The end of Climbing Higher. Where do you go from here?

That is the end of "Climbing Higher". Thanks for walking through this year with God & I. I pray that you have been blessed.

So where do you go from here? I hear you ask. Well, you can go back in time on this blog and find "Steps of Faith" which is dated 11/30/15. It will take you to the Advent Season & into the next year of devotionals.

I pray that God bless you all richly as you seek his Word and Face.
Blessings!
Toni

Climbing Higher~ last Sunday before Advent

Ps. 132:1-12: A song asking God to remember His promise to David to have his heirs sit on his throne.

2 Sam. 23:1-7: The last words of David speaking of God's promise to him of heirs sitting forever on his throne. 

Rev. 1:4b-8: Jesus comes back as the the reigning King.

John 18:33-37: Jesus is declared the King of the Jews.

As we prepare to go into Advent to celebrate the birth of Jesus let us not forget that He did not stay that baby, not did he stay dead. But he now sits in heaven on a throne & will one day come back to set up his kingdom here on earth. 

Challenge of the week:

Prepare you heart, mind and soul for Advent. So that you will be ready for this holy time. 

Accomplishment of the week: 

How did you prepare yourself for advent. 

Climbing Higher~ 26th week after Pentecost

1 Sam. 1:4-20,2:1-10: Hannah asks God for a son, promising to give him back to God. God listened and gave her a son & she named him Samuel./Hannah's song of praise to God when she brings Samuel to the temple to give him back to God. Ps. 113: Praise the Lord on high for he raises up the poor and needy to be important people. He also gives joy to the barren woman after he has given her children.  Heb. 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25: Because Jesus is the High priest that sacrificed himself to be our final and eternal sacrifice. We can boldly go before God and worship God with the brethren to encourage each other to live holy lives that would please God.  Mark 13:1-8: Jesus prophecies of when the temple will be knocked down.  The Jewish people use to go and make sacrifices to God for their sins in the temple. They also would sing praises to God. One song speaks of how God would answer the prayers of the poor, needy, as well as the barren woman (Ps. 113). One barren woman named Hannah went to the temple to ask God to PLEASE give her a son. Then she promised to give her son back to God if he would just let her bare a son. This pleased God and God gave her a son. This gave Hannah joy and she sang a song of praise to God when she brought her son Samuel to the temple to give him back to God (I Sam. 1:4-20; 2:1-10; Ps. 113). In Mark 13:1-8, Jesus told his followers that the day would come when the temple would be no more. This makes the Jewish people sad these days. But we as His followers should not be sad. Why? Because we no longer need to go and make sacrifices to God as the Jewish did. For when Jesus as our High Priest gave his life and blood for our sins. God ripped the veil of the temple showing that we can now boldly go to God through Jesus (Heb.10:1-11(15-18) 19-25).We should also sing praises to God for doing this for us. Challenge of the week: This week, take time before God praising him for all he has done for you. Accomplishment of the week: How did your challenge bring you closer to God? ReplyReply allForward

Climbing Higher~ 25th week after Pentecost

Ruth 3:1-5,4:13-17: During a famine in Bethelehemjudiah. A man named Elimelech took his wife and two sons to the land of Moab. His sons married wives there. Then this man and his sons died leaving their wives behind. Elimelech's wife was named Naomi. She tried to send her daughters-in-laws back home to their families. But one of the Daughter-in-laws would not leave he for she wanted to go with her to live in the land of the one true God. This Daughter-in-law's name was Ruth.  Ps. 127 or 42: Blessed is a home full of children when God is in it./Lord, my soul longs for you as my soul is cast down, so I look to you. Heb. 9:24-28: Jesus died to be the final sacrifice for all who believe in him. By giving up his life on earth, he saved us for heaven.  Mark 12:38-44: Jesus teaches his followers about giving to God with all we have. Not just our leftovers. Theme: Put God first and he will bless your soul and home.  Challenge of the week: Check to see if your home has put God first. If not make steps to do so.  Accomplishment of the week: So what did you figure out? If corrects need to be done what were they? ReplyReply allForward

Climbing Higher~ 24th week after Pentecost

Ps. 146: A song of praise for all God has done. 

Ruth 1:1-18: During a famine in Bethelehemjudiah. A man named Elimelech took his wife and two sons to the land of Moab. His sons married wives there. Then this man and his sons died leaving their wives behind. Elimelech's wife was named Naomi. She tried to send her daughters-in-laws back home to their families. But one of the Daughter-in-laws would not leave her. This Daughter-in-law's name was Ruth. So when Naomi heard that the famine was over, back home. She and Ruth traveled back to Bethelehemjudiah. Where Ruth took care of Naomi and worshiped the one true God.

