The Washingtonian (Scottish Ed.)
Cori Smith with AIM News from Glasgow, Scotland
It Reaches to the Highest Mountain
Looking back over the past two months, I've had the uncommon opportunity -- on more than one occasion -- to climb some new heights. When our European Prayer Force traveled to the nation of Monaco to unite in prayer, I didn't realize we were embarking on a "prayer workout." After about the 500th stair, I thought we had pretty much reached the throne of God, spiritually and physically. It was time for a breather! What a funny thought that was....that we -- human beings -- can somehow reach God. It seems to be the running trend in how we think. Why did ages past build such grand steeples? Why were Cathedrals built to touch the heavens? Because people believed that they must strive to reach higher heights and accomplish greater feats before they can get God's attention. How mistaken they were. How mistaken I was!
Interestingly enough, after our trip to Monaco, I somehow convinced myself to participate in a sponsored Climb-for-Christ event. Now, I would be tackling the tallest mountain in the U.K. called Scafell Pike. What...was I thinking? The soreness from Monaco had just worn off, but nonetheless, there I was again...going uphill. As me -- and about 25 other brave believers -- set off to reach the top, I couldn't help but think about this concept: climbing to God. Again, I'd like to think that my efforts, my sore legs and sweaty brows were getting me to the top. All the work I was doing was taking me higher and higher, until I could finally pat myself on the back and say "well done me!"
Sure, I don't like to admit it, but my flesh loves to take the credit for what God does. It reminds me of an old hymn that goes like this: "It reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power." The very words touch my heart so deeply, because every step I take is instrumented by the grace of God. When we reach "great heights" -- whether it be physical mountains or spiritual victories -- we cannot forget the One who gave us the strength to make it day after day. No matter what distances we run or mountains we climb or steeples we build, nothing can help us "reach" God. His blood reaches us. He picked us up when we were at our lowest and placed us on higher ground. So whether I be walking and praying up the stairs of Monaco, climbing over the last rock of Scafell Pike or feverishly running up and down the stairs of New Life Church, I must always remember that it is the blood of Jesus -- not mine, and not yours -- that will reach the hungry hearts of this world.
Interestingly enough, after our trip to Monaco, I somehow convinced myself to participate in a sponsored Climb-for-Christ event. Now, I would be tackling the tallest mountain in the U.K. called Scafell Pike. What...was I thinking? The soreness from Monaco had just worn off, but nonetheless, there I was again...going uphill. As me -- and about 25 other brave believers -- set off to reach the top, I couldn't help but think about this concept: climbing to God. Again, I'd like to think that my efforts, my sore legs and sweaty brows were getting me to the top. All the work I was doing was taking me higher and higher, until I could finally pat myself on the back and say "well done me!"
Sure, I don't like to admit it, but my flesh loves to take the credit for what God does. It reminds me of an old hymn that goes like this: "It reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power." The very words touch my heart so deeply, because every step I take is instrumented by the grace of God. When we reach "great heights" -- whether it be physical mountains or spiritual victories -- we cannot forget the One who gave us the strength to make it day after day. No matter what distances we run or mountains we climb or steeples we build, nothing can help us "reach" God. His blood reaches us. He picked us up when we were at our lowest and placed us on higher ground. So whether I be walking and praying up the stairs of Monaco, climbing over the last rock of Scafell Pike or feverishly running up and down the stairs of New Life Church, I must always remember that it is the blood of Jesus -- not mine, and not yours -- that will reach the hungry hearts of this world.
Baptism in Jesus Name!
Prayer Walking in Monaco
HBC Guest Teacher Sis. Royer
Thank you for all your love and support!
Jump on Board!
If you'd like to jump on board and support my AIM work in Scotland, you can write to corileigh09@gmail.com or to
Tower of Pentecost
930 Aaron Drive
Richland, WA 99352
USA
(Photo was taken in Dordrecht, Holland at the largest replica of Noah's Ark)
Tower of Pentecost
930 Aaron Drive
Richland, WA 99352
USA
(Photo was taken in Dordrecht, Holland at the largest replica of Noah's Ark)
About Me
First, I would like to give you a wee welcome and thank you for reading. My name is Cori Smith and I was born and raised in Washington State (Holla!). With little but a passion for the Kingdom of God, the Lord has led me to Glasgow, Scotland where I am working as an Associate in Missions at New Life Church. Please join me in my journey and stay blessed with good news from Scotland!
Email: corileigh09@gmail.com
Website: http://www.upci.org/
Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Facebook: facebook.com/cori.smith
Twitter: @corileigh09