We have heard people speak of amazing times in their lives as being 'mountain top experiences'.  They are referring to those occasions when the most wonderful time was had; when the adventure just past couldn't have been planned more wonderfully.  It is those occasions we will try over and over again to duplicate, but, to no avail.

Mark 9:2-4 (NIV) 
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus." 

The saying, 'mountain top experience' has to have its origin in the Scripture reading for today, when Christ was transfigured right before their eyes. Peter was enjoying the moment so much he wanted to build a house right there and live on the mountain top.  

I have had an experience or two where I felt it could never be topped.  There would never be another moment in time when I felt as I did this very minute. But God keeps working His wonders in my life daily.

I am coming to recognize those special events in my life don't need all the drum-roll or fanfare.  Amazing things happen every day when we truly walk with Jesus.  When our eyes and hearts are open to all that He is doing in and around us we can recognize special moments daily.  God is in the little things.  God provides the little things to give us great joy.

Read Mark 9:2-13 here

Listen to Mark 9:2-13 here

The Story - Chapter 25 - Jesus, The Son of God

Mark 8:36-37 (NIV) 
^"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" 

There was a popular television game show many years ago called Truth or Consequences.  It was a silly program, made to entertain us.  A question was posed to the contestants and when they didn't answer it correctly there were consequences.  It was all in fun, and there were valuable prizes for winners.

Consequences are a part of life and we face them daily.  If I don't eat and properly and exercise regularly I cannot expect to stay healthy.  A student who parties more than studies will not get good grades.  You get the idea.  Jesus is showing us by His Words that all of life is filled with consequences, and not all are bad.  The word only means result of.  When we perform positively the results are good.

Our behavior, our actions do matter.  Jesus came to teach us how to be happy, how to have peace and joy in this world and the next.  He did not come to give us instructions on how to live effortlessly.  His purpose was not to tell us that everything was going to feel good.  No, He came to be an example to us.  His life was meant to point us to eternal life, His death was meant to redeem us from this world.

Life will not be easy for a follower of Jesus.  Just because we believe does not mean we are saved from trouble or grief or pain.  It means these troubles or momentary and the rewards are eternal.  If we keep reading and praying and it will all make sense soon.

Read Mark 8:27-9:1

Listen to Mark 8:27-9:1