Heb. 9:11-14: Christ our High Priest offered up his body for your sin.

Mark 12:28-34:A Scribe asks Jesus what was the best commandment? He told him to love God and man. The Scribe told Jesus that he does this. Jesus told him that he was not far from the kingdom. No One else dare test him with a question.

The theme is loving God and others. In these verses, we see why we should love God and are given examples of what that looks like in the persons of Christ and Ruth.

Challenge of the week: 

This week seek ways to show your love to God and others.

Accomplishment of the week: So in what ways did you show love to God and others? 

Climbing Higher~ 23ed week after Pentecost

Job 42:1-6,10-17: Job prayed for his friends and God forgave them, and blessed Job  with a double blessing.

Ps. 34:1-8 (19-22):A song of praise that also invites others to sing with the singer. It could also be seen as a prayer. 

Heb. 7:23-28:Jesus is the final and eternal high priest because he became our sacrifice. Now he prays for us forever. 

Mark 10:46-52: A blind man asks Jesus to heal him. This is like a prayer. Jesus blesses a blind man because he had unfailing faith that Jesus would do so. 

Theme: prayer

In these verses, we a prayer of praise to God, ourselves,  and prayers that are prayed for others. We also see how the prayer can be blessed as well as the one who has been prayed for. 

Challenge of the week: 

This week, explore the gift of prayer. Prayer is nothing less than you pouring your heart out to God about something or someone that is on your heart. Try it, I believe if you do it regularly you will find that you will become closer to God. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did it go? Who did you pray for? Have you seen the answers yet? Do you feel as though it has gotten you closer to God yet?

Climbing Higher~ 22th week after Pentecost

Job 38:1-7 (34-41):God asks Job where he was when he made the earth.

Ps. 104:1-9,24,35c: A song of praise to God who made the earth and used it to save his people.

Heb. 5:1-10:Jesus was made a high priest in the order of Melchisedec, because he was obedient to God and sacrificed himself to pay for our sins.

Mark 10:35-45: James and John asks Jesus to let them sit on his right and left in his glory. He tells them that he is not the one who will decide that.Then he goes on to tell them that God wants his people to serve, not be served. 

All powerful God made the earth (Ps. 104:1-9,24,35c). We mare man should not

try to bring ourselves up to his level (Job 38:1-7 (34-41). But like Jesus be obedient to God's will for our lives no matter what the cost (Heb. 5:1-10). And like Jesus we should lead by serving mankind (Mark 10:35-45).

Challenge of the week:

 This week, examine why you do what you do. Is it for the glory of God or for your own glory? if need be go to God and adjust your actions to glorify God.

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you find out? How did you and God work it out?

Climbing Higher~ 21th week after Pentecost

Job 23:1-9,16-17:Job feels as though he can not find God, his judge, to plead his case to Him. But he knows that God is good even in this time of illness. 

Ps. 22:1-5: God, where are you? Why have you left me? I know that in times past you have been there for your people when they cried to you. 

Heb.4:12-16: The Word of God is like a sword that can cut through to the heart of what is in our mind and heart. For he knows everything. 

Mark 10:17-31: Jesus talks to the rich man about living the righteous life.

Theme: Where is God when a righteous man goes through hard times? 

There are times when it feels as though God is not listening to you when you feel that you need him the most. These verses show men who were striving to live righteous lives. But may have found themselves in the middle of a touch situation. Remember God knows your heart and mind. Just stay true to him even in the mist of the bad situation and God will see you through.

Challenge of the week:

Stay true to God even in the mist of the bad situation and watch God see you through in the end. Even though it may take more time than you want it to.

Accomplishment of the week: 

How did you do? How has it helped you get closer to God?

Climbing Higher~ 20th week after Pentecost Oct. 7

Job 1: 1,2:1-10:God asked Satan if he had considered Job who was an upright man. Satan said, "He is upright because you protect him. So God allowed Satan to cause sickness to come upon Job, but did not allow him to die. Yet still, Job remained upright. 

Ps. 25 & 26: David prays for help in affection/ judge, examine, & redeem me and I will praise thee in the temple. 

Heb. 1:1-4: In time past, God spoke to mankind through Prophets. Then he sent Jesus to not only speak to mankind, but to let mankind see what God was like by seeing his son. Not only that, but Jesus also made it possible to have our sins pursed. He now sits on the right hand of God the Father in heaven. 

