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The Incline (Part 4)

10/28/2022

 
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The funniest thing happens when you climb with total strangers for hours. Together you share in this mutual suffering and suddenly, you aren't strangers anymore. You talk about what junk food you are going to eat when you conquer the mountain. You ensure your fellow hiking buddy is not going to pass out when they flop down in the coveted patch of shade. And you find yourself encouraging one another, "You are almost there. You'll make it."
Why? Because you all relate. You know their legs are shaking -- because yours are. You know their lungs are burning -- because yours are on fire. You know their head hurts and their feet are tired and they would prefer to be done. Have you ever wonder if some of our spiritual lives were just harder and more public if we would be better equipped to be Christ's Church the way He intended? Encouraging. Comforting. Walking along side. Challenging. Carrying and caring.
Just a wonder.

The Incline (Part 3)

10/21/2022

 
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The man-made stairs, called "The Incline," are essentially a single staircase straight to the summit. (And you can continue on to Pike's Peak -- if your water supply and legs will hold out.) From the foot of the mountain, it looks easy. But your legs, lungs, and brain will tell you the truth pretty soon.
Some of us became Christians, looked at the life of Jesus followers and thought, "That's easy. It's straight and well-marked." But our eyes deceived us, because everyone who climbs the Incline uses the same stairs. They go through the same things -- just like life.
Trusting Jesus as your Savior and serving Him as Lord does not change that. Death. Illness. Broken hearts and minds. Addiction. These flourish in our sin sick world and without Jesus, suffering and sin wins. But with Jesus, sin is defeated, and we have hope: the top of the mountain awaits those who do not give up.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -- Galatians 6:9


The Incline (Part 2)

10/19/2022

 
In Manitou Springs, CO, you can scale a mountain in 16 minutes and 42 seconds. (If you are a world class athlete.) There is a sign at the bottom of the "hill" that says that 16:42 is the official record time. It took us 90 minutes...but you know, who's counting? Expectations matter.
Too often in life we go into a job, relationship, or ministry opportunity with expectations. Sometimes we know we are expecting them (like to get a raise or a promotion) and sometimes we don't (like expecting people to appreciate our service to God). Often when we get angry it is because our expectations are going unfulfilled. We aren't getting what we think we deserve out of "this".
As I considered this, I realized that when I get angry it should trigger me to reevaluate what I am expecting. The thing about expectations is that even if you know them, it's hard to change them. It's easy to say, "Oh, it's okay if I don't get to the top in 16:42." But when you get to the top in 90:33, you feel a tinge of defeat because those deep rooted desires are still there.
Lord, please change my desires to what they should be in my everyday life.
Ps. Sorry this is so late...had a computer meltdown.
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    The Author

    Come with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious  life. 
    ​~ Alisha

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  • Home
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