Ascend to Greatness

As we come to the house of the Lord, which is also a house of prayer, we must prepare our hearts to be fertile ground to receive the Word of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to us.

The eagle is a powerful symbol in the kingdom of birds and holds significant meaning in the Bible. We are called to soar as eagles.

Isaiah 40:29–31 (KJV): "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

As we approach the close of 2024, it is time to reflect on what we have done in our lives, families, and church for God’s kingdom. Have we learned to wait upon the Lord? It is crucial to learn to wait and pray.

Psalm 27:14 (KJV): "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

What Can We Do to Ascend to Greatness?

Rebuild the Prayer Altar

A prayerful church is a powerful church. We must examine ourselves to determine the condition of the prayer altar in our lives, families, and ministries. Rebuilding a broken prayer altar aligns us with God’s plans and purposes and grants us renewed strength.

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray (Luke 11:2–13) and emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1–8). Elijah’s earnest prayers for rain, despite seven attempts, illustrate the power of perseverance (1 Kings 18:41–45).

Isaiah 56:7 (KJV): "Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."

The Word of God: Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

We must study, meditate on, and internalize the Word of God as part of our lifestyle. Jesus Himself resisted temptation in the wilderness by standing firm on God’s Word (Matthew 4:1–11). The Word is our weapon to overcome challenges.

John 6:63 (KJV): "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

Move in the Authority and Power of God

Luke 4:14 (KJV): "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about."

As God’s ambassadors, we speak with His authority and bring the gospel to the world. Jesus exemplified moving in the Spirit’s power, healing the brokenhearted, and delivering captives (Luke 4:18). We must be ready to receive and act on His plans.

Luke 4:36 (KJV): "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, 'What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.'"

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit is with us. Now is the time to ascend to greatness, standing firm in prayer, rooted in God’s Word, and moving in His authority and power.