Dear

Happy New Month to you!  

We have officially entered the closing moments of this year, and while it has been a rollercoaster year for many of us, there is no doubt that you have experienced the goodness and mercy of God during the past months. Pause. Breathe In, and just think while you hold your breath about how God has carried so far in this year. Now, Breathe Out and say THANK YOU FATHER. 

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”

As you go deeper into the month of September, it is important for us to rise above our current level and present conditions, and step into the person God has created us to be and be where He has prepared us to be.  Almost everyone who did exploits for God in the bible and lived out their life’s purpose had to rise to the mountain top at critical points in their life. 

Abraham had to go up on a mountain to offer the game changing sacrifice that displayed his commitment and devotion to God – Genesis 22

Moses had 2 of his greatest and life-changing encounters on a mountain. First in Exodus 3, when the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush and in Exodus 34, when he stayed with the Lord on the mountain for forty days and forty nights, writing the ordinances of God for the people as He dictated it. When Moses came down from the mountain, his face shone so brightly that the people put a veil on him so they won’t become blind. 

Deborah, the judge and prophetess whom we all adore, positioned herself on the mount of Ephraim, administering justice for the people – Judges 4

Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on a mountain, showcasing the supreme power of God for the entire world to know – 1 Kings 18:19-40

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, while a man on earth, was transfigured into His divine nature on a mountain – Luke 9:28–30 

The Bible also refers to Mount Zion as the city of our God (Psalm 48:2, Psalm 50:2)

All of these examples and more tells us the importance of dwelling on a mountain. A mountain represents a higher place, and we have been called to ascend unto the hill of the Lord and dwell in His holy mountain. However, in order to go higher and rise to the point God wants to establish us in, there are certain things that must be done:

• Maintain a life of holiness and purity, for only those with clean hands and a pure heart will ascend and see the Lord (Psalm 24:3-6)
• Shed off excess weight. To climb higher, we must do away with things that will weigh us down and make us move slower that we should go. These weights make us weary on the way, and we may be tempted to turn back (Hebrews 12:1). These weights are not necessarily sins, but they are things that slow us down. It could be a relationship, a habit, a mindset. 
• Live a life of determination, focus, and intentionality. Have you considered the fact that it must have taken Abraham and Isaac days to climb the mountain, and even Moses, yet they got there? To get to the place prepared for us, we must be determined and move with intentionality and focus. Many are comfortable at the foot of the mountain, standing at the seashore rather than stepping into deeper waters because they lack the passion to rise up and go deeper in Him. 

In this month of September, and beyond, let the knowledge of this guide your living and priorities. A man is only considered wise when he applies the knowledge he has received. Contrary to popular belief, following Jesus will cost you. We are to daily pick up and cross to follow Him, and that requires time and effort. This is not a call to convenience. It is a call and a life of SACRIFICE.  

Consider this: 

Jesus Christ carried His cross from Jerusalem, all the way to the mountain top at Golgotha for you. Isn’t it love if you put in effort to carry your cross to follow Him, even when He says He will help you carry your burdens? 

Jesus had help on the way from Simon the Cyrene. God has put people around you, and systems to help ease your burdens and move from where you are now to where you should be. Shouldn’t you accept that help like Jesus did? Look around you, there are people and systems, like Lady of Substance, positioned to help you. Do not let this precious gift from God go to waste in your life. 

Dear , come up higher. There is more for you in God. Rise above small-mindedness, laziness, procrastination, and the little foxes that we permit to destroy the barn that has been specially prepared for us. Say goodbye to mediocre Christianity and convenient discipleship. It is only then we will truly experience God and be who we were created to be. 

May this month be filled with daily encounters with the Lord, and every blessing custom made for you in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lady of Substance.