"Higher Ground"

 

Higher Ground

 Refrain:

“Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By Faith on heaven’s table-land,

A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

A higher plane. What is a higher plane? Life lived on the highest plane is a life of deep, vital, growing spirituality. 

 Ruth Paxson, in “Life on the Highest Plane” wrote: “It is an abounding life. The spiritual man draws all his resources directly from God; consequently, he never lacks for anything. It is an overcoming life. Having taken his position by faith in the heavenlies in Christ, the spiritual man lives in the atmosphere of triumph that prevails there. It is an overflowing life. The spiritual man has enough and to spare.”

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: “God is able to give you, in His mercy, abundance of temporal good; that, having a sufficiency, ye may abound in every good work. This refers to the sowing plenteously: those who do so shall reap plenteously-they shall have an abundance of God's blessings.”

1 John 5:4
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Godsbless.ing: “This powerful verse speaks to the idea that when we are born of God, when we have a deep connection and faith in a higher power, we have the strength to overcome any challenge or obstacle in the world. It is a message of hope and empowerment, reminding us that our faith is a mighty force that can help us triumph over difficulties and adversities.”

John 7:38
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.”

TheBiblesays.com: "The phrase indicating that "from within shall flow rivers of living water" conveys that the believer, through faith, will experience abundant spiritual life and vitality. This promise underscores the transformative power of belief in Christ, who is the source of this living water. In essence, it assures believers that their spiritual needs will be continually met through a personal relationship with Christ, leading to a fulfilling and fruitful life as highlighted in John 7:38."

Let’s reach that higher ground. Go above where we are now. Don't settle for a little faith, some understanding, some involvement. Reach for that higher plane. 

Lord, lift us up! Let us stand! As high as heaven's table-land! Plant our feet, Lord! On higher ground!

By His Grace . . .

"How Great is Our God"

 

How Great is Our God

“How great is our God,
Sing with me, how great is our God,
And all will see how great,
How great is our God.”

This chorus was written in 2004 by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves and Ed Cash, and became a hit quickly. If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know this great chorus and can sing it from memory.

“How great is our God?” What an opening! The first line of the chorus pulls you in and you’re hooked. You want to close your eyes and lift your voice and worship God.

According to Tomlin, when writing the song, “We wanted to lift high and celebrate the greatness and glory of our God in response to who He is and all that He has done.” As a result, the lyrics highlight God’s attributes like His splendor, majesty, power, and holiness in a spirit of praise. The song marvels at God’s power displayed through creation and His acts in history.

In response to the awesome portrait of God’s greatness, the chorus issues a call to wholehearted praise. Raising a banner of worshipful proclamation, the lyrics urge, “My heart will sing / How great is our God!”

Psalm 104 was the psalm that inspired this song. “You our Lord are very great. You're clothed with splendor and majesty, wrap yourself with light as with a garment'.” The first verse says:

“The splendor of a King, Clothed in Majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, All the earth rejoice.

“He wraps Himself in light, And darkness tries to hide, And trembles at His voice, Trembles at His voice.” 

Biblestudyforyou.com: “As we reflect on [God’s Greatness], we are reminded of His magnificence in every aspect of our lives. From His unwavering love and faithfulness to His Almighty power and wisdom, we see that God is not just great but intimately involved in our journey . . . In embracing His greatness, we find hope for our struggles, comfort in our sorrows, and joy in our everyday experiences. Let’s carry these truths with us, allowing them to transform our hearts and inspire our actions. Remember, we serve a God who is greater than anything we face.”

How great is our God? He’s the Greatest!

By His Grace . . . 

"Take the Name of Jesus with You."

 

“Take the Name of Jesus with You”

“Take the name of Jesus ever As a shield from every snare;

When temptations round you gather, Breathe that holy name in prayer.”

As a shield from every snare. We have living hope as it says in verse 3, and through faith are shielded by God’s power.

Enduringword.com: “God’s power is the garrison in which we find our security.” (Hiebert) We are kept by the power of God, but it is through faith, meaning our faith. The person who is kept is a person abiding in a continuing relationship of faith with God.

