Life Beyond the Summit -- A Faith Journey Podcast for Men

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, strain to what lies ahead, and press on to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward. 

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 by man, God's word is eternally settle and speaks of the purest form of truth.  Replacing reckless words from our past with God's eternal truth is the key to experiencing all that God has for us.  Paraphasing Psalm 19:7-10 leads to this -- God's word -- revives the soul; makes wise the simple; causes the heart to rejoice; enlightens the eyes; endures forever; is all together righteous; more desired than gold.  Let's chose to let His "Word be a light unto our feet and a light unto our path."

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 third question -- "How many of you are open, honest, and willing to discuss your childhood experience?" -- only a few hands were raised.

John Bradshaw, a family-systems therapy advocate and family dynamics expert, cites research that found 96 percent of all families to be to some degree 'dysfunctional.' -- (internet source) 

How we process dysfunction and the messaging that it projects, can have a life time affect on our ability to manage and maneuver life -- our families, our work, and even our faith.  

Whatever your experience, in John 8:32, Jesus, referring to himself as 'truth', makes this statement, "... you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (NIV)  In John 8:36, Jesus again proclaims "... you are really and unquestionable free" (AMP)

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 we willing to do what Jesus asks of us?

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 of life and challenges that confront you?  

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?  Are our lives being transformed?

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 [email protected]

We are now on the "Anchor" platform.

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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?