Monday, July 27, 2009

Mountaintops

Mountaintop experiences are amazing! But they're not why we are here. I know a lot of people that think Christianity is all about mountaintop experiences. Moving from one to another. Mountaintop experiences are amazing and rewarding but our faith plays out in the valleys and trenches.
Look at Christ's example....rejected, spit on, beaten. Doesn't sound like a mountaintop.

Think back to the transfiguration, Peter wanted to put up three shelters and hang out there on the mountaintop. And i mean who wouldn't..hanging out with Jesus, Moses and Elijah?
But Peter's question was answered in action. They left the mountain to continue their work.

We are not here for mountaintops...we are here for the valleys. We have our reward on the other side. This side we work for the King. Matthew 28:19-20. "Go" is the word. "Go" and make disciples. "Go" into the valleys. "Go" to all nations. Let's enjoy the mountaintops we get to experience but let's not live there. Let's get our work done so we can "go" hear "Well done good and faithful servant". Enjoy your day and remember the valley you walk through today means God's not finished with you yet.

Make it a great one!
B

Monday, July 6, 2009

Hannah Montana...REALLY?

So God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. He gives us circumstances to pass through. There are tests, situations, people and struggles that all capture our attention and somehow cause us to reflect on who we are and where we are going in life. Are we doing what God has for us? Is this the right choice? Which fork in the road do we take? etc...
So the other day i am cruising down the road and a song comes on, "The Climb"
Some of it's lyrics are:

"I can almost see it
that dream i am dreaming
but there's a voice inside my head saying
'You'll never reach it'
every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
lost with no direction
my faith is shaking"

Pretty profound, depending on how you take it. If you have ever been faced with some tough decisions, like i have been lately, the song was right on. We as humans lay out our lives and what we want to do, how we want to "do life". Where we will be in 10 or 20 years. And when faced with decisions you try to go ahead and plan it out. But when those plans seem to take you away from where you feel you need to be, what do you do?
Continue with the song:

"But i gotta keep trying
gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast i get there
ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"

True right? We are ALL on a journey. It is what happens betwwen the dashes that people will remember. What comes after, will be amazing. So we are all pursuing that AMAZING day.
James 1:2-4 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

We all have mountains before us....how do we handle them? Do we face them and climb, or slide back down and wonder 'what if'?
I have a great many decisions facing me right now about the future, as we all do on a daily basis, but i rest knowing that God is in control. My prayer is for Him to direct my steps.

It was once said, "You either pray and then don't worry or you worry and never truly pray." Pray, have faith, put it in God's hands and move on. 'God will never leave us or forsake us'...' He will cause all things to work for the good to those who love Him' (Romans 8:28)

So if you are facing tough situations, hard decisions, or even just daily life. Press on mi amigo.

In closing....the Song is sung by Miley Cyrus...yep....Hannah Montana! (See Lyrics here)
So because i like it and listened to it....does that make me a tween?
Some questions may never be answered.

Have a great Climb!

Make it a great day!
B

WOW!

Check this out by Piper....go HERE