“Breathe that holy name in prayer.” Truth. Real truth. Everything changes when you say the name of Jesus. Everything.

I find it amazing how real it is. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and you live for Him, I know you have experienced it too. At just the time you say His name, a miracle happens. You change.

You change because you know it’s real. Whatever causes you to say His name, something happens inside you that changes everything.

You may still be crying. You may still be hurting. You may still not know what way to go. But a miraculous calm builds inside you and settles your mind and heart. You know implicitly that Jesus is working on your behalf.

Okay, Carol, does this really happen? You may ask. Yes! Yes! Yes! It really happens. If you are a sincere believer who lives his/her faith every day, trusting everything to Jesus’ care, everything changes when you say His name.

1 Peter 1:3-6

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

Godsbless.ing: I find assurance in knowing that despite the trials and challenges of this world, my hope in Christ is secure and unwavering. I find comfort in knowing that my hope is anchored in the unchanging character and promises of God in a world filled with uncertainty and shifting circumstances. This hope gives me strength to persevere and endure, knowing that my ultimate reward is waiting for me in heaven.

“Breathe that holy name in prayer,” and watch how "He shields you from area snare" and protects you in all circumstances. It is real. Hallelujah!

By His Grace . . . 

"He Leadeth Me."

 

Refrain:

“He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me.

His faithful foll-wer I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.”

God leads us. At all times. Every day. When we’re awake, and when in the darkest nights, we have the assurance that God leads us. John 10:3 says: “The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

Godsbless.ing: “The verse highlights the gatekeeper opening the gate for the shepherd, symbolizing God or the Holy Spirit facilitating the connection between Jesus and His believers. As the sheep listen to His voice, it underscores the significance of recognizing and heeding Jesus’ teachings for spiritual growth. Moreover, Jesus calling His sheep by name signifies the personal and profound relationship He shares with each individual, knowing them intimately and leading them out of harm’s way into a purposeful life.”

He has angels watching out for us so they can assist in leading us in the way our Shepherd has directed.

Hebrews 1:14

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Godsbless.ing: “Isn’t it comforting to know that angels are always around us, ready to serve and support us on our journey towards salvation? This verse reassures us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey, that divine beings are constantly watching over us. Angels, as ministering spirits, are there to help, guide, and protect us as we strive towards our ultimate goal of salvation.”

When we ask for God’s leading, He always answers.

Psalm 31:3

“Since you are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me.”

Enduringword.com: “David did not ask for rescue because he was so good, but for Your name’s sake. David believed that if God would lead and guide him, it would bring honor to God and His name.”

Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: “The psalmist desires the Lord would lead him in the way of truth and paths of righteousness, according to his word; and guide him with his counsel, and by his Spirit, that so he might walk in the way in which he should go.”

He leadeth me. We can rest assured that our Lord is always leading us as we go through each day.

By His Grace . . . 

"Above All"

 
Graphic from "Peaceful Moments For Women" Facebook Page

“Above All”

“Above all powers, Above all Kings.

Above all nature, and all created things.

Above all wisdom, and all the ways of man.

You were here before the world began.

Chorus

“Crucified, laid behind a stone.

You lived to die, rejected and alone.

Like a rose, trampled on the ground.

You took the fall, and thought of me,

Above all”

This was a popular worship ballad, written in 1999. It was performed during President George W. Bush’s 2001 inaugural prayer service. Michael W. Smith made the song popular and won a Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year in 2002

Paul Baloche writer, along with Lenny LeBlanc, was quoted as saying: "I'm humbled and blown away that a simple prayer of worship, started at my little piano, and found its way to the President of the United States. The possibility that this song could be an encouragement to him is such an honor."

“You took the fall, and thought of me, Above all.” The words become very personal when it says, “He thought of me, Above all.” It’s hard to accept knowing Christ died for me. All that Christ went through because of me. To save me. To save you.

sermonwriter.com: “This song had its beginning when Paul Baloche was reflecting on how much greater Christ is than the things that the world counts as great. The words for this song came easily to him, and he wrote them down.  However, the song had no chorus, and so he put it aside.

