Coming Down From the Mountaintop | Rev Katie Montgomery Mears Preaching |07.19.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw closer to God. This week in time to draw closer to God. This week in time to draw closer to God. This week in our Holiday with Jesus sermon series, our Holiday with Jesus sermon series, our Holiday with Jesus sermon series, we're talking about Jesus's time on the we're talking about Jesus's time on the we're talking about Jesus's time on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was Mount of Transfiguration. It was Mount of Transfiguration. It was literally a mountaintop moment. You've literally a mountaintop moment. You've literally a mountaintop moment. You've probably had those in your faith journey probably had those in your faith journey probably had those in your faith journey as well. But what's it like when we have as well. But what's it like when we have as well. But what's it like when we have to come down from the mountain back into to come down from the mountain back into to come down from the mountain back into real life? We'll explore that together. real life? We'll explore that together. real life? We'll explore that together. I hope to see you back next week to I hope to see you back next week to I hope to see you back next week to listen, learn, and grow together. Let us listen, learn, and grow together. Let us listen, learn, and grow together. Let us pray. God, I pray that your spirit that pray. God, I pray that your spirit that pray. God, I pray that your spirit that is here among us and within us would is here among us and within us would is here among us and within us would open us up to hear what it is that you open us up to hear what it is that you open us up to hear what it is that you have for us. Would let it shape our have for us. Would let it shape our have for us. Would let it shape our hearts and then would strengthen us as hearts and then would strengthen us as hearts and then would strengthen us as you send us out. Amen. you send us out. Amen. you send us out. Amen. So, next week, um, Whitney and I are So, next week, um, Whitney and I are So, next week, um, Whitney and I are going to go with the girls to Colorado going to go with the girls to Colorado going to go with the girls to Colorado for a few days. And it is one of our for a few days. And it is one of our for a few days. And it is one of our favorite summer traditions that when we favorite summer traditions that when we favorite summer traditions that when we hit peak heat here in Houston, we pack hit peak heat here in Houston, we pack hit peak heat here in Houston, we pack up and we go somewhere that is just a up and we go somewhere that is just a up and we go somewhere that is just a little bit cooler and we um eat as many little bit cooler and we um eat as many little bit cooler and we um eat as many of our meals outside as we possibly can of our meals outside as we possibly can of our meals outside as we possibly can and we take a lot of bike rides and we and we take a lot of bike rides and we and we take a lot of bike rides and we go hiking and it's just kind of a go hiking and it's just kind of a go hiking and it's just kind of a mountaintop moment for our family every mountaintop moment for our family every mountaintop moment for our family every summer. Um but inevitably we have the summer. Um but inevitably we have the summer. Um but inevitably we have the experience that comes after which is experience that comes after which is experience that comes after which is when you are on the plane coming home when you are on the plane coming home when you are on the plane coming home and you land in Houston and they open and you land in Houston and they open and you land in Houston and they open the jet bridge door and before you have

the jet bridge door and before you have the jet bridge door and before you have even left the row that you are sitting even left the row that you are sitting even left the row that you are sitting in the wave of heat comes and gets you in the wave of heat comes and gets you in the wave of heat comes and gets you and it is like a wet warm blanket and it is like a wet warm blanket and it is like a wet warm blanket sitting over your face that you are sitting over your face that you are sitting over your face that you are trying to breathe through and you think trying to breathe through and you think trying to breathe through and you think [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] this is what it's like to come down from this is what it's like to come down from this is what it's like to come down from the mountaintop. the mountaintop. the mountaintop. Jesus and his disciples had that Jesus and his disciples had that Jesus and his disciples had that experience as well. They had this high experience as well. They had this high experience as well. They had this high high and then kind of the this is what high and then kind of the this is what high and then kind of the this is what it's like to come down. We're picking up it's like to come down. We're picking up it's like to come down. We're picking up today just six days after we left off today just six days after we left off today just six days after we left off last week when Jesus was in Cesaria last week when Jesus was in Cesaria last week when Jesus was in Cesaria Philippi and he asked the disciples who Philippi and he asked the disciples who Philippi and he asked the