Mark 10:2-16:The Pharisees tempted Jesus by asking what the law was on marriage and divorce. Jesus gave them God's answer. Then young children were brought to him. His disciples tried to send them away. But when Jesus saw this he was mad. He told them to let the children come to him. And used this situation to teach his disciples that we should have hearts like children. When the children got to Jesus , he laid his hands on them and blessed them. 

Since time began, mankind had experience temptation & affection. In the past, when God's people went through hard times. We see how Job, David, and even Jesus dealt with it (Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Ps. 25 & 26, Mark 10:2-16).  In times past, He sent Prophets to explains and encourage his people. Then God sent his son, Jesus. So that all could see how God wanted us to live our lives. He also took the time to explain things and encourage people (Heb. 1:1-4). 

Challenge of the week:

This week, strive to stay true to how God wants us to live. Taking the time to ask God to examine you to make sure that you are staying true to him. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did it go? Write it down.

Climbing Higher~ 19th week after Pentecost

Ps. 124: All we do is in vain if God is not in it. Children are a gift from God, a man who has many of them is blessed and should be happy. 

Esther 7:1-6,9-10,9:20-22:After hearing that Haman had a law pass to kill all the Jews. Esther has a dinner for the King and asks Haman to come to it also. During the meal she tells the king of this law. The King changed the law to allow the people to protect themselves. Now the Jewish people has a fest each year to remember that God saved them. This all happened after Queen Esther & the Jewish people fasted and prayed. 

James 5:13-20: If anyone among you is sick, pray for them and God will heal them. The prayer of a godly man will do great things. Look at Elias, he prayed that it would not rain. And it did not rain for 6 months. then he prayed that it would rain again and it did. He is our example of the power of prayer. 

Mark 9:38-50: Jesus tells his followers that everyone who does anything in Jesus name shall receive a reward. Then he goes on to say that you should get rid of whatever keeps you from serving God. For what good is a Christian who is not doing the will of God?

Challenge of the week:

This week, work hard to make sure god is in everything you do. Also remember to pray about everything, & everybody. Lastly remember to thank God for all the blessings he has given you. 

Accomplishment of the week:

How did this week's challenge help your walk with God?

Climbing Higher~ 18th week after Pentecost

Prov. 31:Who can find a virtuous woman? She is of higher value than rubies. Then it lists some of what a virtuous woman does. 

Ps. 1: Blessed is the man who stays in God Bible following what it tells us to do, hiding it truths in our heart, & staying away from following after sinful men. God will bless this man. 

James 3:13-4:3,7-8a: Do not be angry and bitter lusting after things you do not have. These feeling is what leads to wars, and killing, but in the end no one wins. Instead  you have a need ask God for it. Summit to God and the devil will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. 

Mark 9:30-37: Jesus tells his followers that to be the greatest among men you need to be a servant. 

In these verses this week, we read of what is expected of a woman of man who follows God should and should not do. 

Challenge of the week:

This week, examine your life and see how you line up to the good and bad examples. Where do you fall short? Ask God to help you to do better and then do as he says. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you find out? How did you and God change that?

Climbing higher~ 17th week after Pentecost

Prov. 1:20-32:Wisdom calls out to us. Bad things will happen when we do not listen.

Ps. 19: The heavens declare the glory of God. You can hear it all over the world. God's Word makes our souls perfect.  We will be rewarded richly for keeping it. Lord, please let my words be pleasing to you.

James 3:1-12: God's followers are told to not sin with what we say. As what we say shows the sin in our hearts. 

Mark 8:27-38:Jesus asks his disciples who people said that he was. Then Jesus asked who they thought that he was. Peter said that he was the Christ. Jesus told them to tell no on of this. Later, Jesus tells them that he will be going to die. Peter yells at him telling not to say that. Jesus called Pete,r Satan and told him to get behind him. Because he was trying to keep him from doing the will of God. Jesus went on to tell them that we have to die of self to follow him. 

We receive wisdom through the Word of God. But it is not enough to read it. We must also follow what it says, living the life as god would want us to. 

Challenge of the week:

This week, read the Bible and act on what you read, for this will please God. 

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you learn that you needed to change while reading the Bible? How did that change help you get closer to God?

Climbing higher~ 16th week after Pentecost

Prov. 22:8-9,22-23:  Speaks of how God will treat the wicked and righteous. 

Ps. 125 or 124: These are songs of degrees. They were ones that the Jewish people sang as they traveled to the temple from their homes far away. These songs speaks of God's blessings in the righteous people and his wrath on the wicked.

