Scaling Everest

VERSE:                          Matthew 26:30-31

 

    And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'"

  

REFLECTION:
 
    What is the cost of following Jesus?  Jesus tells us that we will stumble because of Him.  That doesn't mean the climb isn't worth it. God   will use the times we stumble for correction and learning. Unfortunately, some will stumble and not get back up. They will pack it in and refuse to make the climb anymore.

 

    Many people throughout history have attempted to climb Mt. Everest,  most have failed.  Our climb up the spiritual mountain is like that as   well,  some will fail and give up while others will reach the top (eternity with Christ).  There will be trouble along the way because of our alliance with Christ but we cannot let that discourage us.  We need   to continue to plod along and scale that spiritual mountain.

 

   What is the cost to follow Jesus up that mountain toward glory?  It is great but the rewards far outweigh the troubles you will encounter. Would you rather climb the mountain of life or wallow in the valley of   death?

 

PRAYER:

 

    Pray for guidance and strength to help you make it to the top of the spiritual  mountain.

 

Transfigured

VERSE:                                   Matthew 17:1-2

 

    Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves, and He was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light.

 

REFLECTION:
 
    The word transfiguration means "visibly glorified, or an actual visible change in the body."  Imagine witnessing Jesus being visibly glorified, as Peter, James and John did.  On that mountain top, they witnessed a life changing event.
 
    In the Bible, mountains symbolize secure, comfortable places where the power and serenity of God are tangible things.  You can be tempted at your highest peak but you can seek that place of solitude for pray as well.  We have also noted that life's highest peaks are sometimes followed by valleys that will change your life.   Other Biblical events occurring on mountains include: Abraham almost sacrificing his son, Moses and the burning bush, and Moses receiving the ten commandments, Jesus' transfiguration, and of course the crucifixion of Jesus.  I hope you have been to the top of the mountain, have seen Jesus, and that He has changed your life.

     When you reach that spiritual mountian it will be a life changing event. If you continue to reach for jesus he will take you to the highest peaks even during those deepest valleys.
 
PRAYER:
 
    Pray for God to help you through the changes in your life.  Even if you think you are at a spiritual peak, pray to reach higher and attain even a greater "spiritual mountain."

 

Mountain of Solitude

VERSE:                               Matthew 14:23
 

    And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.  Now when evening came, He was alone there.

  

REFLECTION:
 
    Here we see a mountain as a place of reflection and solitude.  High above the frantic world one can escape for those moments of communication with God.  Jesus went to the mountain and prayed by Himself.  We never find out what He prayed about but He prayed and prayed and prayed into the evening.
 

    When was the last time you looked for solitude to pray, pray and pray?  Maybe it's time to find that special mountain of yours, listen to the peaceful sound of silence and pour out your feelings toward God.  As we have seen we need prayer when we are tempted and prayer when we are not tempted.  We also can seek the strength and beauty of God during those times of solitude and reflection.  

    This isn't a time for new age reflection but a real search of what God's will is for your life.  Don't forget He is the Author and finisher of your life so who better to spend hours of prayer with but the one who has your life planned out.  So find your mountain and get on your knees and pray, pray and pray.

  

PRAYER:

    Pray for what God's will is for your life.  Pray daily and find that mountain (your personal place of prayer).

Mountain Lion

VERSE:                                        Isaiah 31:4

    

   For thus the Lord has spoken to me:  "As a lion roars, and a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice nor be disturbed by their noise), So the Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its hill."

REFLECTION:

    Last week we looked at a mountain as being a dwelling place for God as well as seeing His strength and beauty within a mountain.  Today we look at His strength and a mountain as symbolic of God's protection. God is not afraid and we should not be afraid either.  If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and live our life for Him He will see to it that we are protected regardless of what happens to us.  Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour but God has already defeated satan so He is not afraid.  We should seek shelter in the protection of the mountain that is God and know that He protects His flock from that lion.  During these times of a turbulent economy, threats of wars and persecution of the church we need to put our faith and trust in God and not fear for our lives.  He did not give us a spirit of fear. We must know that our life is in God's hands and He will protect us.  However we also must take solace in knowing that if we were to die that we would be certain of our destination? Do you know where you will go if you die? Will you go to the Mountain of God or the valley of death? If you truly are seeking God's mountain of protection then He will either protect you or bring you home.

PRAYER:

 

   Pray for God's protection in your life.  Pray for protection during these turbulent times. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior make that prayer of acceptance today.

 

Ain't No Mountian High Enough

VERSE:                         Deuteronomy 33:2

     And he said: "The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir, He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints; From His right hand came a fiery law for them."  

REFLECTION:

 
    This was part of a blessing that Moses gave the children of Israel before his death.  We see in this verse and many others throughout the bible the awesomeness of God.  A mountain may be the largest most awestruck thing on the earth.  Yet God is master over all of the mountains.  He created them.  It is widely believed that God would come down from mountains to meet His people.  I remember the first time I saw real mountains in Switzerland.  I was mesmerized by their size and beauty.  Yet when you think about the fact that God tames the most rugged of mountains you realize He is truly the master of the universe.

I believe the people of the old testament saw the beauty and the immense strength of a mountain and believed that where else would God come from but a mountain.  A mountain reflects God's awesome power yet also shows His tender beauty.  There is nothing more spectacular than a stoic mountain rising from the land to show it's immense power to the world. Likewise there is nothing more spectacular than Jesus rising from the cross to show His immense power to the world.  

PRAYER:

 
    Pray for God to show His immense power during these times of trouble.  Pray also for His beauty to shine upon each and everyone of us.