disciples who is it that you say that I am and he is it that you say that I am and he is it that you say that I am and he tells them that he is going to have to tells them that he is going to have to tells them that he is going to have to go to the cross and so they have turned go to the cross and so they have turned go to the cross and so they have turned toward the crucifixion turn toward toward the crucifixion turn toward toward the crucifixion turn toward Jerusalem and they're making their way Jerusalem and they're making their way Jerusalem and they're making their way there and they come up on a high there and they come up on a high there and they come up on a high mountain and Jesus takes his inner mountain and Jesus takes his inner mountain and Jesus takes his inner circle Peter, James and John and goes up circle Peter, James and John and goes up circle Peter, James and John and goes up to the top of that mountain and I I want to the top of that mountain and I I want to the top of that mountain and I I want to just stop here and point out how to just stop here and point out how to just stop here and point out how important it is that it happened on a important it is that it happened on a important it is that it happened on a mountain. Because if you go all through mountain. Because if you go all through mountain. Because if you go all through the Bible, you will notice all kinds of the Bible, you will notice all kinds of the Bible, you will notice all kinds of big things that happen on mountains.

big things that happen on mountains. big things that happen on mountains. That Moses went up to the top of Mount That Moses went up to the top of Mount That Moses went up to the top of Mount Si to receive the law and he came down Si to receive the law and he came down Si to receive the law and he came down and his face was glowing. Uh sort of the and his face was glowing. Uh sort of the and his face was glowing. Uh sort of the parallel to what happens with Jesus here parallel to what happens with Jesus here parallel to what happens with Jesus here that Elijah had two mountaintop that Elijah had two mountaintop that Elijah had two mountaintop experiences. He went to Mount Horeb when experiences. He went to Mount Horeb when experiences. He went to Mount Horeb when he was trying to escape from danger and he was trying to escape from danger and he was trying to escape from danger and he encountered the still small voice of he encountered the still small voice of he encountered the still small voice of God. And he went up to Mount Carmel God. And he went up to Mount Carmel God. And he went up to Mount Carmel where he defeated the um he defeated the where he defeated the um he defeated the where he defeated the um he defeated the prophet Sabal up there. Uh King Solomon prophet Sabal up there. Uh King Solomon prophet Sabal up there. Uh King Solomon built the temple on Mount Mariah. Jesus built the temple on Mount Mariah. Jesus built the temple on Mount Mariah. Jesus went up a mountain side to preach the went up a mountain side to preach the went up a mountain side to preach the sermon on the mount. And if you have sermon on the mount. And if you have sermon on the mount. And if you have looked at your bulletin today and notice looked at your bulletin today and notice looked at your bulletin today and notice that yellow sticky note, you'll see that that yellow sticky note, you'll see that that yellow sticky note, you'll see that scholars are kind of um divided about scholars are kind of um divided about scholars are kind of um divided about which actual mountain the which actual mountain the which actual mountain the transfiguration happened on. Uh but I transfiguration happened on. Uh but I transfiguration happened on. Uh but I think the point is not the actual think the point is not the actual think the point is not the actual mountain, but more the fact that it mountain, but more the fact that it mountain, but more the fact that it happened on a mountain that makes it happened on a mountain that makes it happened on a mountain that makes it important. It's like pointing us to important. It's like pointing us to important. It's like pointing us to something. So here's what happens up something. So here's what happens up something. So here's what happens up there. Jesus is transfigured. That is a there. Jesus is transfigured. That is a there. Jesus is transfigured. That is a word that we do not use in our regular word that we do not use in our regular word that we do not use in our regular everyday conversations too often. But everyday conversations too often. But everyday conversations too often. But you'll probably recognize the root of you'll probably recognize the root of you'll probably recognize the root of the Greek word that's used there is the Greek word that's used there is the Greek word that's used there is metamorph, right? Metamorphosis. And we metamorph, right? Metamorphosis. And we metamorph, right? Metamorphosis. And we use that word uh think about a use that word uh think about a use that word uh think about a butterfly. Metamorphosis is something butterfly. Metamorphosis is something butterfly. Metamorphosis is something that happens when an outside is changed that happens when an outside is changed that happens when an outside is changed because of what's on the inside, not because of what's on the inside, not because of what's on the inside, not because of something that's added to it.

