Memorize: Who shall ascend into the hills of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully; Psalm 24:3&4
Devotional Reading: Psalms 24:1-10
As we worship God daily privately or corporately, let us not just come into his presence, but, let us ascend into His hill. The place where the fullness of our joy and victory lies, is on the hills of God. To ascend this hill like the psalmist says, we must have clean hands and a pure heart. So, it is not just enough to come to church, it is not enough to have a heart of worship, it is not enough to sing eloquently or preach powerfully, if we really desire to have answers to our prayers and experience VICTORY; we must ascend to the hill of the LORD. May the Lord help your feet to be steady as you ascend the hill of God in Jesus name.
Niccole Machiavelli has become a symbol of expediency, of a life in which people do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. His writings have inspired many dictators and callous business practices. Believing that the end justifies the means, his writings are filled with a cold-blooded ruthlessness. Machiavelli wrote, they must either be caressed or else annihilated. He encouraged leaders to be careful before extending help: however he who is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself.
He warned against appearing to be too merciful, and said leaders must just not mind incurring the charge of cruelty if they feel it is necessary. Today, many people live according to Machiavellian principles. There are wicked and callous practices all around us, few people have mercy and compassion in today’s world. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, some people still find delight in defrauding the masses of funds allocated to help & keep them alive. However, the Bible provides a different worldview: God is the Creator, and He established the world with eternal standards. Also, the Bible teaches that God promises consequences for our actions. We reap what we sow.
In Psalm 15, David revealed a way of living that centers on God…one that allows us to abide in His tabernacle and dwell on His holy hill. People who follow this way of living walk with integrity, choosing to do the right thing without compromise. Such people are honorable, trustworthy, faithful, and responsible.
They speak truth and don’t lie, deceive, or gossip. They refuse to believe that the end justifies the means. They despise evil, seek to serve God, and cannot be bribed or bought!
Today, seek to abide with God. Ascend unto His hills and spend time in fellowship with Him. Be committed to His Kingdom, and choose to live according to His principles. He promises great rewards when you do! You will have the joy of intimate fellowship with Him, and you will never be shaken no matter the situation. Be determined to ascend unto the hills of the LORD and stand in his holy place so that you can make positive differences in our world today, and be a part of kingdom builders for Christ. Heaven is sure; Hell is real; help populate “Heaven & de-populate Hell.
May the Lord help you to stand for God faithfully and be his good ambassador in this dark sinful world in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Father, give me the grace and strength to ascend your hills and stand in your holy place.
Key Dose: There is full provision and sustainability for all our needs in life on the hills of God.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
