Ascending the Mountains of Faith and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Invitation to Spiritual Ascent

God continually invites each of us to leave the lowlands of spiritual complacency and begin a journey of ascent toward His presence. This invitation is not forced upon anyone, but rather is a gentle call to draw near, to carve out time for Him, and to humble ourselves so that He can lift us higher. The paradox of the spiritual climb is that we must go low—humbling ourselves, surrendering our agendas, and seeking His face—in order to truly gain elevation. Every time you say “yes” to His invitation, whether it’s through prayer, fasting, or worship, you are taking another step up the mountain, closer to the place where God reveals Himself and His plans for your life. [15:55]

Psalm 27:8 (ESV)
You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can say “yes” to God’s invitation to draw closer to Him this week—perhaps by setting aside extra time for prayer, worship, or fasting?

Day 2: Jesus Is Our Qualifier for the Climb

The journey up the mountain of the Lord is not about striving to be good enough or earning God’s approval through our own efforts. While Psalm 24 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” and answers, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart,” the truth is that none of us can qualify ourselves. It is Jesus who clothes us in righteousness, cleanses our hands, and purifies our hearts through His sacrifice on the cross. When you feel unworthy or disqualified, remember that it is Christ’s finished work that makes you worthy to stand in God’s holy place. [17:52]

Psalm 24:3-6 (ESV)
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Reflection: When you feel unworthy to approach God, how can you remind yourself that it is Jesus’ righteousness, not your own, that qualifies you to draw near?

Day 3: The Power of Confession and the Cross

Carrying guilt and condemnation keeps many believers stuck in the lowlands, unable to ascend spiritually. But God’s Word promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The cross of Jesus is the only way to eradicate sin and break the power of iniquity in our lives. When you bring your failures and struggles to Him, He not only forgives but also heals the deep places of your heart, giving you a new spirit and a fresh desire to climb higher. [24:06]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there a specific area of sin or shame you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting that His forgiveness is immediate and complete?

Day 4: Refusing to Stay in the Lowlands

God’s desire is not for you to remain in a static, predictable spiritual state, but to continually move from glory to glory and faith to faith. No matter your age or how long you’ve been following Jesus, there is always a new mountain to climb, a new level of intimacy and purpose to pursue. Refuse to settle for spiritual survival or stagnation—determine in your heart to press on, to say “yes” to God’s upward call, and to believe that He has more for you, no matter your past or present circumstances. [26:51]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you have settled for less than God’s best, and what step can you take today to refuse to stay in the lowlands?

Day 5: Bold Access to God’s Presence Through the Blood of Jesus

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, you have been given bold, unhindered access to the very presence of God. No longer are you limited to the outer courts; you are invited to come right into the Most Holy Place, to receive mercy, grace, and healing. Nothing can keep you from the center of God’s will when you come by the blood of Jesus. As you remember His broken body and shed blood, let your heart be filled with gratitude and confidence to approach Him, knowing that you are fully accepted and loved. [29:18]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Reflection: How can you intentionally draw near to God’s presence today, confident that nothing stands between you and Him because of the blood of Jesus?

Sermon Summary

The journey of faith is a spiritual ascent, much like the ancient pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where worshipers would climb from the lowlands to the heights of Mount Zion, singing the Psalms of Ascent along the way. This climb is not just a historical event but a living metaphor for the Christian life. God calls each of us to move from low places—places of spiritual stagnation, survival, or inconsistency—into higher elevations of faith, maturity, and intimacy with Him. The invitation is to leave behind the patterns of merely surviving or cycling through ups and downs, and instead to become those who are steadily transformed from glory to glory.

Throughout Scripture, mountains represent significant moments of encounter and transformation. Mount Moriah is the place of sacrifice and provision, where faith is tested and God’s covenant is confirmed. Mount Zion is where the temporary nature of trials is revealed in the light of eternity. Mount Nebo offers a vision of inheritance, sometimes fulfilled by the next generation. Mount Carmel is the place of decisive victory over longstanding enemies, and Mount Tabor is where the glory of Jesus is revealed in a way that changes us forever. Mount Sinai, perhaps most crucially, is where God gives detailed plans for His presence to dwell among His people. Each of these mountains represents a spiritual reality available to us today.