because of something that's added to it. because of something that's added to it. So at in the fullness of time, a So at in the fullness of time, a So at in the fullness of time, a caterpillar because of what it already caterpillar because of what it already caterpillar because of what it already has in it changes into a butterfly. This has in it changes into a butterfly. This has in it changes into a butterfly. This is not about a whole bunch of heavenly is not about a whole bunch of heavenly is not about a whole bunch of heavenly host of angels shining a powerful host of angels shining a powerful host of angels shining a powerful spotlight on Jesus when he is glowing up spotlight on Jesus when he is glowing up spotlight on Jesus when he is glowing up on the mountaintop. No, it's what is on the mountaintop. No, it's what is on the mountaintop. No, it's what is already inside of him. Nothing is added already inside of him. Nothing is added already inside of him. Nothing is added to him. And [clears throat] that's the to him. And [clears throat] that's the to him. And [clears throat] that's the reason that he changes. That it is his reason that he changes. That it is his reason that he changes. That it is his divine nature that is shining out divine nature that is shining out divine nature that is shining out through his very tired, very dusty body through his very tired, very dusty body through his very tired, very dusty body that carried him on his very human two that carried him on his very human two that carried him on his very human two feet up the mountain. And when he's up feet up the mountain. And when he's up feet up the mountain. And when he's up there and he is transfigured, there and he is transfigured, there and he is transfigured, all of the sudden the disciples notice all of the sudden the disciples notice all of the sudden the disciples notice Moses and Elijah there as well. For the Moses and Elijah there as well. For the Moses and Elijah there as well. For the Israelites, Moses represents the Israelites, Moses represents the Israelites, Moses represents the fullness of the law. And Elijah fullness of the law. And Elijah fullness of the law. And Elijah represents the fullness of the prophets. represents the fullness of the prophets. represents the fullness of the prophets. And so this is basically saying that the And so this is basically saying that the And so this is basically saying that the law and the prophets point to Jesus. And law and the prophets point to Jesus. And law and the prophets point to Jesus. And then as if that is not enough, all of then as if that is not enough, all of then as if that is not enough, all of the sudden a cloud overshadows them and the sudden a cloud overshadows them and the sudden a cloud overshadows them and they hear a voice from heaven that says, they hear a voice from heaven that says, they hear a voice from heaven that says, "This is my beloved son in whom I am "This is my beloved son in whom I am "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." These are the same words well pleased." These are the same words well pleased." These are the same words that were spoken over Jesus that were spoken over Jesus that were spoken over Jesus [clears throat] at his baptism. This is [clears throat] at his baptism. This is [clears throat] at his baptism. This is awesome. I mean, I I totally get why awesome. I mean, I I totally get why awesome. I mean, I I totally get why Peter says, "Should we set up camp here?

