Living Beyond the Mountain

“Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched Jesus’s appearance was transformed” – Mark 9:2

We’ve all experienced “mountain top moments,” right? When everything seems clear, God appears close, and life feels extraordinary. Our students feel this every year at our summer camp called RUSH. In your life, perhaps it was during a retreat, a moving worship service, or an answered prayer that left you speechless. In those moments, it’s easy to want to stay there—away from the world’s noise and struggles.

But here’s the thing: God never allowed the 3 disciples to stay on the mountain during the transfiguration, and he won’t let you stay on it either. Why? Because the true test of our faith is not how high we can climb, but how well we descend and live in the valleys, the ordinary places of life. We are not just made for the beautiful sunrises, experiences, or mountaintop feelings in life. They are supposed to inspire us to go down and “Lift up the people in darkness” in the valley’s of ordinary life.

In Mark 9:14-18, following Jesus’ glorious transfiguration on the mountain, He returned to a crowd where a father begged Him to release his son from a demon. As soon as the four (Jesus, John, James, Peter) descended from the mountain, they were swamped with work. In our lives, as soon as we experience a spiritual high, the enemy attempts to kill it and our inner being is put to the test. It is up to us to use that inspiration to prepare for the difficult work ahead, just as Jesus did.

In essence, God calls us to live our faith even in the midst of chaos, struggles, and mundane routines. That is where we demonstrate our strength, character, and trust in Him.

But, let’s be honest, our hearts long for the mountain. We whisper, “If I could just stay in that holy moment, I’d never doubt, never struggle, never fail.” However, that desire can lead to spiritual selfishness. Those moments aren’t meant to keep us comfortable; they’re supposed to change us. The mountaintop experience is about who we become, not what we learn.

So, instead of asking, “What is the point of this experience?” ask: “How is God shaping me through this?” The mountaintop is not an escape; rather, it is a preparation. And the valley? That is where God’s purpose unfolds.

In 2011, Zanesville, Ohio, I saw something wild … literally. Fifty exotic animals, including lions, escaped a private zoo and roamed the streets. Imagine driving home and seeing a lion on the side of the road. Crazy, right?

In Proverbs 22:13, Solomon uses a similar picture: The lazy person says, “there is a lion outside! I might be killed in the public square!” The point? Excuses. This person creates an unlikely scenario to avoid responsibility. And we do it too. Maybe our excuses sound like:

– “Maybe I am too old (or young).”

– “I am too busy.”

– “I don’t have enough.”

These excuses hold us back, like imaginary lions prowling in our minds, fear, insecurity, or doubt keeping us from what God is calling us to do. But here’s the truth: The King of the universe is far greater than any excuse you can make.

What lions are you letting stop you? Fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified He qualifies the called. Step out in faith today. The King of the universe is on your side, and with Him, there is no lion too big to face.

“The lion(s) of this world are not match for the Lion of Judah”

What are your lions?

Pastor Chance

Impact! The new teachings of Jesus have had the greatest impact the world has ever seen.  It was immediate, and has been enduring, it continues today, and will continue until the Lord returns. The amazing thing about this, is we are invited to be a part of its continuing impact as live are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s consider todays scripture.

Spreading the Impact

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” -Matthew 5:14

In Mark 1:28, we see that Jesus’ teaching and authority spread quickly because of the transformative power of the Gospel. As His followers, we are called to be light in the world, sharing His truth and reflecting His love to others. Think of how a single match can light a candle, which can then light another, spreading fire and illumination one igniting at a time. This is how the gospel spreads—through lives transformed and shared.

• Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement or truth.
• Pray for them and look for an opportunity to share Jesus’ love and teaching with them.

Let’s Pray together, Lord, use me as a light in the world. Help me to reflect Your truth and share Your love with those around me so they too can experience the power of gospel in their lives. I’m Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will

As we see the freedom that Jesus’ power unleashes in our lives, we should live in constant amazement of the grace and love and the newness of life Jesus offers us daily. Let’s look at today’s scripture.

Living in Amazement

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” – Romans 11:33

The people in the synagogue in Mark 1:27, were amazed by Jesus’ teaching and authority. When we pause to reflect on who He is and what He has done, it should leave us in awe. His wisdom and power are beyond comprehension, yet He chooses to work in our lives. I don’t know if you have had the pleasure to visit the Grand Canyon, Kristan and I did a few years ago, what a sight!   Whether you have or have not, imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or gazing at the stars on a clear night. The wonder and amazement you feel at creation pale in comparison to the awe we should feel at the Creator’s love and authority.

• Spend time in worship today, reflecting on God’s greatness.
• Write down three ways Jesus has amazed you in your life.

Let’s pray together, Jesus, Your wisdom and power leave me in awe. Help me to never lose my sense of wonder at who You are and what You have done. In your name we pray, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will 

We’ve learned how submitting to Jesus’ authority begins to reveal darkness in or lives, today we will talk about the power that Jesus unleashes in our lives to continually overcome the darkness and be set free. Today’s devotional will take us a little deeper in how to apply this in our lives. 

Freedom Through His Power

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:36

The man in Mark 1:25-26 was controlled by an unclean spirit, bound in a way that he could not free himself. The moment Jesus commanded the spirit to leave, the man experienced true freedom. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, this was real, tangible deliverance. Similarly, many of us experience bondage in our lives. It may not be possession, but it could be fear, addiction, anger, anxiety, or guilt, anything that would present itself against truly being free in Christ. These chains hold us back from living the abundant life that Jesus desires for us. The good news is that Jesus’ power is still at work. When He sets us free, it’s a complete and lasting freedom.