Yet, the climb is not about striving in our own strength. The question, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” is answered not by our own righteousness, but by the finished work of Jesus. He is the one who qualifies us, clothing us in His righteousness, cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts. The only way to ascend is through humility, confession, and dependence on the cross. When we respond to God’s invitation, refuse to stay in the lowlands, and allow Him to break off condemnation and iniquity, we are empowered to climb higher.

This journey is lifelong and does not end until we see Jesus face to face. No matter our age or stage, there is always another mountain to climb, another place of encounter, another level of glory. The access we have to God’s presence is total—through the blood of Jesus, we can boldly enter and receive mercy, grace, and healing. The invitation is open: come up higher, and see what God will show you.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual elevation is a continual invitation, not a one-time event. God calls us out of spiritual stagnation and into a journey of ever-increasing faith and maturity. The climb is not about earning His love, but about responding to His call to deeper relationship and greater purpose. [01:37]
2. The mountains of Scripture are not just historical sites but spiritual realities. Each mountain—Moriah, Zion, Nebo, Carmel, Tabor, Sinai—represents a unique encounter with God: sacrifice, revelation, inheritance, victory, transformation, and divine instruction. Reflecting on which “mountain” God is inviting you to ascend can clarify your current season and the breakthrough He wants to bring. [09:55]
3. True qualification for the climb comes only through Jesus. Our own efforts, resolutions, or attempts at holiness will always fall short. It is Christ’s righteousness, His cleansing, and His finished work on the cross that make us worthy to ascend, freeing us from the cycle of condemnation and self-effort. [17:52]
4. The enemy uses condemnation and iniquity to keep us in the lowlands. Many believers live beneath their calling because they carry shame, unresolved sin, or a sense of unworthiness. The cross not only forgives our actions but heals the deep “bent” of iniquity within us, empowering us to live free and pursue God’s presence boldly. [24:06]
5. Refusing to settle is essential for spiritual growth. No matter how long we’ve walked with God, there is always more—another mountain, another encounter, another level of glory. The journey is lifelong, and God’s invitation to ascend is for every generation, including those who feel they’ve already “arrived.” [26:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:37] - The Pilgrimage and Psalms of Ascent
[03:10] - Four Types of Spiritual Journeys
[05:21] - The Porpoise Christian
[07:20] - The Call to Maturity
[08:30] - The Stock Market Analogy and Spiritual Growth
[09:55] - The Mountains of Encounter
[11:25] - Mount Tabor and Personal Testimony
[13:12] - Mount Sinai and Building According to God’s Plan
[14:36] - The Hedge Maze: The Need for Elevation
[15:55] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[17:52] - Jesus: Our Only Qualification
[19:46] - Living Free from Condemnation
[24:06] - The Cross: Healing Actions and Iniquity
[26:51] - Refusing to Stay in the Lowlands
[28:30] - Communion: Access by the Blood
[30:41] - Healing and Ministry Time
[34:16] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 24:3-6 (ESV) — > Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
> And who shall stand in his holy place?
> He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
> who does not lift up his soul to what is false
> and does not swear deceitfully.
> He will receive blessing from the Lord
> and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
> Such is the generation of those who seek him,
> who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) — > And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV) — > Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 24, what are the requirements for someone to “ascend the hill of the Lord”?
In the sermon, what are some of the “mountains” mentioned, and what does each represent in the spiritual journey? [09:55]
What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 say about how believers are changed over time?
How does Hebrews 10 describe our access to God’s presence, and what makes this access possible?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes different types of spiritual journeys (strong starter, survivor, porpoise, mature believer). What might cause someone to get “stuck” in the lowlands spiritually? [05:21]
Why is it important to recognize that Jesus is the one who qualifies us to ascend, rather than our own efforts? [17:52]
The mountains in Scripture (Moriah, Zion, Nebo, Carmel, Tabor, Sinai) are described as spiritual realities. How might reflecting on these “mountains” help someone understand their current season with God? [09:55]
The sermon says the enemy uses condemnation and iniquity to keep us in the lowlands. What does this look like in real life, and how does the cross address it? [24:06]