Peter says, "Should we set up camp here? Peter says, "Should we set up camp here? Should I build three tents for you and Should I build three tents for you and Should I build three tents for you and Moses and Elijah? This is great. I I Moses and Elijah? This is great. I I Moses and Elijah? This is great. I I would want to stay there as well." I would want to stay there as well." I would want to stay there as well." I relate to Peter wanting to set up camp relate to Peter wanting to set up camp relate to Peter wanting to set up camp and stay where he is having this and stay where he is having this and stay where he is having this experience. experience. experience. But the thing about mountaintops, the But the thing about mountaintops, the But the thing about mountaintops, the the thing about them being um wonderful the thing about them being um wonderful the thing about them being um wonderful and awesome experiences and maybe even and awesome experiences and maybe even and awesome experiences and maybe even easy in some ways, a place that doesn't easy in some ways, a place that doesn't easy in some ways, a place that doesn't demand much of us, a place where the demand much of us, a place where the demand much of us, a place where the only surprises are good ones. Um is it only surprises are good ones. Um is it only surprises are good ones. Um is it that they are that way partially because that they are that way partially because that they are that way partially because there's no neighbors up there? Look there's no neighbors up there? Look there's no neighbors up there? Look around. Notice who's missing. The nine around. Notice who's missing. The nine around. Notice who's missing. The nine disciples are missing. The people who disciples are missing. The people who disciples are missing. The people who are down below in the towns and the are down below in the towns and the are down below in the towns and the villages that are begging for healings, villages that are begging for healings, villages that are begging for healings, begging to be fed, begging to have begging to be fed, begging to have begging to be fed, begging to have spirits exercised from them. The spirits exercised from them. The spirits exercised from them. The co-workers who are date late with co-workers who are date late with co-workers who are date late with deadlines are missing. The family member deadlines are missing. The family member deadlines are missing. The family member who talks badly about you is missing.

who talks badly about you is missing. who talks badly about you is missing. All of all of what happens on a All of all of what happens on a All of all of what happens on a mountaintop is um is tempting for us to mountaintop is um is tempting for us to mountaintop is um is tempting for us to want to just set up camp and stay there. want to just set up camp and stay there. want to just set up camp and stay there. You can't do that though any more than You can't do that though any more than You can't do that though any more than you can live inside of a snapshot or a you can live inside of a snapshot or a you can live inside of a snapshot or a picture from vacation. It represents a picture from vacation. It represents a picture from vacation. It represents a real moment, but it's not a sustainable real moment, but it's not a sustainable real moment, but it's not a sustainable structure. I'm sure you've all had these structure. I'm sure you've all had these structure. I'm sure you've all had these experiences as well when you think about experiences as well when you think about experiences as well when you think about mountain tops in your life. When I've mountain tops in your life. When I've mountain tops in your life. When I've thought back on mine, they range all the thought back on mine, they range all the thought back on mine, they range all the way back to um when I was a youth and I way back to um when I was a youth and I way back to um when I was a youth and I would go to church camp and I would just would go to church camp and I would just would go to church camp and I would just get so excited and fired up and I just get so excited and fired up and I just get so excited and fired up and I just felt like my relationship with the Lord felt like my relationship with the Lord felt like my relationship with the Lord was so exciting and I wanted it to last. was so exciting and I wanted it to last. was so exciting and I wanted it to last. And more recently when I have prayed big And more recently when I have prayed big And more recently when I have prayed big and bold prayers and then I have seen and bold prayers and then I have seen and bold prayers and then I have seen them answered and I thought, "Wow, I am them answered and I thought, "Wow, I am them answered and I thought, "Wow, I am watching God work in real time." or when watching God work in real time." or when watching God work in real time." or when I go out to the country and it's just I go out to the country and it's just I go out to the country and it's just like a blanket of stars and I think this like a blanket of stars and I think this like a blanket of stars and I think this is how majestic and powerful God is.

