Tag Archives: Mount Ebright

Mountains on the Horizon

For someone who resides in Delaware, mountains are foreign to this state.  With an elevation of 447.85 feet, the peak on Mount Ebright is nothing more than a hill.  You have to travel west toward the panhandle of Maryland or north through Pennsylvania to witness mountains on the horizon.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:20.

In the first century, Jesus didn’t have to explain to his followers what a mountain looked like.  Rather, he could point toward Mount Hermon, which stands 2814 meters above sea level.  This tallest peak in Israel served as a teachable landmark, able to illustrate to his disciples the difference between faith and the faithless.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

If you have ever climbed a mountain, the first glimpse can be intimidating.  Before you make your trek toward the summit, you have to believe you can make it.  One of Jesus’ several sayings in the Bible is “consider the cost,” meaning don’t start until you have a plan.  If you rush aimlessly, without any preparation or training, mountains on the horizon may cause you to quit.  Instead, all you need to possess is faith as small as a mustard seed and nothing will be impossible.  Don’t let mountains on the horizon become obstacles to fulfilling your dreams.  Rather, look up, don’t waiver and allow the power of prayer to produce miracles.

by Jay Mankus

Above the Treeline

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7cuLWxK5BI

Towering above Delaware’s farmlands and tidal marshes, Mount Ebright stands 442 feet above sea level, a trailer park north of Concord High School.  Void of any real mountains, natives of this state must venture north, south or west to find a place above the tree lines.  Traveling along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on Sunday, I found myself in God’s country, imaging what it must have been like for Moses to come face to face with the Lord.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places, Ephesians 6:12.

While watching a new program on the Travel Channel, Mysteries in National Parks, I was reminded of the invisible realm that exists above the treeline.  According to the apostle Paul, a legion of angels and demons do battle daily, attempting to acquire strongholds.  Beyond the visible trials on earth, territorial wars are waged, seeking to alter the hearts, minds and souls of human beings.  Above the treeline, the devil prowls around like a lion snatching seeds of truth from new converts.

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path, Matthew 13:19.

The only line of defense involves meditation, prayer and worship.  Thus, as the powers of darkness try to infringe upon church communities, families and institutions, Christians must be armed with the proper weapons to fight back, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  While the world will give credit for these phenomena to aliens, legends or mythical forces, don’t underestimate the influences of the devil.  Rather, put on the armor of God so that when activity above the treeline intensifies you won’t be caught off guard.  Draw strength from your knees, empowering angels above to take back any ground that has been lost.

by Jay Mankus