July 25, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . There Will Be Trials . . .  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Hebrews 12:22-24

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (NIV)

Thoughts

This past summer my wife and I visited our youngest son, Tim, his wife Charity, and our grandson in Colorado Springs. This was our first time to visit them in their new home.

They are avid hikers and love to get into the mountains, 10,000-14,000 ft. around their home. I like to hike, also. But, my hiking is confined to locales in Southeast Texas at 0-10 ft elevation.

One of things that they wanted to show us was a waterfall that wound its way down the side of a mountain that was about 14,000 ft. You could drive to about 10,000 ft, but the rest was following a winding trail to the top.

I think they could have ran to the top. But for me and my wife, it was stop, rest, and start again. The view was worth it, literally breath taking at the top.

(Tom B)

Action Point

Hebrews 12:22-24 paints a description of what Heaven is going to be like.

My wife's and my climb to the top of the mountain is similar to what we all face in our lives. There will be trials in our lives that will slow down our ascent to the mountain top (Heaven), making us feel like we can't go on.

Don't give up!!! Take a breather and gather your strength again. Remember who your trail guide is-Jesus. Remember what the view is going to be like when you reach the summit.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Hiking is all about being in shape. Actually, hiking can help a person get in shape. Don't try to tackle mountain trails if your life revolves around sea level locations. Start slow, building up strength and endurance. Take one to three mile walks three times a week to build endurance.