Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. Baptism is NOT something we do. Jesus is dazzling glory is talking to Moses who had been dead over fourteen hundred years and to Elijah who had been gone about nine hundred. These three disciples are none as the inner circle; Jesus let them in on things the other disciples didnt get in on. The one time I climbed a mountain of any size, I was amazed at how long I enjoyed spending time just looking at the view in the distance, enjoying the air, and experiencing the warm sun. That night on the mount of Transfiguration, the glory of God that was within shined-forth through his humanity. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. Sinai. Most of us have had a similar experience, maybe not as intense, but a "mountain top" experience nonetheless. (see Exodus 19) The relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast & Goodbye to Jack Liskey! I would classify Atlanta as a mountaintop experience. In the presence of Jesus with the saints, talking about the Cross! And we forget the promises we made to our Holy God in the midst of that mountain top experience. The stress I feel towards a particular class is so small compared to what really matters in life. adj. 1:20). Accessed 4 Mar. He has performed miracle after miracle and, in that mountaintop experience, my blinded eyes were healed. In Atlanta, as we met and talked and worshipped, I had a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm and knew clearly that God was saying to me, The time is right and you are ready to begin this work of listening. Whereas before, Listen to My Life sounded really interested and well-done, this time it felt truly life giving. And then there was Jesus. 3. a huge amount: a mountain of mail. What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. They didnt last for years. While we face the last couple of weeks of winter there are many things you need to do. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. Mountaintop. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountaintop. David Benner says, Our challenge is to unmask the divine in the natural and name the presence of God in our lives. The second part of Listen to Your Life is just as important and that is developing the gift of listening to each others stories. These days weve been talking about the sacred rhythms of spiritual formation. Enjoy the teamwork of tackling 4WD challenges, being part of caring community and learning about history and nature as we travel. But then Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". But those were all just moments. My time in Dallas was informative and meaningful and challenging, but I would not say it was a mountaintop experience. Here at Mountaintop Worship Center, we spend every Sunday and Wednesday on the mountaintop. The speaker concludes talking with an invitation to come to the altar and lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! It is regularly updated with the latest 4WD developments, and with amusing anecdotes and stories . We forget what it felt like to trust God while on the mission field. Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. But as Jesus might say, We cant work effectively for God in the valley until we have been transformed spiritually with God on the mountain. (Mark 9:2-3 ESV) Jesus takes his inner circle to a mountain with him and they experience a "God thing." It was something unlike anything they had ever seen. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John accompanied Jesus one day up on a high mountain (Matt. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. There are several reasons. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. Address it with all of them, and make them aware of the pros and cons of the mountain top. It involves a series of visual maps which are designed to help us sort through the chapters of our life story and rediscover clues about those places in our life where God has been, and is continuing to work. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Youve never seen something so beautiful and peaceful. DISC Certification, Speaker Boot Camp etc. The only way to properly do this is to be comfortable, because why relax when you could relax? In any case, whenever something really wonderful happens to us, our excitement causes us to view it as one of lifes mountaintop experiences. That had to be a long six days. every Bible should be bound and shoe leather. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. One moose, two moose. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? Nebo, and God buried him in a grave known only to God. As the transfiguration reveals, the voice of Majestic Glory in the Word is a fearful thing. -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of stuff. Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. Running Together: Evening Worship at 5:00. Peter, James, and John climb up this high mountain with Jesus; probably Mount. Any place be it mountaintop, retreat center, or worship service, that can change you inside out should be considered dangerous. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. Moses was not left unchanged by his time with God. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Finally, its just Moses moving to the top of Mt. A sunrise view from the Solid Rock Hideaway our Vision. In the last days the mountain of the Lords house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. Learn a new word every day. TheLordis your keeper;theLordis your shade at your right hand. And it happened at the foot of Mt. Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Both had famous departures from this earth. 1:16), so the Word is as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Pet. We also learn something about how things will be in the next life for the saved: When your body dies, you are not annihilated. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. The next time you have a mountain top experience, whether its at church, on the mission field or in the comfort of your room for not all experiences are charged with emotion know those moments arent wasted. Consider how Peter engages this question in 2 Peter 1:16-21. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? It is a high point in your life when youre with Gods people and Jesus in his glory shows up! One trait that gets very little press is that mountain top experiences often involve waiting. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. You have your hot chocolate made, playlist downloaded, movie set and books chosen. encourage them and help them in the days ahead. Peter, James, and John were caught in heavens high beams as they saw the glory of God shining through the humanity of Jesus. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! First, unlike other benefactors, God is unwaveringly benevolent. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed. And you will walk away changed!. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. Mountain top definition: the top of a natural upward projection of the earth's surface, higher and steeper than a. I love to see families encouraging and helping one another. After a certain amount of time the caterpillar comes out of the cocoon a butterfly. -For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! Carmel that Elijah staged his mesmerizing victory over 450 prophets of Baal when God breathed down fire from heaven at Elijahs request. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Barkley spent his final four seasons with the Rockets, but the team's big threecomprised of him, as well as Olajuwon and Clyde Drexlerwas never able to get them back to the NBA, Later that day in February, Ms. Dean visited the, The Tanners handed the Red & Black their first loss of the season and reminded everyone who sits atop the Middlesex, The duo in recent days flew back to Los Angeles from the snowy city of Aspen, Colorado, where they were huddled in deep planning, and now like holy figures coming down from the, The best team in the states largest classification reached the, In the film, Korean detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) is probing the death of a climber who fell from a, Post the Definition of mountaintop to Facebook, Share the Definition of mountaintop on Twitter, The businesss new computer system proved not to be a. Amen. Even so, flaws and all, God sends us from our mountaintops into the valleys below. These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. This often propels us into a greater service for God. Finally, one day he reached the top of his mountain. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with (Jesus). Once weve processed our mountain top experience, well be able to face the valley without resentment or guilt. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. There closeness to Jesus is connected to Prayer! Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. 2023. We will recognize our loved ones and others in heaven. Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. On the days when I find myself worrying about temporary issues I need to take a step back and look at life as if I was looking at the world from a mountaintop. n. The summit of a mountain. For Christians, it seems that anything from a relaxing woods retreat to a Mountain-Dew-induced sugar-high at a youth conference can gain the mountaintop moniker. Heaven or Hell! the law and the prophets. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. All rights reserved. Perhaps they were previously lost, or filled with anger, depression, addiction, confusion. Like you thought you grasped the concept of our large world, but then you realize its more incredible than you believed it to be. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. A review of both the Old and New Testaments makes it clear as daywhen it comes to entering sacred space where you can meet God and/or Jesus face to face, theres no substitute for a mountaintop. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. And if we keep moving upward an onward, we will eventually get to the peak or sum total of our own personal mountaintop experience! Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. Dear Lord, I thank you for every mountaintop experience I have had and look forward to more of them. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. Sinai again and again to commune with God and to better understand not just the essential laws for the life of the community, but the rhythms and cycles of what their covenantal life together will be like in the Promised Land. Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. And that moment made such an impression on Peter that years later he would refer to it in one of his New Testament letters as proof positive that that he didnt make up the gospel, but was an eyewitness to the very power and majesty of Jesus that changed his life forever. Jesus deity and glory would be hid; but they knew underneath his humanity, was deity. died on Mt. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. Many people want special blessings, and mountain top experiences but they do not want to be dedicated to Jesus. (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. 1:19). They were the Lords closes friends, they were with him when he raised Jarius daughter from the dead, and they would be with him in the garden of Gethsemane. It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. We see Him working and moving throughout the lives of the people there, and we come home with a new vigor to live life differently, more passionately. The "deeper something" comes when one takes the divine voice as a motivation to trust in God during the hardships on the journey. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! So what next? The Rockies are a mountain chain / range in the western United States. Shes still not sure whats she supposed to do with what shes learning, and now shes in her own personal waiting period trusting God to clarify her next move. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in the text. We, of course, visited the ranger station and gift shop at the top, and chatted with one of the rangers about what short hikes we could do while we were at the top and about the recent snowstorm that made the road impassible. That somebody is my wife, Joani, and Ive asked Joani to briefly describe her mountaintop experience with us today. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. If you need it, they have it. Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. In the Bible, mountains are often the places where God encounters His people, changes their lives, and sends them back down to the world with a prophetic message. Herod asked about Jesus, who is this I hear such things about? Mountain Top TV No monthly fee. On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. Most of us have had some type of mountaintop experience during our lifetime. Sinai. Do you understand that Jesus came to this earth, lived a sinless life; and took your sin, and died in your place that you might experience forgiveness and salvation? In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. He fulfilled what the. And the thought of spending an additional 40 days in the fog listening for the voice of God doesnt excite me either. from that experience knowing more about Jesus, more prepared to live and die for him! Not all mountain top experiences drip with emotion. I found myself late every afternoon sitting and simply meditating on the mountains, remembering what it was like to be on top of them and giving thanks for their ancient and imposing beauty. