Especially if you have school work to do, background music can help fill the silence of late night studying. Top selling author and speaker, Robert Rohm Ph.D. is founder of Personality Insights Inc. and The Robert Rohm Co. As you will see, Dr. Rohm specializes in helping people better understand themselves and others. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. But as Jesus and his inner circle stood on that mountain the Shekinah glory cloud overshadowed them. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. Questions for further thought: Where and when have you been overwhelmed by a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you on the cross? Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? How does a congregation go But Jesus came and touched [the disciples], saying, 'Rise, and have no fear' (Matt. However, the truth of the matter is simply this: the mountain really is made out of a lot of stuff (both good and bad). And if we keep moving upward an onward, we will eventually get to the peak or sum total of our own personal mountaintop experience! Jesus Christ, furthering His kingdom, and bringing glory to God through it all. about evangelism. Mixed in with all of that were some great memories and wonderful times of happiness, too. Mountaintop Experience - Good Faith Media They see His Glory and they worship Him! And Im guessing wed have a mountaintop experience at church if we took the time to listen to each other describe our mountaintop experiences. Gorgeous mountain views off the deck 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! 1:21). Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. You will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Have you been born again? What an amazing sight! Shes still not sure whats she supposed to do with what shes learning, and now shes in her own personal waiting period trusting God to clarify her next move. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. It had been six hundred years since anyone in Israel had seen the Shekinah glory cloud. Of all the things the apostles witnessed, none was more spectacular and the vision of the glorified Christ on top on the Mount of Transfiguration. 17:7)." The chosen son of God, the Savior of the world! Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. The glory cloud was the sign of Gods approval on the work that Jesus Christ had come to do; to die on the cross as a sacrifice for mans sin, and be raised from the dead the third day. A time when you just felt like Gods Spirit was all over you, and around you, and joy filled your heart, and you just felt like you were going to bust! Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. n. The summit of a mountain. The Word communicated the fullness of the glory of God manifested to them. This one might seem obvious, but what if I told you that having a cup of hot cocoa is more than chocolate powder in warm milk? I have ordered from them with great satisfaction for over 20 years. But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. And if weve implanted them in some way in our present, then revisiting them will prove a way to spur us on as we continue to live changed. Finally, Jesus directed the three disciples not to tell others about their experience until after His resurrection. the last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. 6. resembling or suggesting a mountain, as in size. (. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. If the bible is any guide, theres no better place to meet the divine than on or around a mountain. We, of course, visited the ranger station and gift shop at the top, and chatted with one of the rangers about what short hikes we could do while we were at the top and about the recent snowstorm that made the road impassible. But it will give us time and space to allow the intensity of those moments to sit raw and open as we transition back to the valley. The words of Psalm 121 came to my mind each afternoon gazing upon the mountains, and they are what I expect will be transporting me back there over the next several months. For six days Moses lingered in the cloud of God at the top of the mountain. Some only lasted for mere minutes. CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. But our mountaintop moments are not designed by God just to give us warm fuzzies at high altitudesthey are designed to go fill us with the Spirit of God that we have the courage and strength to do the work of the kingdom in the valley. Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. Yes, I was on a literal mountaintop, but I am talking about a biblical mountaintop experience. Define mountaintop. The mountain top experience was a sanctuary, and a challenge. It was simply a huge heap of stuff (both good and bad) that he had climbed up in order to get to where he was. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. In the Bible, mountains are often the places where God encounters His people, changes their lives, and sends them back down to the world with a prophetic message. Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. He and his disciples went up this mountain to pray. the law and the prophets. That is how we need to look at our daily issues. Yet, if we keep going and if we keep climbing, the sum total of all those experiences will keep us moving upward in the right direction. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Moses climbing Mt. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. I have placed you on the mountaintop for my glory in the last days.. By adding some whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, a regular cup of warm chocolate powder in milk becomes more like a dessert. (Mark 9:2-3 ESV) Jesus takes his inner circle to a mountain with him and they experience a "God thing." It was something unlike anything they had ever seen. But the ecstasy was short-lived because when Jesus predicted his suffering and death on a cross, Peter reacted so negatively to this unexpected news that Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! For Christians, it seems that anything from a relaxing woods retreat to a Mountain-Dew-induced sugar-high at a youth conference can gain the mountaintop moniker. Running Together: Evening Worship at 5:00. Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. You are a stumbling block to me. Jesus recognized the voice of the Evil One again, this time speaking through Peter, and he told him to back off. You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. It is time to drop the negative connotation attached to valleys and embrace their true purpose. Like the testing of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-19), the receiving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20:21) and, of course, the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). Would you pray and ask God to give you a mountaintop experience; when he does you will see his glory and worship him, understand his work and trust him, hear his word and obey him. Remember, Moses first met God at the burning bush on Mt. My time in Dallas was informative and meaningful and challenging, but I would not say it was a mountaintop experience. It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! No wonder Peter fell to his face. The valley is not what you may think. That had to be a long six days. The Mountaintop Experience | A Bold Christian So, over the past week I went searching for stories and quotes about Mountain top experiences, and I stumbled on this comment: "The Outing Club is hosting world traveler and Mount Everest Climber, Jeff . Their eyes opened and they saw a whole new reality; the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. the cloud which covered the Tabernacle with Gods glory. God's benevolence stretches this description to the breaking point. The Danger of the Mountain Top Experience - Youth Ministry They knew a lot about Jesus; but on that mountaintop they. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. He neither deserves the honor or respect that entails. The mission field proves a common place where we experience God in new ways. 3. a huge amount: a mountain of mail. If you have Netflix or Hulu, the possibilities of movies are endless. I have established you on the mountaintop. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. The Mountaintop Experience. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. Grab a blanket and a glass of hot chocolate, and do these five warm indoor activities for those rainy winter days. This passage in Isaiah carries a prophetic word for Mountaintop Worship Center. Recommended ResourcesEasy Bible Study Method, Bold LivingFaithSpiritual GrowthDevotions, I am an author, blogger, Bible teacher, and preacher. TheLordwill keep you from allevil;he will keep your life. Just zoom out and think about your problems in the large scheme of things. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. The one time I climbed a mountain of any size, I was amazed at how long I enjoyed spending time just looking at the view in the distance, enjoying the air, and experiencing the warm sun. But if we dont use what we have experienced on the mountain to affect the valley, then they might as well just be quick reactions to a fleeting moment. But dont forget that six days prior, the disciples spent their own time in a theological fog, utterly confused about the proposed suffering and death of Jesus. He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! top maun-tn-tp Synonyms of mountaintop : the summit of a mountain Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web Barkley spent his final four seasons with the Rockets, but the team's big threecomprised of him, as well as Olajuwon and Clyde Drexlerwas never able to get them back to the NBA mountaintop. Moses had asked to see Gods glory, and only got to see the backside of God as he passed by. There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. Like if you take one step forward you will fall endlessly and helplessly. Those moments at a worship concert or at the end of a sermon when the person holding the microphone makes a powerful speech with emotional music playing in the background. Or you were convicted about something in your life that you now need accountability for from a friend or mentor. It was their ultimate mountaintop experience. The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. First things first, don't be afraid to talk openly about mountain top experiences with your students. If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. Jesus death on the cross is the topic of conversation when you have a mountaintop experience! As he stood there looking out over his life and all of his accomplishments, he looked down and realized that the mountaintop was not at all what he thought it would be. Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! They didnt last for years. , and respond as he calls you to trust him for eternal life. The story in our text today is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke and I believe it's the source of the phrase "A Mountain Top Experience. I'm sure you have left over hot chocolate from November and December, so it's time to finish them off. It was a Mountain experience, because JESUS was there! Thats when you see people all around you move forward as they listen to the call of their mountain top experience. We go down to the valley to meditate on our recent revelation, allowing us to learn from our mountaintop experiences. Yet over time we go back to normal life. Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. Frankly, I cant imagine being stuck in a dense mountain fog for six days with absolutely nothing to do but look at the fog! To hear the voice of God in His Word is to be led to the mountaintop of glory and grace. Still, nearly a thousand people everyyear train vigorously, pay steep fees, and make the trip to south Asia for the opportunityto enjoy an ultimate mountaintop experience. The glory of God shines the brightest with the topic of conversation is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ! But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. Pastor at Columbus (IN) RP Church. It actually turned out to be a good place. Heaven will not be a place of strangers. They saw for the first time the dazzling Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! A glorious, spiritual experience where you were alone with Jesus and your soul was lifted above this old world, and you got a taste of heaven. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. There, Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matt. BRICKS IN THE VALLEY Text: Matthew 17:1 - 9 We all know from the laws of gravity that what goes up must also come down. Though it had not been easy, it had all been well worth the journey to get to where he wanted to be in life. There we can change the world and share Gods love and faithfulness that is as stolid as the mountains.We come down from the mountaintop because very few people are there. Once weve processed our mountain top experience, well be able to face the valley without resentment or guilt. About Us - Mountain-Top Experience Now for the Lords prophetic word: This is what the Lord is saying to the people of Mountaintop Worship Center. