Prayer for Higher Ground

Introduction:

I want to go back to Colossians 1 tonight. Last Sunday night if I remember correctly we talked about the Preeminence of Christ

Tonight I want to talk about seeking higher ground.

In our passage Col 1:9-13 we find Paul praying for a people that his friend and fellow servant Epaphras had told him had been saved and were quick to help and serve - his prayer is interesting its a prayer that they keep climbing higher and higher in their walk with God

That they would find higher ground -

Lets read this prayer -

Colossians 1:9–13 KJV 1900

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Finding higher ground includes “Walking worthy of the Lord”

This means walking in the “Light”

Doing what Christ has taught his people to do and be

As you continue to walk in the way it pleases God and brings joy and peace and knowledge of God

Finding higher ground brings about a “strengthened with all might”

Finding grace to stick to it no matter what comes your way

But it also brings about a confidence in worship

I sometimes feel sorry for our song leaders

I want to challenge you to try something in this revival

Look up while you sing - show how to hold the hymnal

Smile while you sing - make it appear that you are enjoying worshiping the Lord

Put some energy and volume in your voice - don’t be afraid of us - it is just us - we aren’t professional singers - we aren’t talent scouts - we aren’t judging those who maybe can’t get every note just right - at least I hope not - because I know I don’t get every note just right

We have song service to aid in our worship and praise of God almighty - not to force us into doing things we don’t like to do

I love music I love singing I can’t always do it well, and my voice isn’t as strong as it used to be - but sing with all your might - sing with all you have

Belt it out - sing to the Lord not to me or the song leader

Give thanks - I know some aren’t always comfortable testifying in public at church - and I’m not here to guilt you into doing that - but I want you to know that your testimony is encouraged and needed

Let me be real with you a moment - I usually leave church wishing I’d never opened my mouth - I shouldn’t have said that or that wasn’t necessary or whatever negative self-talk you can think of I’ve told myself -

But I know that God called me to preach - and I know I’m not the best preacher out there - but because God has called me to preach - there must be a reason and if I stay in contact with Him - he can take even my blundering stammering rambles and make something help someone

I’ve been where you are I struggle to testify at campmeeting, or churches I visit - but the problem is they don’t give my testimony - they can’t give my testimony

I’m not going to have testimonies every night during revival - but I do want you to know that if God gives you a testimony - and I’ve been praying he would do that - you either let me know or just give it

Give public thanks - because the Father has made it possible “to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Col 1:13-14 “13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

I would say another way to gain ground is to obey God

This should be daily living - but perhaps the Holy Spirit prompts you to start a chorus, or Hymn or testify, raise your hand, stand during a song or go to someone and encourage them, or some other way to edify the church -

You will become freer if you will obey God -