Morning Devotions

Bible Reading: Mark 3:13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

"How are you, today," said the man to a Christian.

"I am doing fine, under the circumstances," answered the Christian.

It is possible to live over the circumstances rather than under them - and Christ makes it possible. Do you long to see things from a perspective that is over your circumstances rather than under them? Here is a verse for you. Do you yearn for one of those "mountain top" experiences with Christ? Here is a verse for you. Do you want to go where few have gone before with the Lord? Here is a verse for you.

The mountain top is not attained by lofty church positions or scholastic excellence in Bible Study. It is not achieved by great works of faith, or masses converted to Christ. It is only achieved by following Jesus - and answering His call to come unto Him. When Jesus ascends, it is certain that those whom He has called, those who follow Him, will ascend to the same heights as the Master. It is through day to day discipleship and communion with the Lord that the "Holy Mount" can be found. It is only through obedience to the call of the Lord that one may climb to such heights.

The glorious splendor of the mountain is a lofty goal for anyone. It is not a goal that may get fame or medals. It does not earn power or prestige. The world does not think it to be valuable. But the Eternal One who calls you to this mountaintop stands ready and able to bless you with amazing things: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." These things are not earned, sought, or bought through any more than earnest discipleship and faithful obedience to our Savior. Loving Him for who He is, as well as thanking Him for what He has done in saving you of your sins and making you a new creature is the way to such splendor. It is not the selfish work of worldly ways. It cannot be stolen or manipulated. Christ cannot be deceived into thinking one is a disciple. He knows and sees the heart. Only those who answer His call with clean hands (washed in His blood) and a pure heart (purified by His death, burial, and resurrection) can possibly be granted this wonderful, lofty privilege of a Mountain Top experience of this magnitude.

Will you yield your life to Him? Give Him more than your allegiance - give Him your whole being for Him to do with as He pleases! He will make it worth your while - forever.

Bro. Greg