TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

If you've ever driven through the Rocky Mountains, you know how easy it is to fix your gaze on them, and how hard it is to take your eyes off of them. It's a peaceful experience that is calming, soothing and comforting especially when compared to the complexity and stress of big city-driving. Studies have shown that our driving habits reveal our true personalities and how we compose ourselves in stressful situations.

I recently had a trip to a large city; the moment we got close, there was a heavy flow of traffic; drivers cutting people off—showing up that middle finger—all rushing to get to their destination for whatever important reason they figure they had.

I have never been affected positively by someone who was in a rush; negatively— absolutely, but never positively. I doubt you have either. I certainly couldn't wait to return home where I live in my little mountain town, but first, I had to pass through the high elevation Rocky Mountains...

Mountains contain water so naturally, rivers and streams flow from them. Mountain clouds divert air masses which force them to rise—then cool, and fall as rain, or snow. Mountain clouds limit pollution—providing us with fresh filtered water and they sustain food production for more than half of the world’s population. Mountain clouds also regulate the flow of streams [downstream] harnessing rain and fog that provide power to hydroelectric dams—all this has a positive impact on our environment.

Mountains are not only beautiful and meaningful, but they are also very powerful. No wonder that Jesus' Sermon was on the Mountain (Matthew5:1-12). 

The majority of people do not dwell in high elevation mountains but we can reflect that beauty by fixing our focus on Jesus. Jesus is beautiful, meaningful and all the power of heaven and earth is trusted to him. As the mountains provide power for the earth, Jesus provides power for us.

Lets examine what Jesus really means! We have JES and we have US.

US (preposition) is where we represent ourselves. Apart from that, there is no significance or source that empowers us other than our secular [corrupt; in opposition with Biblical values] world.

Did you know that JES (colloquial) means great excitement? (used to express pleasure, joy, or great excitement)? JES also means (tangible) riches; overflowing and YES! But most importantly, JES (subject) describes a person who has a heart for anything living; A hand that heals, and a heart that loves; an instrument for the living God. Jesus impresses us with this significance in John 15. Putting JES and US together brings all that He is into our lives!

All streams flow downward; it is only those whose hearts are filled with God's peace, hope and joy that can flow into the hearts of others. The Bible says in John 7:38 that "Streams of living water shall flow from the hearts of those whose gaze is fixed on Jesus." As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we become like him. When we take our eyes off of Jesus, we lose heart [faith] and the cares and business of this life choke our effectiveness.

It takes discipline [leadership] to position your focus on Jesus rather than your self—important 'to-do' list, but there is a peaceful result that has a positive continuous effect on the lives of others.

When our hearts are filled with hope and faith, we overflow—affecting the lives of others [bearing fruit] in a positive way. When we allow ourselves to be disciplined [keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus] we become living lights for God's purpose and Glory. Others will recognize that light and come to know the One True God of Hope and Salvation - Jesus! See More

God Bless!

 

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Abandoned!

While on my road-trip, I had the pleasure of taking pictures of this abandoned house. Up close, you can see that at some point, there was the intention to renovate, but it obviously never came to pass. Judging by what I saw, this home has been waiting for a loving touch for about 40 years. In the second picture, you can see that the back door has been left wide open; although I could have walked right in, I decided not to for safety reasons.

Looking at this house I remembered this verse from John 14:18 which says, "I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you."

I know I have a story of how I have felt abandoned and run down - needing a loving touch. It seems that the longer it took, the more helpless (hopeless) I felt.

With ways of my own, I created a lifestyle that eased the discomfort; but in the end, it only lead to greater discomfort.

Psalm 149:4 says "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation and adorn the wretched with victory."

It is our human nature to desire to have our needs met by what this world offers; after all, we live here - but, we are not staying here...

Perhaps it is God's goal to break us from this world and the passing things that are in it because he is preparing us for an eternal home. We must be "on board" with God's perfect plan because it begins here, but it doesn't end here.

Psalm 127:1(a) says that unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it.

If you are struggling, that may be an indicator that it's time to Let Go and Let GOD!