“Then one day Baloche got together with Lenny LeBlanc. He played a number of possibilities for LeBlanc, but “Above All” was the only one that captured LeBlanc’s attention.

“When Baloche noted that the song had no chorus, LeBlanc decided to sleep on it to see what might happen.  What happened was that he came up with words for a chorus that contrasted dramatically with the words to the verse.  The verse talks about how much greater Christ is than anything else, but the chorus talks in graphic terms about Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The key to this song is that it was Christ’s willingness to give up His exalted nature so that He could come to live among us, minister to us, and die for us.”

As you consider this Praise and Worship song, may the words, “You took the fall, and thought of me, Above all,” be an everlasting reminder of Christ’s love for you and His ultimate gift so you can live with Him.

By His Grace . . .

"Standing on the Promises"

“Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!

Through eternal ages let His praises ring.

“Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,”

Standing on the promises of God.”

The words “Glory to God” is found many times in Scripture, but “Glory to God in the highest” is only found in Luke 2:14 and is a profound declaration celebrating God’s majesty and announcing peace on earth through the birth of Jesus. Angels proclaimed this.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The highest. There is nothing above. God is as high as you can go. God deserves all the praise and honor for His divine plan of redemption through Jesus. It was a celestial celebration recognized by the angels.

Scripturesavvy.com: “When we look at the verse from Luke 2:14, we see a beautiful proclamation made by the angels announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. This statement is one of the most significant verses in the Bible because it encapsulates the essence of the Gospel—the good news that humanity had been waiting for. The angels were declaring glory to God in the highest, meaning that God deserves all the praise and honor for His marvelous plan of redemption through His Son. It is a reminder to us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God in everything we do.”

God’s glory was revealed in a new and profound way through the incarnation of His Son. “In the highest” suggests that this glory is recognized not only in the heavens but also in the highest degrees of divine attributes, showcasing God’s mercy and love for humanity.

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: “Other works of God are for His glory, but the redemption of the world is for His Glory in the highest. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon Him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptations. That the good-will of God toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth.”

Having this proclaimed in the first verse of this popular and fun hymn blends in great with words about God’s promises. This is something we want to shout and sing! We sing with joyful voices and open hearts for all God has done for us.

"Glory to God in the highest" encapsulates a powerful message of worship, peace, and divine favor. It invites believers to recognize God’s majesty and embrace the peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse continues to resonate deeply within the Christian faith, serving as a cornerstone of praise and adoration for God’s goodness and love

“Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing.”

By His Grace . . . 

"More About Jesus"

 

“More About Jesus”

Chorus:

More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus;

More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me.”

How much more do you want to know about Jesus? Are you satisfied with knowing you are saved and don’t need to do anything else? Do you read about Jesus and the work He did here on earth, but don’t need to know all He continues to do daily for His followers? Or do you want to know everything there is to know about Jesus?

How do you go about knowing more about Jesus if you really want to? Following are a few ways: Read about Him in the Bible . . . sing hymns and songs that bring Him close . . . pray to Him . . . listen to men and women who He has gifted to teach . . . tell others about what He has done in your life. All of these ways, even your own testimony can fill you with more of Jesus.

Crosswalk.com, Cindi McMenamin: “You and I must be fully saturated in the Word of God . . . What fills your thoughts each day? God’s Word or the words of people? What you focus your mind on will determine if there’s more of Jesus or more of you.”

Ephesians 1:17

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the glorious Father; may give you the Spirit of

wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better."

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: “No matter how much knowledge you have of Jesus, there is an unfathomed depth of knowledge which you may still explore, and which you should be exhorted still to attempt to fathom.”

I like the words of this hymn:

“I Want More of Jesus”

“I want more of Jesus, more and more and more.
I want more of Jesus, than I’ve ever had before.
I want more of His great love ,so rich, so full and free.
I want more of Jesus, so I’ll give Him more of me.”

You can always have more of Jesus. The possibilities are endless. Is that your desire? Give Him more of you.

By His Grace . . .