Holy Spirit Empowerment & Encouragement: August 2016

[96lioness]

Disclaimer: For those who believe in the Lord God Jehovhah, the Father; in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Crucifixion & Resurrection; and in the Holy Spirit, which discerns, comforts, and gives new life!


One of the things we (Believers and un-Believers alike) will do in life is face challenges. For the life of a Christian/Believer, it is certain that we’ll come across some very tall, steep, and treacherous mountains in the form of challenges. Whenever we’re confronted with these challenges, we too often stand at the bottom and look upward, and all we see (with our human eye) is how very big and rocky the mountain is, and how very hard it will be to climb. Anxiety starts to set in, along with procrastination, and sometimes fear. But we as God’s children should never allow how big any “mountain” or challenge or problem is in our lives be a factor. We should always view (or try as best as we can to) things with a renewed mindset. While we rejoice in knowing that God is bigger than any “mountain” we could ever face, we should take care to also remember that it’s not the mountain that matters but rather it’s the climb! It’s never about the mountain, but it’s what’s on top of the mountain, or better still, Who’s on top of the mountain!

Just as Paul told the church at Ephesus to be strong in the power Lord Jesus Christ and to fully armour themselves with the weapons of Spiritual warfare, we need to strap on our Spiritual hiking gear if we are to have a successful climb toward the presence and promises of God. So, my fellow brethren in Christ, as you journey through life, please don’t ever be weary in climbing your mountains. Your transformation in Christ takes place during your climb. Your understanding takes place during your climb. Your faith strengthens during your climb. Don’t ever be weary in climbing your mountains. God will not only keep you safe during your climb, but He’ll be at the top waiting for you and will invite you into His awesome presence!

I hope you’ll continue to join me as the Holy Spirit Empowerment & Encouragement closes out 2016. This series came from our Vacation Bible School we had back in June. The lessons were for 5 days, but I'll go a different route. For the remaining months of this year, we'll take a Spiritual hike up 5 Biblical mountains (Carmel, Moriah, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion). So lace up your boots, make sure you have your safety harnesses and rope, grab your compass and binoculars, and gear up! The August mountain is: Mount Moriah

 

[96lioness]

Disclaimer: For those who believe in the Lord God Jehovah, the Father; in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Crucifixion & Resurrection; and in the Holy Spirit, which discerns, comforts, and gives new life!

Mount Moriah​

Anchor: Genesis 22: 1-14; 15-18

Carabiner: And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, as it said to this day, In the mount of the Lord, it shall be seen-Genesis 22: 14 (KJV)


Billions of dollars are spent every day on many products that come from manufacturers. But before stocking the shelves, companies like Ford, Coca Cola, and Intel must first test their product before it can be trusted for consumer sales. It is the same with Christians and/or Believers. Our faith is tested before God can fully trust us to receive the blessings He has for us. Abraham was a man who had total faith and trust in God, and on more than one occasion his faith was tested. While Abraham did have success in the tests God placed before him, he also failed some of them. God, however, continued to bless Abraham in his success and failures. While it was Abraham’s faith in God that brought the promises and deliverance of his blessings, it was his obedience to God that ensured them.

Like Abraham, we will be required (from God) to do certain things that we wouldn’t dare to do ourselves. We’ll be told to go places that are uncomfortable or unfamiliar. We’ll be told to give up our own dreams and/or our possessions that we worked so long and hard for. We’ll be told that things will take place in our lives that we (with our brand of knowledge) cannot conceive or believe that will occur. But if we as Christians continue to profess the faith we say we have, we better be prepared to walk in that faith, and that means we’ll have to completely trust God AND obey Him, especially when God has not yet revealed to us His purpose or plan for such a request.

After finally receiving the very thing Abraham had waited so long for, God turns around tells him to sacrifice it. Not only did God require Abraham to give up his son, but He (God) told Abraham that he had to climb a mountain in order to do it! But in his (Abraham’s) obedience, God gave him a blessing so great that Abraham would never be able to count! It was on the mountain of Moriah that Abraham knew that God would not only provide but also bless. Let us remember: when God asks us to do something, no matter how hard or uncomfortable or unpleasant, trust Him and obey Him. When God asks you to give up something you’ve worked so hard for, do so with the expectancy that He will honor AND replace your sacrifice with something even better! And as you climb your Mount Moriah to achieve what God has asked for you, do it with the expectancy of God’s presence and blessings waiting on you when you reach the top!

God’s blessings you all!


Reference:

Damon Williams, writer, “The Ultimate Climb: Hiking Up to Meet God”. Vacation Bible School (Adult).


Additional Food for thought:

"Think on these things".....Elijah's miracles, the blessings God promised Abraham, newness in Christ Jesus

 

[BulldogM.Ed.23]

@96lioness, thank you. I'm dealing with my own challenging mountains and Isaac's that God is testing me with right now.