James 2:1-10(11-13),14-17:Blessed are those who fall into many different tests and stay faithful though them all. You will be richly rewarded by God on the end. 

Mark 7:24-37:Jesus healed. 

The theme is how God will treat those who are faithful to him and not faithful to him. 

Challenge of the week:

Try to be faithful in how God wants you to live, being faithful to how God wants you to live. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So what trial did you face this week that you were faithful to God on?

Climbing Higher~ 15th week after Pentecost(Sept 2)

Song of Solomon 2:8-13: God calls to those he love to come away with Him.

Ps. 45:1-2,6-9: Song of God's blessings on his anointed.

Or

Ps. 72: Solomon's prayer for an anointed king.

James 1:17-27 :James speaks of how a follower of God should live. This is to show what is in the followers heart.  

Mark 7:1-8,14-15, 21-23 : Jesus said that what is within a man is what will defile him. 

Theme: The responsibilities, and blessings of God's anointed. 

James speaks of the responsibilities of an anointed follower of God should act. We should not do it for show, but as a fruit of what God has put inside our heart (James 1:17-27). Jesus spoke of how even spiritual leaders can not line up. He also said that what defiles us the most is what we say (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23). As the leader of a nation, Solomon prayed for himself to be true to his calling (Ps. 72). He also sings a song speaking of the blessings that God gives to those who stay faithful to God (Ps. 43:1-2,6-9). In song of Solomon Solomon shows how God calls us away to spend time with him (Song od Solomon 2:8-13).

Challenge of the week:

This week, let us answer God's call to come away with him and his Word to feed on His Word and strength. As doing this will give us the wisdom and strength to live as we should. 

Accomplishment of the week:

Did you get away with God? How has that helped refresh you and give you the wisdom and strength to live as you should?

Climbing Higher~ 14th week after Pentecost

1 Kings 8:1,6,(10-11)22-30,40-43: Solomon had the ark brought to the Holy of holies.  God filled the holy place. Solomon then stood before the altar and prayed.

Ps. 84: I love to be in God's house of worship. God is a sun and shield to the upright giving them grace and all good things. 

Eph. 6:10-20: Paul tells of the spiritual warfare and the weapons of it to put on for fighting. He speaks of prayer as one of the weapons. 

John 6:56-69:Jesus feeds the 5,000 men plus women & children, after praying over the food.  Then his disciples goes over the sea. The waves become angry. Jesus walks on the water and they see him. He tells them not to be afraid. 

The theme is prayer.

We see  David singing of how he loved to go and pray in the house of God(Ps. 84). We see his son,Solomon going into the house of God and praying (1 Kings 8:1,6,(10-11), 22-30, 40-43). We see how Jesus was able to feed 5,000+ people with very little food after he prayed over it. We also see David speaking of God being with his people in hard times (Ps. 84). Then we see Jesus coming to his followers during a storm on the waters (John 6:56-69). Lastly, we read how we too can fight spiritual battles when we are dressed in spiritual armor and in prayer (Eph. 6:10-20). 

Challenge of the week:

Remember to use your weapon of prayer 

Accomplishment of the week:

How did using the weapon of prayer help you this week?.

Climbing Higher ~13th week after Pentecost (Aug. 19)

1 Kings 2:10-12;3:3-14: King David dies and his son, Solomon became king & the kingdom did great. Solomon burnt sacrifices to God in the high places. God asked  Solomon what he wanted God to give him. Solomon ask God to be wise enough to rule the people well. God was pleased & not only gave him wisdom, but riches also.

Ps. 111: Praise the Lord for he has done wonderful things.Like give wisdom to all who fear him. 

Eph. 5:15:20:Walk as wise men & redeem the time as the days are evil. How? Do not get drunk, but be filled with the Spirit. Give thanks for all things from God through Jesus. Lastly, speak to each other in Psalms, hymns & spiritual songs. Making melody in your heart to the Lord.

John 6: 51-58:Jesus tells the Jewish people that he was the bread that came down from heaven. He tells them that he is also now the bread of life. 

God wishes to give his people wisdom, but we need to seek it from him. Once way to do that is to ask for it, as Solomon did (1 Kings 2:10-12:3:3-14). Another way is to seek him who is the bread of life, Jesus (John 6:51-58).then search his Word to see how he wishes us to live (Eph. 5:15-20). Lastly, we should thank and praise God in music for his great gifts given to us through Jesus, like wisdom (Ps. 111).

Chalenge of the week:

This week, seek Jesus, His Word for wisdom. then thank & praise him when he gives it to you.

