Life Beyond the Summit

At some level we all deal with the concept of inadequacy -- Do I measure up?  I am qualified?  I am good enough?  Do I have what it takes?  Can I be successful?  What if I fail?  If we are honest, we all have dealt with these or other similar questions at one point or another in our lives.  Some have given up and rather than consider the question, they settle for...

In Episode 27, we covered the topic of shame.  In Genesis 3:1-13, we read the account of what is referred to as the "fall."  The "fall" is when Adam and Eve fell into disobedience, stemming from disbelief, which resulted from deception, as presented by Satan.  They followed this by "covering" themselves, recognizing their nakedness, now ashamed of the condition of their hearts as we...

We have all experienced regret or guilt about something that was not likely intentional.  Perhaps in the moment, we spoke of our turn, and embarrased ourself or another.  In most cases, we recover on our feet and vow to not repeat the mistake, however mild it may have been.  In its deepest manifestation, regret or guilt can lead to shame.  Shame involves feelings of worthlessne...

What is courage, but the ability to face uncertainty or even fear without hesitation.  We all respect those who display the courage to run toward and not way from any challenge.  I think of 911 when hundreds of first responders ran into the flames to help those high above New York City streets; or Todd Beamer, gathering up the courage to overtake high-jackers, telling his wife, “I love y...

Christmas….the single most important calendar day of the year for those who follow Christ! It’s history includes the celebration of the winter solstice and worship of mythical gods, long before the birth of Christ. Rome adopted Christianity in the 4thcentury and both the pagan and religious celebrations were merged, with Christ birth becoming the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas story is m...

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul encourages Christ followers this way – “having done everything to stand, stand.”  In John 16:33 Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world”. Whether Christ follower or not, we can all agree that life is challenging and not always rewarding. We all recognize financial prosperity and the accumulation of things, offer little...

Fear is a very real and natural emotion.  It manifests itself in forms as minor as being startled to as intense as depression or even suicide.  Generally, fear is associated with feelings of uncertainty, whether the threat is to our physical well being or one creating mental or emotional anguish. One form of fear is healthy. Fear related to respect is normal and represents healthy humili...

As Jesus performed healing miracles, he did so without the use of one single perscription or formula, but rather in all forms to bring Glory to God.  How often are we unknowingly delivered from accidents, sickness, sorrow, or any form of clamity?  Sometimes it comes in the form of a true miracle, other times in the form assistance or even the favor of others which can be clearly seen as...

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16) in both living righteously as well as intentionally.  In Peters first letter, he encouraged Christ followers to "be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).  We are also reminded, that it...

During his closing remarks, one local pastor encourages his congregation to consider that many are simply “one ask away” from coming to know God. He encourages his congregants to invite a friend to church, that is not currently going. Jim was just that guy! Jim had a friend tell him about the church, so he decided to attend. When the pastor finished his presentation, Jim responded to the Pastor’s...

Doubt is a difficult thing.  We see many struggle with the unanswered questions life presents.  Why we experience things as we do, suffer loss, experience pain, struggle with purpose and direction.  We find answers to life's questions fleeting and at times left unanswered.  Faith calls us to a higher place of understanding that we will not always be able to see clearly, but pro...

For many, change is difficult.  It requires discipline and determination.  A vision of life beyond our circumstance.  A willingness to consider an alternative perspective.  Sometimes the familiar can render us frozen, unable to consider another way -- we can find ourselves "stuck."  Without a sense of deep purpose and perhaps going through the motions.  The Bible prov...

Talking through and reflecting upon our past is valuable to the extent that we learn from our mistakes.  The greatest mistake is to allow ourselves to continue down paths that lead us no where.  A scripture that lends itself well with this concept is Proverbs 14:12.  This scripture says that "there is a way that seem right unto men but in the end it leads to destruction."  Our...

A frequently quoted verse, familiar to many, is John 8:32, in which Jesus spoke these words -- "... you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  We do not as frequently hear what Jesus spoke in advance of these words.  The complete phase includes John 8:31, Jesus said -- "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth...

Jesus used the parable of sowing seed and reaping the harvest, referencing farming to demonstrate what a relationship with Him was intended to be like.  Sowing into a relationship with Him, through prayer and His word (the Bible) is what produces life changing results, results that provide for both abundance in this life as well as eternity.  Paul exhorts all to forgot what lies behind,...

Words can either build us up or break us down.  Proverbs 18:21 states that "...the power of life and death are in the tongue."  Proverbs 12:18 offers an alternative voice to words -- "...speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  Words become reality when they are reinforced through self playback or repeated use.  Unlike words spoken...

When speaking to a new group of men, I often ask for a show of hands, those raised in a dysfunctional home.  A guess as to the numbers would suggest at least 90% of hands are raised.  When asked a second question -- "How many of you believe that in one way or another the dysfunction you experienced has affected your life?" -- nearly the same number raised their hands.  When asked a...

In Luke 6:48, Luke gives his account of words spoken by Jesus.  Jesus speaks of a man building a house, who "dug down deep and built his foundation on the rock."  Spiritually speaking, are we willing to go to dig deep into ourselves, remove the masks, and allow God to do a new work in us?  Are we willing to "lay aside every weight" and the past that "so easily besets us?"  Are...

There is no other rock upon which to build. Jesus represents the rock, the solid foundation, the cornerstone, whom we can trust, rely, and depend on with our very lives. Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path – Proverbs 3:5

In Matthew 7:24 Jesus metaphorically refers those who "hear" His words and put them into practice, to the man who "built his house on the rock."  He goes on to say that neither rain, rising water, or high winds will prevail against the man's house, because it "had it's foundation on the rock."  What is it that you trust in, is your foundation sure, strong, and able to endure the storms o...

In what is famously referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount," the book of Matthew Chapters 5-7, speak to what faithful obedience to knowing God looks like.  In Matthew 7:24, specifically, Jesus spoke these words:  "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man ho built his house on the rock."  Do we hear?  Are we listening? &nbs...

Perseverance requires persistent pursuance of a goal.  Is what you are pursuing worthy of single-minded dedication.  What does God's word promise about an investment in His word?

Life Beyond the Summit New Podcast! "Perseverance -- Part 3 -- Ep 7" A discussion about "the seed that fell among thorns," referencing Luke 8:14. For More information, visit lifebeyondthesummit.com or email us at lifebeyondthesummit@gmail.com We are now on the "Anchor" platform. To listen, click on the like below!  Feel free to share and like us below

The bible talks alot about persevering through the challenges of life and inevitable changes we experience.  What does it take to remain faithful and true to God's word?  How do we experience victory in this life?

A continued look at the book of Mark and roadblocks to a growing faith in Christ.