Application Questions

The sermon talks about refusing to settle for spiritual stagnation. Is there an area of your life where you feel you’ve been “stuck in the lowlands”? What would it look like to take a step up the mountain this week? [26:51]
Which of the “mountains” mentioned (sacrifice, revelation, inheritance, victory, transformation, divine instruction) do you sense God inviting you to ascend right now? What practical step could you take to respond to that invitation? [09:55]
The only way to ascend is through humility, confession, and dependence on the cross. Is there something you need to confess or surrender to God so you can move forward? How can you make space for this in your week? [17:52]
The sermon says, “You’ve got to say yes to the invitation.” What is one specific way you can say “yes” to God’s invitation to come up higher in your faith this month? [15:55]
The enemy uses condemnation to keep us from God’s presence. Are there any lies or feelings of unworthiness you need to let go of? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when these thoughts come? [24:06]
Hebrews 10 says we can boldly enter God’s presence because of Jesus. How does this truth change the way you approach prayer, worship, or church? [28:30]
The journey is lifelong and there is always another mountain to climb. How can you encourage someone else in your group to keep climbing, even if they feel tired or discouraged? [26:51]

Sermon Clips

After Mount Moriah, you trust God with anything. When you can trust him with your family, when you could trust him with your sons and daughters. And in that moment, he was named Jehovah Jireh. Upon the mountain of God, he will provide. And the Lord, for some of you today, he wants to invite you up this Mount Moriah in the spirit because they're not just historic locations. They're realities in the spirit realm. [00:09:17] (22 seconds) #VictoryOnTheMountain

Do you know there's a mountain you can climb where you will never face that same addiction again? You'll never face that depression again. You'll never face the threat of divorce again. There are some mountains where God says, I'm gonna give you a victory and release my fire, and from here on in, you're gonna walk in perpetual victory. [00:11:09] (17 seconds) #TransformativeMountaintopExperience

Do you know why following the plans of God is so important for your life? It's bigger than you. If you build your marriage according to the plan, he'll cause other people to meet him there watching your life. You build your business according his plans. He'll reach people through your entrepreneurial endeavors. When you build your ministry around his plans, the Holy Spirit will breathe on it. The key is we got to get our plans out of the way and build everything according to the plan. [00:13:27] (29 seconds) #RiseAboveTheLowlands

And so it is in your journey. Something that should be simple can be frustrating when we're living in the lowlands. I love the verse in the book of Revelation when God's talking to John on the Isle of Patmos. The book of Revelation starts out like this. Come up here, and I will show you. Come up here, and I will show you. And today, God wants to call some people up out of a low place so he can show you some things in the future. [00:15:38] (26 seconds) #HumbleToElevate

You see, the irony and the juxtaposition of climbing in the spirit is this. You've got to go low to go high. In order to gain elevation, we go lower. We humble ourselves. And God exalts the humble. He puts down the proud. Every time we bow a knee, we elevate. Every time we push down our flesh with fasting and prayer, we elevate. Every time we push back our agenda and seek his agenda, we gain altitude. [00:17:07] (24 seconds) #RighteousnessThroughJesus

When you come to Christ, this all happens at the cross. He puts a robe of righteousness around your shoulders. He washes our sins away. He cleanses our hands. He purifies our hearts. He gives us a new heart. And now I am in Christ. So when the Father looks at you today, and you are a blood -washed son and daughter of the King, you are a saint of the Most High. You are called saints. God doesn't see you in your past, or your brokenness, or your failure. You know what he sees? He goes, wow, she looks just like my kids. He looks just like my son. She looks just like Jesus. Why? Because you have on a robe of righteousness. [00:19:39] (39 seconds) #IniquityHealedByTheCross

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does ascending the hill of the Lord symbolize?

How do Psalms of Ascent guide spiritual growth?

Why do believers often remain in low spiritual elevation?