About two days ago I received a Facebook message from Abigail Gee asking if I would be willing to prepare and deliver a short devotional thought for some of the young ladies of Kisongo, I took the task with gladness and excitement. Lindsy suggested that I use the topic of "Climbing the Hill of Christianity" and I never thought it would be such an appropriate topic. We had our devo at the top of one of the many hills in Kisongo, and let me just say that the Girl's cabin at Indian Creek Youth Camp named "Hilltop" (also very appropriately named) has NOTHING on this hill. Wow it was a hike up there, but worth the view once we were there. When we got up there and all caught our breathe, we sat around and sang some songs, and had the devotional thought then we played some games. It was nice to get to spend some time with the young girls from here. they are all very sweet young ladies. So I thought since I had the lesson all written out I would post it here.
Climbing the Hill of Christianity
Climbing the Hill of Christianity
Have you ever thought about what it takes to climb a hill? A seemingly simple task really, I would guess none of us have ever really thought about what is involved in climbing a hill. However if we take a closer look at the process we would see that it is not so simple a task as we once thought. The same can be said of our Christianity; some would say that it is as simple as believing that Jesus is the Son of God, but if we are to take a closer look we see that there is much more involved. So let us take a look at a few things it takes to climb the hill of Christianity.
- Endurance
Endurance can be described as the slow build up of strength. The harder the obstacle the more endurance is needed. Why do we need endurance? - Because if we do not build up the strength to climb the hill we will not reach the top. For a Christian the top of our hill is Heaven. So if endurance is so important, then how do we gain it? ~ Romans 5:3 - More than that , we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.~ Endurance means going through our struggles, hardships and temptations, and continuing to climbing to reach our goal. - Watchfulness
Have you ever thought about climbing a hill with your eyes closed? I certainly hope not, that would be quite dangerous! If your eyes are closed how can you look out for holes, plants and other things that might stop you from reaching the top. The Bible teaches that as Christians there are things we have to watch out for. ~ 1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.~ We have to watch out for the temptations of the devil, we never know when he will strike at us. ~ Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves~ We have to watch out for those who would lead us astray. ~Galatians 6:1 - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted~ As Christians we are not climbing this hill alone, we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because we are all humans we will all fall at some point. When we see a brother in trouble we are supposed to try and help them, but we have to be careful to not fall into the same trap they have fallen into. So don't climb the hill with your eyes closed, because you will fall. - BeginningThe most important step in climbing any hill is the first one. If you never start, you will never finish. Everything we have talked about so far is only possible is we begin climbing. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through out Lord Jesus Christ~ Victory is reaching whatever goal we have set out for, reaching the top of the Hill. Our victory comes through Jesus Christ ~ Galatians 3:26-27 - for in Christ Jesus you are sons of God through faith, for as many of you were baptized into Christ has put on Christ. ~ By putting on Christ in Baptism we begin our Climb up the Hill.
~May the Lord Bless and Keep you~
