‘We are not made for
the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life—
those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is
where we have to prove our stamina and strength. Yet our spiritual
selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mountain. We feel that we
could talk and live like perfect angels, if we could only stay on the
mountaintop. Those times of exaltation are exceptional and they have their meaning
in our life with God, but we must beware to prevent our spiritual selfishness
from wanting to make them the only time.[…] The mountaintop is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something.’ CHAMBERS
God can teach us .. shape us through all of life’s
experiences. We are affirmed on the
mountain top, but proven in the valley. On
the mountain top we marvel at God … in the valley … our faith is tested. God’s glory does not change with our
circumstance. It’s our perspective that
changes. When I was basking in the
presence of God on the mountain top … I wondered why life could not be like
this all of the time .. but the valley reminds me that there are many who have
not and may never experience the mountain top … my purpose is to be light in
the valley … to show the glory of God through my life in the valley … Not to be
like those with no hope, but to point them to the source of hope by the way I
live my life. I am sure you have heard
the saying .. ‘Words are cheap’. Those
who live in the valley. Who live with ..
heartache disappointment, brokenness … the consequence of the Fall … don’t need
merely words … but they need to see faith being lived out ….
James
2:15-18 ‘If a brother or sister is naked and
destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, "Depart in
peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which
are needed for the body, what does it profit?
(17) Thus also faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead.
(18) But someone will say,
"You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your
works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’
Your works are not just feeding the hungry, giving
water to the thirsty, the Matthew 25 serving that is a result of your faith …
but it is also living your life every day .. placing your trust in God … living
above your circumstances not under them. Loving people .. even when they don’t
deserve it … returning a harsh word with a kind one … mistreatment with
blessing …. You say .. what does God expect of me? To do justly, to love mercy and to walk
humbly .. Micah 6:8 …
Psalms
1:1-3 ‘Blessed is the man Who walks not in the
counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat
of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
(3) He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose
leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.’
We have been planted in the valley … Draw deeply
from the living water … and let your light shine in the valley today.
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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