? You certainly do not have a pity party.  In fact you  can be thankful because you have become wiser realizing that your discernment has been sharpened.  Now you plant your feet on “Higher Ground” and again, you simply take it to the Lord!

 

 

Jesus knows just how you feel. Despite everything they have done, did you know that you have really gained a lot?  It really does not matter how it makes you look a bit gullible. You know that the Lord knows better. Your faith and trust in Him has deepened and you are steadily moving towards “Higher Ground.”

 

 

The truth is; There are those who have an interesting perspective about what it means being Christians. I realize for some it means to attend worship, have an emotionally charged good time,  get involved in  all the activities going on, fellowship and hang out.   They can also perform very well and get their shout on.  And yes when they leave; “Church was Good!”  After all this is what has been taught to many…  But not really want to  make an effort to go deep into the Word and daily embrace the principles of GOD.   

 

 

 

Well, after all we are “Saved by Grace!”  So you really cannot expect them to want to really get to know the Lord on a personal level. 

 

 

I have learned it is wise to be very selective.  When you help others do not expect them to do the same for you.  When you are there for them the Lord knows. It is  the Lord that will bless you when you are sincere no matter how things  turns out.  Keep in mind  Christ Jesus is our Best Witness. Think about it?  By the wa,  where we all those people that Jesus helped when they were crying; “Crucify Him!”

 

The point is;

To some degree you must just grin and bear it. You must hold on to the fact that if the truth would really be told you know that they would not know how to tell it. There is a saying that “The truth can go all around the world. But a lie just has to walk across the street.” There is something so seductive about lies that some people will believe anything but the truth. But really they have been deceived. I am sure you have heard the old adage, “give them and inch and they will take a mile.” There is so much spiritual warfare on the horizon. You must learn to guard your heart. Stay alert at all times. Know the Lord’s Word for yourself so you will not be so easily swayed just by how things appear.

 

Learn to be content in the Lord

There is much contentment knowing God knows the Truth! God’s Word is so exhilarating! Remember what it also says about itching ears? It says; “For the time will come when Men/Women will not put up with sound doctrine, Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry…” Timothy 4:3-5. That time is now! Sometimes standing up for what is right means to simply sit down. 

 

Daily worship, thank  and Praise the Lord.  God wants us to live a life of praise. For everyday is a precious “GIFT” from Him.  ABBA FATHER,  “THANK YOU HALLLLELLLUJAH!!!”

 

When I read the writings of Paul I can identify with many of the things that he encountered. Paul was even bitten by a snake. Yet, Paul managed to remain faithful despite the things that were going on about Him. He knew that they distorted his every move. Yet he continued to live for the Lord. He was not looking for them to support Him he knew that the Lord did.

 

Be thankful you know God’s Word will not return void.  You do not have to force God’s Word upon anyone. 

 

Paul was persecuted for preaching the Gospel. Paul’s methods were unorthodox yet he was quite creative, steadfast and unmovable abounding in his work for the Lord. He is an excellent example of what to do when there is much chaos about you. One must learn to keep your focus upon the Lord. Learn to bridle your tongue in the process. James tells us that this will also bring about much discipline. Commence to steadily move towards ”Higher Ground.”  

 

We daily rise to serve; THE GREAT  I “AM”

 

We live in a Spiritual War Zone

We live in the 21st century where some of everything is going on. Yet, there is nothing new under the sun. Rest assured that the scriptures are being fulfilled. We are living in a Spiritual Warzone  In this technological advanced age you can literally go all over the world today without even leaving your seat.

 

You can virtually communicate with both Christians and non Christians, from a multiplicity of colors, and cultures within the various non denominations, denominations, and independents, all over the world. God is so awesome! He truly is Omnipresent! He has given us so many examples of who He is and what He is all about. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it..”

 

God does not change! His principles remain the same. You can invite Jesus into your heart wherever you are! Do you know that you can only come to the Lord unless He draws you anyway? “Jesus is the way the Truth and the life.” He really does set you free! Free to daily live for Him. Just know that there will always be those who will throw rocks and hide their hands. But don’t worry you know who made the hands. Nothing gets by God.

 

Traditional Rudimentary Disciplines and Doctrines.

As each day passes I realize that I have somewhat become disenchanted with some of the “stuff on the Church scene.” I have also come across many who share my sentiments. There is no question whether they love the Lord! Dedicated without question to God & ministry. But simply have opted out, not to get involved in the man/woman induced messiness. Although, I have submitted somewhat to its timely ordinances, traditional rudimentary disciplines and doctrines, I have gradually weaned away from its constraints that quench my spirit. I openly admit that at times  I have over the years gradually learned to comfortably sometimes take somewhat of a back seat position on occassions within the arena. But live life daily growing in God’s marvelous Grace.

 

Coliseum in Rome

I can thankfully and vividly recall what it felt like actually standing with my husband/Pastor and our group in the Coliseum in Rome Italy where they physically killed the Christians for sport. That memory is forever etched in my soul. (Here they simply try and murder you with their tongue.)  But the great thing about the Lord it does not work in the spiritual arena.  God knows  For this  I thank & praise God;  I fear no Man/Woman.  Hallelujah anyhow! 

 

When it comes to the expected systematic functions from a birds eye view at times I do take a back seat.  But from a shore line perspective I have launched into deep waters, knowing that my deeply planted roots in His Word will sustain me till I see the Lord face to face…

 

True Ministry is never for show or to entertain others.  It is to be used by the Lord as His willing vessel.  I know that I can praise Him, preach, teach, proclaim and live out loud the Gospel  anywhere at anytime.   It is God I/we daily live to please. I cannot fully express in words my thankfulness to the Lord for all that He has done and has allowed us to see, do and experience.  I know God will never forsake us. I am eternally grateful for His omnipresence wherever we are or go.   I know that “the earth is His and the fullness thereof…” It is so important to know the Word of God for yourself. On a personal level, I find my love for the Lord’s abiding presence in my daily life is ever increasing.

See part 2