Transforming Truth from God’s Word
Have you ever seen a view from the top of a mountain? The summit of a mountain is a majestic place that offers a majestic view to those who have the rare opportunity make it to the top. It has been described as one of the most life-changing experiences that one can have. Maybe you have experienced this while looking down from an airplane or watching a movie with mountain views. However, you might have experienced it, such spectacular views elevate your thoughts and change the way you see the world. The experience provides you with a view from some of the highest places on earth and enables you to see valleys, rivers, and other terrain at great distances. You gain a far greater line of sight and broader vision.
As He begins to preach the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples and the multitudes of people a “View from the Top” as He begins with “The Beatitudes.” Matthew 5:1 describes when Jesus saw large gathering of people, He went up on a mountain and took a seat and His disciples gather around Him. Jesus was intentional about everything He did. Therefore, initiating His ministry from the mountain was symbolic of elevating their standard of thinking and living to the standard of the Kingdom of God. Each beatitude describes a kingdom character trait that Jesus desired His disciples to receive, understand and live by daily as citizens of the Kingdom of God. He knew that as they took in each beatitude, their soul and mind would be elevated to be more like His. He gave them the highest view of what their life could become for the kingdom if they followed Him believed on His name. Each Beatitude begins with “blessed” (happy, supremely blessed, special joy granted to the person who receives salvation).
Today, just as Jesus taught His disciples and the crowd that day, He wants to give you a fresh “View from the Top” to increase your spiritual vision and understanding of His Kingdom. He wants to elevate your thinking to a Kingdom mindset. He wants to reveal His divine character and nature in you. There is a higher standard that you can attain as a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ if you seek first the kingdom and His righteousness.
Once you receive a “View from the Top” you will never be the same. He will place your feet on Higher Ground.
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.
(Refrain from Higher Ground – Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., in Songs
of Love and Praise, No. 5, by John R. Sweeney et al., 1898.
Music: Charles H. Gabriel MIDI, score)
Matthew 5: 1-3
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
A Psalm for Today
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him
God’s Promises for Today
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Your Points of Prayer
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3.
Focus (give full attention to) on the kingdom of God and make it priority over everything else. God will elevate to higher heights and deeper knowledge of Himself.
Thank the Lord that He calls us to a “higher plain” of thinking,responding and living.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see things from your Heavenly perspective while at the same time keeping me grounded.