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. Both had famous departures from this earth. Yes it was temporary eclipsed by the cross, but they remember it after the resurrection and they spoke about it for the rest of their lives. The mountaintop experience enables the believer to remain stable when they reach low points in their life. -In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Lastly, the best part is the toppings. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. What is the purpose of a Mountain-top experience? But then, everything about Peters mountaintop experience changes. Now suddenly, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John for an evening hike up Mt. Tabor. Horeb, Elijah stood in the mouth of a cave and heard God speak not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the sounds of silence. For once weve faced them head on, then well have a better understanding of what to do next. The mountaintop transfiguration of Jesus Christ was certainly a transcendent visual experience for Peter, James, and John. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . One of the authors of the book, Sharon Swing says, Listening is the art of creating space so God can do His work in the heart of another., This time in Atlanta was a follow-up to similar work I did in Dallas two years ago. We all need spiritual refreshing from the presence of the Lord; we need encouragement that can come only from being in the presence of Jesus. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says its Mt. Sinai a third time to get a new copy of the commandments we read in Exodus 34 that Moses face was shining so brightly with the spirit of God that he had to veil his face when he was around people. A good book on a rainy day or with calming music is a wonderful way to take a break from the responsibilities of life and escape into another world. As for how this takes shape in the coming future, I dont really know and I am okay with that because I am very confident that my job is to be willing and available and He will open and close doors. Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. A MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE | FaithWriters Nebo, and God buried him in a grave known only to God. Upon returning from the top of Mt. What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. You learn something new about who God is. from that experience knowing more about Jesus, more prepared to live and die for him! One trait that gets very little press is that mountain top experiences often involve waiting. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. Moses is a prime example of this. Keep reading Matthew 17 and youll see that during their descent from the mountain the disciples have a frightening encounter with a demon from hell. But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. These guys had seen Jesus on multiple occasions, do amazing things, but they had NEVER seen him like they are going to see him on that mountain. Check out my Recommended Resources list. That could prove dangerous and manipulative. For this reason, friends, its only fair to tell you that mountaintops can be dangerous places. Since the first reported successful climb of that 29,000-foot peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, more than four thousand different individuals have experienced the thrill. Suddenly your problems dont seem like problems anymore. I recently heard a man say that he had worked all of his life to get to the top of his own personal mountain. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths. For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3 CSB). - the law and the, Prophets; the son of God and the three great apostles of the church they are talking about the Cross! 2023. If you need it, they have it. Amen. A Mountain Top Experience - The Odyssey Online But make no mistake Jesus was the unrivalled son of God. After surviving his 40 day and night fast, Jesus climbs down one mountain only to go up another, where he delivers the greatest sermon of all time, the Sermon on the Mount.. I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Don't start to rationalize it, no matter how unbelievable it may sound to some. Mountaintop. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountaintop. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? As the transfiguration reveals, the voice of Majestic Glory in the Word is a fearful thing. 2. David Benner says, Our challenge is to unmask the divine in the natural and name the presence of God in our lives. The second part of Listen to Your Life is just as important and that is developing the gift of listening to each others stories. Moses is a prime example of this. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) and is alluded to in Johns Gospel (John 1:14) as well as in 2 Peter 1:16-18 underscores that Peter, James, and John never forgot their trip with Jesus up on the mountain. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. We will recognize our loved ones and others in heaven. The cloud alone would have been enough to confirm Gods presence and blessings on Jesus. Six days earlier Jesus had asked his disciples the question of the hour Who do you say that I am? WhenPeter answered, You are the Messiah, Son of the living God, Jesus was ecstatic, and on the spot named Peter the future head of the church. Appropriately enough, both Moses and Elijah, the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet, show up to talk with Jesus. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. And so: Often, 2 Peter 1:16-21 is presented with the idea that Peter contrasts the visual mountain experience with the Word-based experience of heeding the prophetic word more fully confirmed (2 Pet. We know how important it is to feed our faith and build our knowledge through reading Christian books. They are solid and unmovable. What Is the Significance of Mountains in the Bible? Mountain Top Experience's season generally runs from April through December each year. Sinai again and again to commune with God and to better understand not just the essential laws for the life of the community, but the rhythms and cycles of what their covenantal life together will be like in the Promised Land. Moses and company obeyed, hiking to the foot of the mountain where an astonishing thing happened: they saw the God of Israel, and they lived to talk about it!