Accomplishment of the week:

What wisdom did God give you this week?

Climbing Higher~ 12 week after Pentecost

2 Sam. 18:5-9. 15:31-33: David's son tries to become King before his Father's death.

Ps. 130: I cry to the Lord asking for forgiveness.I now wait on the Lord for in Him is hope & mercy.(believed to be David's prayer after his son tries to take his throne before his time).

Eph. 4:25-5:2:Paul tells the Christians how they should live holy lives.

John 6:35, 41-51:The people turn against Jesus after he says that he is the bread of life that came down from heaven in the desert.

Have you ever had someone try to keep you from doing a job God called you to do? David did (2 Sam. 18:509; 15:31-33). What did he do? He prayed (Ps. 130). Then he dwealt gently with his son (2 Sam. 15:31-33). Jesus also dealt with people who would not believe who he was or his calling (John 6:35,41-51). Paul tells Christians how to act when this happens (Eph. 4:25-5:2).

Challenge of the week:

This week, take the time to pray for for those who are trying to stop you from living as God wants you to. You will find that God will help you to see them through his eyes & will give you his love fr them. 

Accomplishment of the week:

Who did you pray for? How did it go? Did it help you get closer to that person or persons and God? 

Climbing Higher~ 11 week after Pentecost

2 Sam. 11:26-12:13a: After David had  sinned with Bathsheba then had her husband killed to cover it up. The prophet Nathan come to him and tells him of his sin. 

Ps. 51:1-12: King David's prayer of forgiveness after the Prophet Nathan comes to him and reveals his sin with Bathsheba.

Eph. 4:1-16:Paul speaks of Christians walking in unity with each other. 

 

John 6:35, 41-51: Jesus claims to be the bread of life, as well as, the manna that came down from heaven in the wilderness. He went on to say that those who eat of this living bread will hunger no more. Here Jesus was hinting at what would later be what we call , "communion". 

The theme is living a life that allows unity. This is unity between our God and our fellowman. When King David looked on and choose to have another man's wife for his own he broke unity with God because he broke one of God's commandments. But he also broke unity with Uriah, one of his men of war. God sent the prophet Nathan to King David to point out to him how his actions of sin, broke his unity with both (2 Sam. 11:26-12:13a). Afterward King David prays to God for forgiveness (Ps. 51:1-12). 

Paul talks to the  Ephesian Christians about walking in unity with each other (Eph. 4:1-16). One way we as Christians do this, is by taking communion together. Jesus hints to that and what it means to do so (John 6:35,41-51). 

Challenge of the week:

 This week: strive to live such a life that allows unity with God and mankind.

Accomplishment of  the week:

So how did you do? How could you do better next week?

Climbing Higher~ 10th Sunday after Pentecost (July 29 USA calendar)

2 Sam. 11:1-15:King David looked upon, lusted after, and had another man's wife. Then arrange to kill the man to cover up his sin.

Ps. 14: The fool says that there is on God in his heart and lives an evil life. 

Eph. 3:14-21: Paul tells the Ephesians," I pray for you to have all the riches of God that will strengthen your faith: that you may know the love of Christ and show & tell of it to others". 

John 6:1-21: Jesus feeds 5,000 men, as well as, women & children that has followed him into a deserted place.

The fool says that there is no God and lives an evil life like he believes it (Ps. 14). We see how King David let his faith slip and acted like a fool (2 Sam. 11:1-15). Paul speaks of the blessings that come with following Jesus (Eph. 3:14-21). We see how Jesus took care of many people who were following him into the desert for spiritual food. He also gave them physical food (John 6:1-21).

Challenge of the week:

This week, look at how you are living your life and ask yourself it your actions show your faith in God to those around you. If you need to go to God ask for forgiven, and then live a life worthy of Jesus' blood that was spilled for you.

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you find out about yourself? If it was not good, how did you repair your relationship with God?

Climbing Higher~9th Sunday after Pentecost

2 Sam. 7:1-14a: God's answer to King David when he wanted to build a house for the Lord. "Not you, but an heir will build it."

 Ps.89:20-37:God's promise to King David that God shall keep his promises to David & his children.

Eph. 2:11-22:Speaks of how Jesus broke down the wall that separated Non-Jewish people from God when he died on the cross for all. Now we all can come to God through Jesus' blood. 

Mark 6:30-34,53-56: After John the Baptist was beheaded. John followers, and others followed afterJesus to listen to his preaching and get healed. 

