SPRING FORTH NOW 2026

July 20

This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”  (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Ephesians 4:8-12 (NIV)

Have you ever considered that your greatest gift was never meant to make you famous but to make Christ visible? In Ephesians 4:8–12, the ascended Christ gives gifts to His people, not as trophies to possess but as sacred trusts to equip others, strengthen the community, and fill every corner of life with His presence, reminding us that Encountering The Holy always moves us from receiving to serving. What is High And Lifted Up is a life that understands your calling is bigger than your career, your title, or your platform, because every God-given gift becomes an opportunity for heaven to touch earth through your hands, your voice, and your love. For a people whose ancestors transformed faith into schools, churches, businesses, movements for justice, and communities of hope, this passage reminds us that our gifts are never merely personal blessings—they are God's investment in the flourishing of future generations. Dream Big, because Christ has entrusted you with gifts capable of opening doors, healing wounds, building bridges, and creating possibilities that extend far beyond your lifetime. Decide To Become someone who equips rather than competes, who encourages rather than envies, and who understands that lifting others is one of the highest expressions of leadership; then Demonstrate Your Power by using every gift, every opportunity, and every relationship to reveal Christ's presence, because when each of us faithfully serves our purpose, the whole community rises High And Lifted Up.