Get Ready to Go Up!

At my church back in the day, the annual "7 Last Words" service on Good Friday was always highly anticipated. Preachers young and old got a chance to stretch their chops while the congregation sat eager to promote a little competition.

It was our collective "come to Jesus"; a joy and pain moment where the Spirit could prick yet prepare our hearts for the Sunday that was coming.

Jesus will soothe, my troubled mind
 And all of my heartaches, every burden, all of misery, all of my crying, every trial, every tribulation
 Will be left behind;
 When Sunday comes

(From Daryl Coley's "When Sunday Comes")

And guess what? Sunday came.

Our Savior has risen, and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

The Bible tells us as sons and daughters of God we too will be revealed, but are we willing to walk the same path?

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ~John 20:17

Salvation was sealed and secured by Jesus at the Cross and the Tomb, but there was still more to do after His victory over death.

Are you ready to ascend?

Ready to go higher in your understanding of God,

draw closer to His presence,

live engaged by His essence,

and fulfill the dreams He's give you?

Really?

The work towards ascension began at the Cross.

So, as we walk this path together, my question to you is...

What have you died to?

Where are those Good Friday moments in your life?

Can Heaven see you making ready for what comes after Sunday?

Who have you forgiven?

Have you helped the lost find their way to paradise?

Have you used suffering to unite or divide?

When do you let yourself be vulnerable?

What are you thirsty for?

Can you say about a God-assigned task, "It is finished".

Have you surrendered to the God from whom all blessings flow,

then waited patiently for His glory to reveal your story?

Elevation is given. Ascension is earned.

Jesus secured our salvation,

and even He had to settle up some accounts before moving to the next level.

The Old Testament Songs of Ascents, or the "Songs of Goin Up" were sung by those making their way to God's temple and God's presence. But there's more to these 15 songs than just celebration. They seek out resolution as well so nothing.... nothing.... will keep them from encountering the Master.

It's not just a matter of wanting more God,

you have to be prepared to receive the God whose ready to give you more.

‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Forty days.

That how long it was between Jesus making this statement and His rising up into the clouds to be seen no more.

Forty days for closure. The end to our Great Pilgrim's journey.

In the coming weeks, I hope you embrace your own journey as we work to step into all that God has for us.

Father, thank you for your model of restoration. let us learn from you how to truly walk into destiny leaving nothing undone. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WRITER | MENTOR | TEACHER

LOVER OF CHOCOLATE |

PURPOSED TO EMPOWER |

30+ YEARS IN MINISTRY LEADERSHIP |

PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL

Phillipa also the Founder of ilooklikeLOVE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization providing diaper assistance to families in need and opportunities for mothers to empower themselves.

Look for her upcoming book,

GOD n You: Finding Your Place in Forever.