Hill Climbers (Part 5) (Psa. 24:3)

Who May Ascend Into The Hill of The Lord?

THOSE WHO WILL PERSEVERE MAY ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD.

Those who persevere will continue climbing when others camp out permanently at rest stops.

Those who persevere will continue climbing when they encounter those who are on their way down. Sadly, this upward path of righteousness is filled with casualties – those who started but chose not to finish.

• It is not that they were disillusioned; it is that they became undisciplined.
• It is not that they couldn't make the climb; it is that they didn't count the cost.
• It is not that they got discouraged; it is that they might have been disqualified right from the start.

I've said it enough that it is almost a mantra around here: If the process is wrong, the product will be wrong.  Those who are too easily saved are too easily swayed. While we don't want to make salvation complicated, I fear that we have made it easy. Those who have traveled uphill toward Jesus for a while will confirm that simplicity shouldn't be mistaken for ease.

The path of grace is a toll road: Getting on the road costs nothing and every mile marker you pass will still be because of grace; however, staying on the toll road of grace requires everything you have. You don't get to drive however you want on the turnpike of grace.

What a wonderful day it was when you began your journey with Jesus! How many of you remember that day?

How are you doing right now? Do you need a little extra gas in your tank? The fuel you seek is called perseverance.  The journey may indeed get sweeter, but it isn't going to get any easier. You might have to fight and claw for every step you take. When your journey is over, will you be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith”? (2 Tim. 4:7)