When King David wanted to build a house for God, God sent Nathan to him to tell him that he could not build God's house, BUT that an heir of his would do so (2 Sam. 7:1-14a). God keep that promise when he had his son, Solomon build the temple. God also promises King David that he would keep all the promises he had given to him, also to his heirs (Ps. 89:20-37). God keep this promise and had the Messiah come through his heirs. Jesus is that heir. We see Jesus taking his place after the one who God had sent before him, John the Baptist, had died(Mark 6:30-34,53-56). Paul reminds us that through Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we are now able to come to God and have a relationship with him (Eph. 2:11-22).

Challenge of the week: 

This week, take the time to think of the fact that God kept his promises to King David through Jesus. Then spend time with God thanking Him for this great salvation & love to you.

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did this weeks challenge bring you closer to God? 

Climbing Higher~ 8th Sunday after Pentecost

2 Sam. 6:1-5, 12b-19: King David has the Ark of God moved it into the tabernacle. The people sang praises to God for having his presence among them again. Then David made much sacrifice to the Lord for the people. 

Ps. 24: A song of praise that may have been sung as they brought the Ark into the tabernacle. Which speaks of who can sacrifice to the King of glory. One whose heart is with God. 

Eph. 1:3-14: We are made accepted through Jesus Christ's blood that redeemed us.. We are to sing the praises of his glory for being adopted into God's family. 

Mark 6:14-29:Tells of how King Herod had John the Baptist's head cut off for his lovers sake after John had told him that he should not have her as a wife. Since she was his sister-in-law. When King Herod heard of Jesus' preaching. He thought that he was John come back to life. 

Theme: Needing to be holy to be in the presence of God, and how Jesus made that possible. Singing praises to God when in his presence. 

In the Old Testament, the Ark was where God was. This is why King David rejoiced in song as he was bringing the Ark back to the tabernacle. Once the Ark was in place , he made many sacrifices for the people to make them holy again (2 Sam. 6:1-5,12b-19). It is believed that one of the songs that was sung was Psalms 24. 

In Mark we are told about how John the Baptist went to King Herod and told him that he was not living a holy life as God would ant him to. It also so tells of how King Herod had him killed because of it (Mark 6:14-29). In Psalms 24 it tells us that only those who hearts are holy can come into the presence of God. this is impossible as we are sinful my nature. So Jesus came and paid for our redemption with his own blood. Because of what Jesus did for us we can now be forgiven & be in God's presence. But god did not stop there! If we accept the gift of redemption, we can become sons and daughters of God (Eph. 1:3-14).

Challenge of the week:

If you have not asked Jesus to forgive you, and accepted Jesus' gift of redemption. do so. If you have already done so. sing praises to God for his great gift!

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you and God accomplish this week?

Climbing Higher~ 7th Sunday after Pentecost

2 Sam. 5:1-5,9-10: After King Saul dies, David is anointed to be King over God's country.

Ps. 48: A song of praise to God for the great city & temple of God. Sing this song even when the kings has come and take the temple away. Even when you are killed. for God, &  His city remains for ever. 

2 Cor. 12:2-10: I glory in physical, mental, and when others are doing mean things to me because I follow Jesus. For through Jesus I am strong, even in my weakness. 

Mark 6:14-29: John the Baptist head is cut off after John had told the king that his living with his Sister in law was against God's laws. 

In these verses, we see new beginnings that happen after what seems like an end. Let us look at them...David is made king after King Saul dies (2 Sam. 5:1-5, 9-10). John the Baptist is killed for preaching what God told him to preach (Mark 6:14-29). Which is when Jesus really starts his ministry (Mark 7).  Paul founds that when he is at the end of his strength and abilities, God comes through & helps him serve God (2 Cor. 12:2-10). Like the Psalms tells us to do, we should sing a song of praise to God even when we come to what seems like an end. For God is with us forever (Ps. 48). 

Challenge of the week:

If you are going through what seems like an end, remember that with god's help, it is only a new beginning. Then sing praises him as you look towards better days ahead.

If you are not going through an end in your life, take the time to look back and find an ending in your past that became a new beginning. Then sing praises to God thanking him. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you and God accomplish this week? What did you praise him for? How is that growing your relationship with God?

Climbing Higher~6th Sunday after Pentecost(July 1)

2 Sam. 1:1,17-27: When David hears of the deaths of King Saul & his son Jonathan he grieves. 

Ps. 130: A cry for the Lord.