Imagine a bird trapped in a cage. If the door is suddenly opened, the bird might hesitate, unsure if it’s truly safe to leave. In the same way, we often hold onto things that Jesus has already freed us from—fear, guilt, or unhealthy habits. Consider the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Though they were physically free, they often longed to return to Egypt because they struggled to trust God’s provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3). True freedom isn’t just about leaving behind captivity; it’s about trusting Jesus to lead us forward.

• Identify What Holds You Back:
• Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you feel stuck or weighed down. Is it fear, a recurring sin, shame, or something else? Write these down.
• Declare Jesus’ Power:
• Speak the truth of John 8:36 over your life: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Pray for His power to break these chains.
• Take a Step Toward Freedom:
• Freedom isn’t always instantaneous. Consider one small, tangible step you can take today to walk in the freedom Jesus offers. For example, confess a struggle to a trusted friend, forgive someone, or replace negative self-talk with Scripture.
•  

Let us pray, Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You offer through Your power. Help me to trust in Your ability to break every chain that holds me back. Give me the courage to leave behind the things that no longer have power over me because of Your victory. Teach me to walk in the freedom You’ve given me, one step at a time. In Your name, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will 

We continue our weekly devotional that on this Sunday’s sermon, on how Jesus’ new teaching is darkness exposing in our lives.  Let’s get right into it! 

Exposing Darkness

Scripture: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5

When Jesus’ light enters, darkness cannot remain hidden. Just as the man with the unclean spirit was exposed in the synagogue, our hidden struggles and sins are brought to light when we encounter Jesus. His light is not to shame but to help us recognize, heal and restore. Imagine walking into a dusty attic with a flashlight. The light reveals what’s been hidden for years. Similarly, Jesus illuminates the hidden corners of our hearts so we can address them with His help.

• Pray for Jesus to reveal areas of your life that need His cleansing light.
• If you don’t journal, begin journaling about anything you’ve kept hidden and ask Him for healing.

Let pray together today, Jesus, shine Your light into the dark places of my heart. Help me to trust You with my struggles and accept Your grace to bring healing and wholeness. In your name we pray, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will 

It was a wonderful time getting to meet and greet with you all. This week’s devotionals will focus on some of the points from Sunday’s sermon, “A New Teaching”. My hope is that we will recognize the authority, darkness exposing, power, amazement and impact His new teaching reveals and welcome it in our lives.

Jesus’ Authority in Your Life

• Reflect on how Jesus’ authority is evident in your decisions.
• Identify an area where you’ve struggled to submit to His leadership, and begin to pray to submit to Him.

Humility is like grasping water. As soon as you try to hold it it runs out of your hands. Yet God calls us to be humble in nature. 

This is what the LORD says: 

       “Heaven is my throne, 

         and the earth is my footstool. 

         Where is the house you will build for me? 

         Where will my resting place be? 

      2 Has not my hand made all these things, 

         and so they came into being?” 

           declares the LORD. 

         “These are the ones I look on with favor: 

         those who are humble and contrite in spirit, 

         and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:1–2 (NIV)

I find in living in this modern world that my view of God is reduced. The world is no longer vast and wide after I look at Google Maps and the weather is no longer mysterious and frightening after looking at Yahoo Weather. I can feel as if I have unlimited knowledge as I scroll and type into the AI chat rooms. Within seconds I have information overload and believe I am an expert in any field. Yet, there is still so much we do not know and so many devices that really do not work well. The mystery of God is lost as we scramble to climb our social ladders. 

We will do well to turn back to the ancient pages of Scripture and be reminded of our smallness before the greatness of our creator. Through it we would learn to love as He first loved us and in it we would understand that he who is greatest is the least among those who stand tall.

Pastor Aaron

I think at times I act as a small child with those of our community who are impoverished. Because I may live in affluence, I forget that there are those who have much less and struggle with life. The flip side is that at times they may pass before me and I rationalize as to why they are in the situation. Yet, Isaiah today reminds us that we need to care about the things that God cares about and He cares for those who have less. 

Isaiah 58:9–10 (ESV): 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; 

      you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ 

      If you take away the yoke from your midst, 

      the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 

      10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry 

      and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, 

      then shall your light rise in the darkness 

      and your gloom be as the noonday.

Learn to take time to see what God sees. Use the time wisely to feed those who are hungry and to give a helping hand to those who are oppressed. God cares for the uncared. To have the heart of God, then you need to see what God sees and your heart needs to have compassion for others. Remember that Jesus had compassion for those who came to him. He never rationalized them away that it was their fault and they needed to fix it. He simply accepted them as they came to him. It is hard to love when you do not see those who need to be loved.

Pastor Aaron

All of that changed. It would be the Year of Yes. She ended up dating half of NYC. There was a homeless guy who thought he was Jimi Hendrix, a subway conductor, a mommy-obsessed millionaire, even a woman who asked Shonda to have her baby, a 70-year-old salsa dancer, a Colombian Cowboy/Handyman, her high school nemesis, whom she’d spent seven years rejecting, and a mime. He proposed with hand gestures and body language.

Jeremiah 29:10–14 (ESV): 10 “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Many times we believe God is the God of no and so we live our lives as if God is not going to do anything great in our lives or the lives of others. God is the God of “yes” to His promises. They may take time to be fulfilled but God will keep His promises. One of the greatest promises is that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Today, begin believing that God will keep His promises. Seek Him and step out in faith that He will not only show Himself but will be with you in all that you do.

Pastor Aaron