August 11th - 15th
Ascending the Mountain of God's Goodness
Day 1: Ascending the Mountain of God's Presence
Reading: Psalm 24:3-6
Devotional: The psalmist asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?" This question invites us to examine our hearts and approach God with reverence. Just as Moses climbed Mount Sinai to encounter God, we too are called to "ascend" spiritually. This ascent isn't physical, but a heart posture of seeking God's presence. Reflect on what might be hindering your ascent - unforgiveness, doubt, or worldly distractions. Ask God to give you "clean hands and a pure heart" so you can draw near to Him. Remember, it's not our perfection that qualifies us, but Christ's sacrifice. As you go through your day, consciously "climb" towards God's presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.
Day 2: Encountering God's Goodness
Reading: Exodus 33:18-23, 34:5-7
Devotional: Moses boldly asked God, "Show me your glory," and God responded by revealing His goodness. This teaches us that God's glory and His goodness are intrinsically linked. Often, we seek dramatic manifestations of God's power, but His true nature is revealed in His consistent goodness. Reflect on how you've experienced God's goodness in your life, even in challenging times. Are there areas where you're struggling to see His goodness? Ask God to open your eyes to recognize His goodness all around you. Today, intentionally look for and acknowledge God's goodness in the small details of your life, and let it transform your perspective on your circumstances.
Day 3: Transformed by His Presence
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Devotional: After encountering God on the mountain, Moses' face shone with divine radiance. Similarly, as we spend time in God's presence, we are gradually transformed into His likeness. This transformation isn't just an external glow, but an inner renewal that affects our character, choices, and relationships. Consider areas in your life where you've seen God's transforming work. Where do you still need His touch? Remember, this transformation is ongoing - we are changed "from glory to glory." Today, surrender an area of your life to God's transforming power, and actively seek His presence through prayer and meditation on His Word.
Day 4: Carrying His Presence to the Valley
Reading: Psalm 23:4-6
Devotional: While mountain-top experiences with God are precious, we're called to live most of our lives in the "valley" - our day-to-day realities. The psalmist reminds us that even in the darkest valley, God's presence goes with us. The challenge is to carry the reality of God's presence from our "mountain-top" moments into our everyday lives. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your routine? Reflect on how the assurance of His goodness and mercy following you can change your approach to challenges. Today, consciously invite God's presence into your activities, decisions, and interactions with others.
Day 5: Climbing Together - The Power of Community
Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25
Devotional: Our spiritual journey isn't meant to be solitary. Just as experienced climbers help novices ascend difficult peaks, we're called to encourage and support one another in our spiritual ascent. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on. Reflect on the role of community in your spiritual life. Are you actively connected to other believers who can support and challenge you? Consider how you can be that support for someone else. Today, reach out to a fellow believer to offer encouragement, pray together, or share what God is teaching you. Remember, we climb higher when we climb together.
Reading: Psalm 24:3-6
Devotional: The psalmist asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?" This question invites us to examine our hearts and approach God with reverence. Just as Moses climbed Mount Sinai to encounter God, we too are called to "ascend" spiritually. This ascent isn't physical, but a heart posture of seeking God's presence. Reflect on what might be hindering your ascent - unforgiveness, doubt, or worldly distractions. Ask God to give you "clean hands and a pure heart" so you can draw near to Him. Remember, it's not our perfection that qualifies us, but Christ's sacrifice. As you go through your day, consciously "climb" towards God's presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.
Day 2: Encountering God's Goodness
Reading: Exodus 33:18-23, 34:5-7
Devotional: Moses boldly asked God, "Show me your glory," and God responded by revealing His goodness. This teaches us that God's glory and His goodness are intrinsically linked. Often, we seek dramatic manifestations of God's power, but His true nature is revealed in His consistent goodness. Reflect on how you've experienced God's goodness in your life, even in challenging times. Are there areas where you're struggling to see His goodness? Ask God to open your eyes to recognize His goodness all around you. Today, intentionally look for and acknowledge God's goodness in the small details of your life, and let it transform your perspective on your circumstances.
Day 3: Transformed by His Presence
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Devotional: After encountering God on the mountain, Moses' face shone with divine radiance. Similarly, as we spend time in God's presence, we are gradually transformed into His likeness. This transformation isn't just an external glow, but an inner renewal that affects our character, choices, and relationships. Consider areas in your life where you've seen God's transforming work. Where do you still need His touch? Remember, this transformation is ongoing - we are changed "from glory to glory." Today, surrender an area of your life to God's transforming power, and actively seek His presence through prayer and meditation on His Word.
Day 4: Carrying His Presence to the Valley
Reading: Psalm 23:4-6
Devotional: While mountain-top experiences with God are precious, we're called to live most of our lives in the "valley" - our day-to-day realities. The psalmist reminds us that even in the darkest valley, God's presence goes with us. The challenge is to carry the reality of God's presence from our "mountain-top" moments into our everyday lives. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your routine? Reflect on how the assurance of His goodness and mercy following you can change your approach to challenges. Today, consciously invite God's presence into your activities, decisions, and interactions with others.
Day 5: Climbing Together - The Power of Community
Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25
Devotional: Our spiritual journey isn't meant to be solitary. Just as experienced climbers help novices ascend difficult peaks, we're called to encourage and support one another in our spiritual ascent. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on. Reflect on the role of community in your spiritual life. Are you actively connected to other believers who can support and challenge you? Consider how you can be that support for someone else. Today, reach out to a fellow believer to offer encouragement, pray together, or share what God is teaching you. Remember, we climb higher when we climb together.