VICTORY HILL

Shout “Victory!” on the highest hill.
Call out “Joy!” where the valleys fill.
Jesus is no longer dead!
 
Cry “Savior!” to the meadow’s end.
Proclaim “Friend!” where the willows bend.
Jesus fulfilled what was said!
 
Yell “Freedom!” to the birch trees far.
Holler “Hope!” to the furthest star.
Jesus was raised from the dead!
 
Sing “Mercy!” to the babbling brook.
Whistle “Life!” to the woodland nook.
Jesus has done all He said!
 
And then, let us kneel where the grass is deep,
and give to the Lord our souls to keep.
Jesus is no longer dead!

 

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:8-11

 

VICTORY HILL

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10

Some say "I've got this. I'll figure it out. I can do this alone." They don't think they need God. They've made their decision. Believing in God is just a belief system, anyways. Yup, just another belief system, and they've made a choice to not believe. That's their belief system.

But what if God exists?

What if you can't do it alone?

What if all the words in the Bible are words sent from God through people who were able to write down the words for people like us to read?

What is the Christian belief system is 100 percent accurate?

What if the devil know this and works endlessly to distort and deceive it?

For me, God exists, as you probably know if you're a forest dweller here. I believe Him when it is written that I can't do it alone. He communicates that all have sinned and fall short of His glory. He is holy. I am not. His words go on to explain how I can be in His presence. It is written that faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, His very image, secures eternal life. Can you imagine a partner as awesome as God? Can you comprehend a friend as great as Jesus?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

As the study of the word 'repent' continues, a passage in Luke chapter 15 comes to mind.

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and the scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." So He spoke this parable to them, saying: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

Luke 15:1-7

Repent, by definition (and as already stated earlier this year), is to feel or express sincere regret or remorse for sin or wrongdoing. It is turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. I think as we say 'Jesus is our personal Lord and Savior', that can include knowing the failings of our own hearts. Our relationship with the Lord is personal. We know He can read our hearts and minds. Because we are not holy, not yet, we are works-in-progress.

The beauty of grace is nothing short of amazing! No longer lost fills cups to overflowing! Entering the fold sparks tremendous joy and rejoicing! I wish it for you, dear reader, if you are not already there.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Death, the final enemy, is conquered! Jesus is alive today and will return. Stand with me on Victory Hill. Because He lives, we can shout “Victory!” on the highest hill and spread the news around the woodland realm or wherever we are.

Pray for integrity to face problems trusting God. Stay faithful and diligent with a prayer list as praying is doing business with God. Go to a woodland nook and thank the Lord for the opportunities He gives. Pull up a rock and meet the Living God.

And honor Jesus' words to repent.