Michael Koelling: Top of the hill

I believe that the "top of the hill" is always a testing time, that God is constantly calling us to, and the devil constantly trying to keep us from.

Exodus 17:8-12 (NLT)

"While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. [9] Moses commanded Joshua, "Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand." [10] So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. [11] As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. [12] Moses' arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset."

Joshua and the chosen men went to battle.
Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill...
Our battle is physical (Joshua, Jesus) and spiritual, (prayerful Moses, God.)

1.Why go to the top of the hill?

Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand."

1.Amalek came and fought with Israel. This was an unprovoked attack by Amalek against Israel.

1.The method of attack used by Amalek was despicable.

Deuteronomy 25:17-18 (NLT) "Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt. [18] They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who were straggling behind. They had no fear of God."

1.The devil attacks you from behind never wanting to face you knowing that if you were to see him coming you would turn to God but since he sneaks up on us many times we aren't ready.

2.He'll attack you when your tired, weary, frustrated, or sinful.

1.There is a vision for your life at the top of the hill.

1.There is a passion for your future at the top of the hill.

2.There is direction at the top of the hill.

3.There is inspiration at the top of the hill.

4.Ever been so discouraged but came into a conference, a church service, a worship service, or had a personal encounter with God that altered you forever?

2.There is life at the top of the hill.

2.How do I get to the top of the hill?

1.7 core values that will always take you up.

2.I have found these 7 things to always take me to the next level in God.

1.Purity-Before God and Men

2.Passion-Worship/Service

3.Perseverance-Living Christianity Out

4.Prayer-Demonstration

5.Presence-Discipleship

6.Pursuit-God’s Word/Fasting/Giving

7.People-Evangelism/Opportunity

3.Moses supported the battle behind the scenes, busy in prayer.

1.The fate of Israel in battle depended on Moses' intercession because when he prayed Israel prevailed and when he stopped praying Amalek prevailed.

1.Held up his hand:describes the Israelite posture of prayer. Action.

1.Though this was Moses' work to do, it was more than he could do by himself.

2.He needed others to come by his side and strengthen him in prayer.

2.This amazing passage shows us that life or death for Israel depended on prayer.

1.Moses prayed as we should pray, with passion, believing that life and death, perhaps eternity, depends on prayer.

1.This amazing passage shows us the great importance of prayer.

2.Life and death-the course of history itself-depended upon prayer.

3.We can conclude that many times the people of God are defeated today because they will not pray, or their work is not supported by prayer.

2.We are to pray for our family, our friends, our neighbors, and even our enemies.

1.The Devil will throw up your past to make you ashamed of what you've done or what has been done to you.

Colossians 4:2 (NLT) "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

1.Because Joshua followed God's plan the bible said he overwhelmed the enemy in battle.

Exodus 17:13-16 (NLT)

"As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. [14] After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, "Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven." [15] Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-nissi (which means "the Lord is my banner"). [16] He said, "They have raised their fist against the Lord's throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation."

1.Joshua served God and Moses faithfully.

1.We are to serve God and the global church faithfully.

2.We are to serve God and our leaders faithfully.

3.We are to serve God and each other faithfully.

2.God brings victory to Israel over the Amalekites.

1.God will bring you victory over your enemies, all of them.

2.What enemy do you face? Etc.

1.Whatever it is, God wants you to conquer.

2.He has done his part now we must do ours.

3.He then tells them to memorialize their victory.

1.Read it aloud.

2.Talk about the victory.

3.Declare the victory.

4.Be excited about winning over the enemy.

5.He has given us power over all...of...our...enemies.

3.It is imperative, vital, and crucial that we travel to the top of the hill.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

1.People will see what you are doing on the top of the hill.

1.You will be a witness on top of the hill.

2.A city that is set on an hill.

3.Anciently cities, for the sake of defense, were placed on hills.

4.Such cities are seen from afar.

5.So must the church give forth its light.

2.The business of the church is not only to save, but to enlighten.

3.Christ is light, and his disciples must be light.

4.Salt operates internally, changing everything it comes in contact with, sunlight operates externally, illuminating all.

1.We have to stop hiding in the shadows.

2.We have to stop backing down from the battle.

3.We have to step up for our God, our families, our world.

Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) "But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!"

1.Joshua did all that God called of him.

2.Held nothing back.

Joshua 11:15 (NLT) "As the Lord had commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua. And Joshua did as he was told, carefully obeying all the commands that the Lord had given to Moses."

1.When Moses died Aaron and Hur got to handle disputes, Joshua became Israel's leader.

2.Joshua when he died was buried on this side of the border of all that he had conquered for God.

Judges 2:8-9 (NLT) "Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. [9] They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash."

1.I beg you tonight to climb with me.

2.I encourage you tonight, climb for Him.

3.Climb to the top of the hill.

4.Climb for yourself, climb...for your unsaved mother, father, sister, brother, friend,...enemy.

5.Let's rise above the circumstances, rise above our enemy, above the past, the present, and move into the future.

1.Next Level.

Psalm 62:6-7 (NLT)

"He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. [7] My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me."