Acts 17:24-28 – The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.

During my quiet time with the Lord a few weeks ago, He gave me another vision. I closed my eyes and saw myself lean back on His chest, listening to His heartbeat. As I listened, I suddenly sank inward, totally engulfed by the Lord’s presence. At first I was alarmed because I was unsure of my footing and felt like I was falling, but then I realized I wasn’t supposed to rely on MY footing for stability but HIS. Next, I realized I was totally protected like in a bubble and I began floating up and up to the surface. I then heard the Holy Spirit say, “You are on My firm foundation. My footing. The surface is new territories, new lands to encounter and explore. New areas to invest in and influence for My kingdom. On the places we will go! I have you and hold you tightly. Let go and let’s go!”

Instantly, I began floating up and up into the sky like a helium balloon that was released. Suddenly I was caught in His Glory Current which took me to a location that was quite lush with thick green grass. It was the greenest, thickest, lushest area I’ve ever seen. As I walked in it, I saw beautiful flowers growing and blooming everywhere. Again I heard the Lord speak, “This area is deeply rooted in Me. This is where everything thrives.”

Next the Holy Spirit brought me to an area that was brown and dry like a desert and I heard the Lord say, “Nothing grows here. It is shallow. No deep roots can be found in Me. I am Life. And no life can be found here since there is nothing rooted in Me. Oh some have toiled for a long time and in their own strength they have built what appeared to have growth and life. But it did not thrive and therefore it perished. I am the only way. There is no other way. Do not be fooled by what appears firmly built, strong, and thriving for there are no roots. It was built on sinking sand. Only what’s built in Me will live and thrive and have being. What is built in Me will last and reproduce in My Light. Do not be fooled by what’s here today, for it will be gone tomorrow. Do not be fooled by the enemy’s plots, his temptations to have you build where I have not called you to build. Listen. Linger. And follow My voice only. This is the way to everlasting life, productivity, growth, and Kingdom advancements. Remember, all works will be tested by fire. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

While reflecting on this encounter, I was reminded of a compelling illustration described by Henry Blackaby in his book, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. He said, “Picture in your mind a tall ladder leaning against a wall. Now think about your life as a process of climbing that ladder. Wouldn’t it be a tragedy to ascend to the top and find you had placed the ladder against the wrong wall? One life to live, and you missed it!”

Stephen R. Covey, an author and gifted speaker further noted, “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.”
Is the ladder you’re climbing placed where the Lord has directed you? Or are you leaning on the wrong wall?

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 – Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.