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mountaintop, Nglish: Translation of mountaintop for Spanish Speakers. A variety of day trips, long weekends, and extended . Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. Others need to share with a close friend a detailed description of all they experienced. We cant disqualify a mountain top experience as just an emotional reaction. V:31-Which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. Then later, on the top of Mt. When Jesus entered this world, he came as a man, he was born in a stable, wore peasant clothing, and worked as a carpenter in a small town. It is the most sacred spot on earth! A glorious, spiritual experience where you were alone with Jesus and your soul was lifted above this old world, and you got a taste of heaven. The problem .read more Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. A Mountain Top Experience This is such an awesome piece of Scripture that describes the imagery of a future time when "the mountain of the LORD" and "the house of the God of Jacob" will be a holy place for all the diverse people groups from every nation and of every ethnicity, worshipping God and learning the ways of His wisdom - Amen! But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. And Im guessing wed have a mountaintop experience at church if we took the time to listen to each other describe our mountaintop experiences. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? the mighty apostle of Pentecost was a great leader in the early church, crucified upside down. Amen, we all agree with that; to be on the mountain top in the presence of Jesus and to see His glory! Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? Jesus does not fall to temptation but whips the Devil soundly on the mountain, and the Evil One slinks away, biding his time until he can harass Jesus again. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. Wrapping up in a warm blanket with a hot drink and some calming music is one of the best ways to spend and indoor kind of day. He reflected on the massive amount of time, effort and energy it took to reach the specific goals that he had laid out for his life. So, over the past week I went searching for stories and quotes about Mountain top experiences, and I stumbled on this comment: "The Outing Club is hosting world traveler and Mount Everest Climber, Jeff . Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. They knew a lot about Jesus; but on that mountaintop they. Jesus gives us his word that we might obey it, put it to practice in our lives, and live it out every day! But our mountaintop moments are not designed by God just to give us warm fuzzies at high altitudesthey are designed to go fill us with the Spirit of God that we have the courage and strength to do the work of the kingdom in the valley. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, Come, lets go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. To get on higher ground, to climb above the mundane, and get in the place where the glory of God can touch our lives, and we can see JESUS as He is in glory and power, and hear God speak to our hearts. Jesus climbing to the top of a mountain not to receive, but to give a new interpretation and understanding of those laws shaping our communal life together as Christians through the Sermon on the Mount. This meditation allows us to digest the revelation so we can be more effective ambassadors for Christ. Maybe youve realized a new passion you have that you can practice in your community. goats), the guys get to the true subject at hand. The sum total of the Christian life is listening to and doing what Jesus says. I wasnt so eager to leave the mountaintop. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. If not, why not today? Unfortunately, busy schedules can interfere with reading time. Mix it up using almond or coconut milk. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. We cant leave them behind us. The believers present experience of hearing the Word of God parallels the experience of hearing the voice of God on the mountain. The word, . That could prove dangerous and manipulative. Keep reading Matthew 17 and youll see that during their descent from the mountain the disciples have a frightening encounter with a demon from hell. You respond in Worship, praise, awe, thanksgiving, tears, and joy!! There is so much to be done here in the valley. We must take what weve learned and processed, allowing it to change us. Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. Just as the disciples heard the Word on the mountain (2 Pet. Yes it is, it is good to be in the presence of Jesus, it is good to be in good company, Moses, Elijah, James and John. In. Jesus wants them to know that he is the King of glory, and one day he will wear the crown; but the cross would come before the crown. Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. The valley is not what you may think. Despite this uncertainty, the definition of a mountain is a landform that rises significantly above the surrounding landscape. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! He has it all in control. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010(610) 525-2821. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Still, nearly a thousand people everyyear train vigorously, pay steep fees, and make the trip to south Asia for the opportunityto enjoy an ultimate mountaintop experience. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples But the valley experience is just as important to our Christian walk. At least, that pattern held true for the likes of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Send us feedback. those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Peter was hoping Jesus would settle in on the summit. This works in making work more enjoyable too. On this mountaintop; theyre going to see who Jesus is; theyre going to see the glory of the son of God; theyre going to hear the voice of God as he says this is my beloved son. Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ.