Years ago, I used to go to a yearly men’s retreat with my church. Men from Southern California and beyond would gather for several days at Big Bear Mountain to learn and worship the Lord. There was nothing like being up on the mountain and spending time with the Lord, which reminds me of this verse from Mark.

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

Mark 9:8 (NIV)

After Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain, Moses and Elijah left, leaving Peter, James, and John alone with Jesus. After leaving the mountain, Jesus, Peter, James, and John immediately encounter conflict.

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him (emphasis added).

Mark 9:14-15 (NIV)

When those men’s retreats were over, and we came down from the mountain, there was always something “big” to face. It wasn’t just that everything we left behind was there waiting for us. It was as if new and more challenging obstacles surfaced while we were away. This happens when we go up on the mountain with the Lord.

While on the mountain, we enjoy our time with Jesus. At that time, Jesus builds us up to face the things we have to face when we leave the mountain. It’s not that we don’t spend time with the Lord off the mountain; it’s about devoting time to the Lord despite everything else we must do.

Every so often, we should put aside everything we think we must do to spend time with the Lord. We should go up on the mountain with Him. When we do this, we will be fortified to face those things we need to do. Our faith will be strengthened, and we will be encouraged.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.