Inspired by Margaret. Again.

Wile browsing Margaret Feinberg's page, I found her asking once again: what do you love about Jesus? I also found a blog on "making it" in the writing business. Her thoughts were honest and brief. In short she says its difficult and blogging is a good start. Since one of the things I love most about Jesus is something I've wanted to write a book about for some time, I think I'll briefly blog about it.

The are at least fifteen instances in the New Testament in which Jesus is described as going up to the mountain, or to a desolate place as the ESV calls it. Some of these are the same instance in more than one Gospel, but I can't but help thinking that makes it even more noteworthy.

Readers, I've shared before that I did much of my physical and spiritual growing in the mountains. But I cant help but feel like there's a bigger and better reason that I connect with my Savior so well there. We were made for that kind of communion and intimacy with Him. While I'm worshipping on the crag there are others doing the same on a beach. Still others sit on a barren plane and pour their hearts out to the Almighty.

I truly believe that we function like a race car would on unleaded when we attempt to be fruitful Sons and Daughters without good alone time. Anyone who has developed a consistent quiet time will tell you that it's miserable to go without it. Martin Luther once said that He was so busy that he absolutely must spend three hours a day in prayer. What a concept!

What would happen if we treated our busy lives like that? The more obligations we have; the more time spent in intimacy with the Source?

I challenge you to go out of your way to spend at least 30 minutes a day with Him this week. If you already do, double your time! See the difference! Read, pray and listen. Be comfortable with the stillness of His presence. The enemy will try and talk you out of it, but if you persevere you will feel rejuvenated even in weariness. and you will intern be dangerous for the Kingdom.

I Find God In the Mountains

I find God elsewhere, but it just doesn't feel the same as the mountains. During the business of life it takes a lot of conscious effort to sit down with my Bible to read and pray. It's an even bigger struggle to patiently wait until I feel the peace of God's presence. For me to linger even longer for His guidance in Bible study and my life's current issues almost causes over-exertion. The to-do list on my fridge calls my name.

It's hard for me to find God's joy, until I step on a trail. It's as if I scurry around and God is just an arm's length away. He's there and we converse, but we're not really intimate. As soon as I enter the refuge of the lodge-pole pines, I feel as if God has wrapped His arms around me.

Maybe it started at summer camp. I've been a Christian for about 17 years. When I was a child, my parents sent me to the mountains for at least one week every summer for kids' camp and eventually teen camp. Even when we were stationed at a military installation overseas, I managed to go to a retreat that included climbing Mt. Fuji. Much of my spiritual growth happened at these camps.

There's just something about being removed from cell phone reception, schedules and the burdens of "real life". I was forced to concentrate on the tasks at hand; hiking, floating a river and getting to know the Creator of the wonders around me. With so many distractions removed I soaked up everything each speaker said. When they set aside time for devotions, I found a place where I couldn't hear or see people. The only sounds were that of creaking trees, scurrying squirrels and the rushing river.

Jesus often retreated to the wilderness to be alone or pray. My favorite is in John 6:15 after He fed the five thousand. The people were amazed at His miracles. The verse says, "Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone." One of my biggest struggles is pride. This is often manifested in a desire to be recognized. When Jesus knew it was not time for Him to be exalted, He retreated to the mountainside.

The mountains became such a haven for me that even at a young age my parents recognized and utilized it. My parents did foster care and I connected with a few of the girls in really cool ways. Unfortunately one young lady, whom I consider a sister to this day, provoked me to my tipping point and ended up with a bloody nose. To calm me down and figure out what was going on my dad immediately got me in the truck and drove to one of my favorite spring hunting spots. We hiked around and just picked wild flowers and watched bear cubs while God slowly worked on my heart.

Did Jesus receive this same assurance from the Father while in the wilderness? I don't know. He sure went there a lot. One thing I am sure of; I am truly blessed to live here.