2 Cor. 8:7-15: Paul speaks a blessing over the Corinthians for their faith in Jesus. 

Mark 5:21-43: A father pleases with Jesus to heal his daughter and Jesus heals her. A woman who has had health issues touches the hem of Jesus' robe and is healed. Both healing came through belief in Jesus' ability to heal. 

In these verses, we see that God will tend to us when we cry out to him in faith. 

Challenge of the week:

This week, feel free to cry out to God when you are in need of doing so. 

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you cry out to God for ? How did that help build your faith?

Climbing Higher~ 5th Sunday after Pentecost

1 Sam. 17:(1a-11, 19-23)32-49: With great faith that God would help him. Young David went against the enemy of the Lord & killed the giant.

Ps. 9:9-20: The Lord is a refuge to those who are oppressed who put their trust in Him.

 

2 Cor. 6:1-13: Though Paul was oppressed and experienced many bad things for the Gospel, he stayed true to his calling for the Corinthians spiritual sake. 

Mark 4:35-41: Jesus calms a storm that he and his followers are in. 

These verses show that even when we are right where God wants us, we can and will experience bad things. When we go through those bad things that seem like bad storms. We are to remember that Jesus is in the boat with us (Mark 4:35-41), and is our refuge from the storm. so we can trust in him (Ps. (9:9-20). With that in mind, we should follow the example of David & Paul and face the storms and bad things in our life, knowing that God will help us through it (1 Sam. 17:1-49: 2 Cor. 6:1-13). 

Challenge of the week:

If you are going through a storm or bad time, turn to God to see you through it. 

If you are not going through a bad time, take the time to thank God for helping you through bad times that he has taken you through in the past. 

Accomplishment of the week:

did you go through a storm this week? How did trusting God help you get through it?

 If you did not go through a storm, what storms did you take the time to thank God for seeing you through in the past? How did that increase your faith in him? 

Climbing Higher~ 4th Sunday after Pentecost(Father's day in USA)

1 Sam. 15:34-16:13: King Saul dies. God sends Samuel to Jessie's house to anoint a new king. That king ended up being Jesse's youngest son, David. 

Ps. 20 or 72: God saves his anointed.:God shall judge all peoples. 

2 Cor. 5:6-10(11-13)14-17: We serve the Lord faithfully for we walk by faith and not by sight. We may loose our lives because of this. but we will still faithfully serve Him so that we will one day stand before the judgment seat of God. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature. 

Mark 4:26-34:The Kingdom of God is like a seed that is planted and grows, because God grew it. 

Just like God looked after Israel (1 Sam. 15:34-16:13). He also looks after those who are in the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:26-34). Because God will judge us all one day (Ps. 72), we should faithfully serve him in that Kingdom (2 Cor. 5:6-10(11-13)14-17). When we do so God will save us (Ps. 20).

Challenge of the week:

Let us work hard to serve God in His Kingdom. Let us be faithful in bringing others into that God's Kingdom no matter the cost. For if we are faithful he will reward us. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did you do? What were the challenges? How did you overcome those challenges?

Climbing Higher~3rd Sunday after Pentecost (June 10)

1 Sam. 8:4-20(11:14-15): God's people ask Samuel for a king. This upsets Samuel, and he goes to God about it. God tells him to give them what they asked for, so he anoints Saul as king.

Ps. 138:I will praise you God with my whole heart. For  even though you are high, & I am lowly.  You stretch out your hand and show me your lovingkindness and give me truth, and strength.

2 Cor. 4:13-5:1:We go through many trials so that we may bring you to Jesus for His glory. For we do not look for things of the earth that can rot away, instead we look for the eternal things of God. Such as an eternal body in heaven.

Mark 3:20-35:The Scribes are upset at what Jesus says and they say that he is of Satan. Jesus challenges them about that explaining that Satan would not cast his demons out of people. His Mother and brothers go to him to take him away, thinking that he is crazy. When Jesus is told that they are outside waiting for him. He says that those who sat with him where his family. 

Challenge of the week:

We all have a choice as to wither we will work to gain earthy things or spiritual things in this life. This week, you will have to decide this many times. Seek god for courage to choose spiritual things over physical things. 

accomplishment of the week:

Write your victories here. 

Climbing Higher~2ed Sunday after Pentecost

1 Sam. 30:1-20: Shows David eating the bread from the temple when he was in distress. 

Ps. 139:1-6,13-18: Lord, you have searched me and know me quite well. why, you even know all the parts of my body, as well as my thoughts and actions. Yet you still care and look after me. 

2 Cor. 4:5-12: Paul speaks of how they preached Jesus Christ... and for Christ they are going through hard times. But  are not depressed, because of the trials they are going through. For they are going through it to become more like Christ, to help bring knowledge of Christ & life through him to the Corinthians. 

