Author: Lisa Dains

Read Luke 9:37-43a

I often find it amazing how quickly Satan makes his appearance after we have a wonderful experience in our faith journey.  Peter, James, and John just had one of those “mountaintop experiences” in their faith journey and the moment they get off the mountain they are greeted by a boy possessed by demons.  Have you ever gone on a spiritual retreat or conference with other Christians and had a great time worshipping God and you feel totally uplifted and energized only to be immediately greeted with something that makes you angry or brings you down?  This passage reminds us to go back to the voice of God on the mountain and listen to Jesus.

Don’t forget: While we might be as powerless to heal as the disciples were, Jesus is not.  Pray that when we face difficult circumstances that we will turn to Jesus (listen to Him) and not let these situations in life overcome our faith and lead us away from Jesus. 

Brett Spalding, Pastor

Read 2 Peter 1:16-18

In this letter, Peter seeks to remind us of the true message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He implores us not to fall victim to clever stories made by false prophets.  Jesus will come in power and glory and Peter states with confidence that he, James, and John were witnesses to His glory on the sacred mountain.  As one reads this it is easy to make the link to Peter’s sermon at Pentecost; “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.  Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:32-33)

Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to speak truth to us, and listen carefully, so we never fall victim to any false teachings or false teachers.

Brett Spalding, Pastor

Read Luke 9:35-36

Before any reply is given to Peter’s sincere, but misguided request, the voice of heaven is heard, and God tells Peter, James, and John that Jesus is His Son, and they should “listen to Him.”  There is no response; only silence from the witnesses as Jesus’ glory is revealed by God the Father.  We should not overlook the obvious message here as well; God is telling us to listen to Jesus as much as He is telling Peter, James, and John.  My grandfather used to tell me; “you have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion.”  Let us be slow to speak and quick to listen to the words of Jesus. Pray today for quiet time to listen for the voice of God speaking to us through the Holy Spirit and Scripture.

Brett Spalding, Pastor

Read Luke 9:33-34

Peter’s response is typical Peter; he may not always know what he is saying, but he is faithful and wants to do the right thing.  Peter has genuine faith and realizes that something very special is happening and he wants to enjoy this moment.  We sometimes want to do that as well.  We like the mountaintop experiences, and we want to savor them, we want them to last permanently.  Our faith however, requires us come down from the safety and excitement of the mountaintop and live (share) our faith in our difficult and sometimes mundane world.

While we desire those exciting mountaintop experiences, they are not where we live out our faith.  I encourage you to pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will respond graciously and joyfully to the everyday opportunities we have to share our faith and serve to make another person’s life better.

Pastor Brett Spalding

Read: Luke 9:28-32

Don’t forget the obvious here; Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray.  Sometimes we focus on the brilliant light of the transfiguration and the sight of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about his bringing fulfillment of the Law and the prophecy of the coming messiah.  It is important to remember, the original point of this journey up the mountain was to pray.  It is during this time of prayer that Jesus, glory is fully revealed to Peter, James, and John. 

I encourage you to pray and consider the times God has revealed His glory to you in great ways and in small, quiet, private ways as well during and immediately following times of prayer.

Brett Spalding, Pastor