Mark 2:23-3:6: Jesus teaches the Pharisees by word and example that we can do good on the Sabbath. One example he gave was from 1 Sam. 30:1-20. 

Psalms 139, verses 1-6, 13-18 talks of how God knows you so well that he even knows all our body parts. You see he made you. Why? so that you could serve him. But just because you serve him does not mean that life will be easy. Even St. Paul went through hard times because he preached about Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:5-12). But that should not keep us from telling others about Jesus and his love, grace, mercy & salvation. We should be ready to tell others about it even on our Holy day. Jesus taught the Pharisees this in Mark 2:23-3:6. When he gave an example from 1 Samuel 30:1-10.

Challenge of the week:

This week, seek to tell and show others of Jesus and his love, grace, mercy and salvation. Even on your Holy Day. And even if it will bring hard times to you.

Accomplishment of the week:

Who did you tell of Jesus this week? 

Climbing Higher~ 1st Sunday Day after Pentecost

Sorry I am behind, because we have been ill. 

Acts 2:1-21: The day of Pentecost

Ps. 104: 24-34,35b: A song praising God for his great power and care for all the earth.

Rom. 8:22-27: All of creation & us groans as we wait for us all to be saved from the sin that is in mankind as a whole. Let us pray for the hope of that. In the mean time, the Spirit will help us to pray when we are overwhelmed by the evil we see in the earth. 

John 15:26-27;16:4b-15: Jesus tells his followers about the Holy Spirit whom would come after he left them. 

 Our world is full of the sin of mankind as a whole.  All of creation as well as mankind, groans  as we wait for us all to be saved from that sin. Sometimes the sin of the world seems so overwhelming that we do not know how to pray. that is when the Holy spirit will help us to pray as we should (Rom. 8:22-27). Jesus promised his followers that he would send the comforter known as the Holy Spirit to them (John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15). This is the Sunday where we read of the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21).  We should all sing a song of praise to God for his great power and care for all the world (Ps. 104:24-34,35b).

Challenge of the week:

This week, go out and sing a song of praise to God in nature, so that all of creation may sing it with you. Or take the time to pray for the salvation of mankind. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did you and God accomplish this week?

Climbing Higher~Trinity Sunday

Is. 6:1-8: An angel's voice called Isaiah to be God's prophet & the doors shook because of the voice. . Isaiah said that he was too sinful to do it.  Isaiah was cleansed of his sin so that he could do his calling. 

Ps. 29: The voice of the Lord is powerful, because God is powerful! His voice is so powerful that it makes many parts of the world shake. Give him the glory, & praise that he deserves. He will give strength to those who does. 

Rom. 8:12-17: We owe our salvation to Jesus for dying for our sins. Because of this we should not live as unsaved people, but live holy lives that do not follow after fleshly desires. The Spirit tells us that when we do that we are God's children. 

John 3:1-17: Jesus is God and was before the world was made. Jesus made the world. Jesus is the Word. God gave Jesus to the world to take away the sins of the world. The shed of Jesus' blood is powerful, so powerful, that. Anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved. God sent Jesus, because he did not want any to perish. 

The theme is POWER. In these verses we read of the power of the angel's voice, God's voice, the Word, and the power of God and Jesus' blood. God has used and continues to use all of the power that he has in his Trinity part of himself to bring people to the knowledge of salvation today. 

Challenge of the week:

This week, seek to better understand how each parts of God and how they can help you be saved and grow spiritually.

Accomplishment of the Week: So how did this week's spiritual walk help you to better understand God?

Climbing Higher~ Ascension day

Acts 1:1-11: Jesus told his people to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes to them, then he ascended into heaven.

Ps. 47:  All the people sing praises to God with understanding to the King.

Eph. 1:15-23: Paul prays for the Ephesians to have all the wisdom and power that The Holy Spirit can give them. 

Luke 24:44-53: Jesus tells his followers that they now have seen the fulfillment of what he had told them about dying for their sins and raising from the dead.. They were now to go and tell others. Then he took them to Bethany blessed them and then ascended into heaven. 

Challenge of the week:

Just as the followers of Jesus could go and tell of what they knew of Jesus to the world. So we as his followers today can do the same. Let us go and tell so that all the people of the world can sing praises to Jesus for what he has done. So that when Jesus returns he can take many souls with him from all over the world. 

Accomplishment of the week:

Who did you tell this week of what Jesus did for them spiritually?