is how majestic and powerful God is. is how majestic and powerful God is. But every one of those moments comes to But every one of those moments comes to But every one of those moments comes to an end. You have to leave church camp, an end. You have to leave church camp, an end. You have to leave church camp, right? you have you have new big and right? you have you have new big and right? you have you have new big and bold prayers that you start praying and bold prayers that you start praying and bold prayers that you start praying and so you kind of lose sight of those ones so you kind of lose sight of those ones so you kind of lose sight of those ones that were answered or you come back to that were answered or you come back to that were answered or you come back to Houston and you look up at night and it Houston and you look up at night and it Houston and you look up at night and it is just the foggy downtown lights, is just the foggy downtown lights, is just the foggy downtown lights, right? But those moments teach us right? But those moments teach us right? But those moments teach us something. The the mountaintop moments something. The the mountaintop moments something. The the mountaintop moments give us give us a few things. Give us give us give us a few things. Give us give us give us a few things. Give us clarity. First of all, if you look back clarity. First of all, if you look back clarity. First of all, if you look back at verse 8, it says that um they looked at verse 8, it says that um they looked at verse 8, it says that um they looked up and no longer did they see Moses and up and no longer did they see Moses and up and no longer did they see Moses and Elijah, but they saw Jesus himself Elijah, but they saw Jesus himself Elijah, but they saw Jesus himself standing there alone. Mountaintops let standing there alone. Mountaintops let standing there alone. Mountaintops let us really focus in on Jesus and clarify us really focus in on Jesus and clarify us really focus in on Jesus and clarify our vision so that he is what we see and our vision so that he is what we see and our vision so that he is what we see and everything else falls away. I remember everything else falls away. I remember everything else falls away. I remember sitting on the beimma seat in the sitting on the beimma seat in the sitting on the beimma seat in the synagogue ruins at Msada Fortress in synagogue ruins at Msada Fortress in synagogue ruins at Msada Fortress in Israel 15 years ago and reading from Israel 15 years ago and reading from Israel 15 years ago and reading from Luke 4. And so clearly I felt the Luke 4. And so clearly I felt the Luke 4. And so clearly I felt the presence of Jesus with me calling me to presence of Jesus with me calling me to presence of Jesus with me calling me to ministry. And everything that I had been ministry. And everything that I had been ministry. And everything that I had been holding on to, every reason that I had holding on to, every reason that I had holding on to, every reason that I had for not going into ministry, everything for not going into ministry, everything for not going into ministry, everything that I had been saying, but this and that I had been saying, but this and that I had been saying, but this and this and this just fell away. And God this and this just fell away. And God this and this just fell away. And God cleared my vision and all I saw was cleared my vision and all I saw was cleared my vision and all I saw was Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. And I took that back with me and I And I took that back with me and I And I took that back with me and I walked into the hills, I mean walked walked into the hills, I mean walked walked into the hills, I mean walked from the hills to the valley and the from the hills to the valley and the from the hills to the valley and the plane and I quit my job and I followed plane and I quit my job and I followed plane and I quit my job and I followed this call. Now, not every mountaintop is this call. Now, not every mountaintop is this call. Now, not every mountaintop is going to result in leaving whatever going to result in leaving whatever going to result in leaving whatever you're doing for full-time ministry. But you're doing for full-time ministry. But you're doing for full-time ministry. But I would say that every single I would say that every single I would say that every single mountaintop should give you clarity mountaintop should give you clarity mountaintop should give you clarity about what Jesus is calling you to. that about what Jesus is calling you to. that about what Jesus is calling you to. that that every single mountaintop lets all that every single mountaintop lets all that every single mountaintop lets all of the other stuff fall away so that you of the other stuff fall away so that you of the other stuff fall away so that you can see Jesus and the call in your life. can see Jesus and the call in your life. can see Jesus and the call in your life. The question is what you're going to do The question is what you're going to do The question is what you're going to do with it afterwards. Are you going to let with it afterwards. Are you going to let with it afterwards. Are you going to let it shape you into somebody that runs it shape you into somebody that runs it shape you into somebody that runs your business differently? Are you going your business differently? Are you going your business differently? Are you going to let that clarified vision of Jesus to let that clarified vision of Jesus to let that clarified vision of Jesus shape you into somebody that parents or shape you into somebody that parents or shape you into somebody that parents or grandparents differently? Are you going grandparents differently? Are you going grandparents differently? Are you going to let it shape you into somebody that to let it shape you into somebody that to let it shape you into somebody that gives themselves away in generosity and gives themselves away in generosity and gives themselves away in generosity and service more radically, one step beyond service more radically, one step beyond service more radically, one step beyond anything that you have done?

anything that you have done? anything that you have done? Mountain tops also strengthen us. They Mountain tops also strengthen us. They Mountain tops also strengthen us. They they strengthen us because they help us they strengthen us because they help us they strengthen us because they help us deepen a relationship with God that we deepen a relationship with God that we deepen a relationship with God that we can hold on to when things are harder, can hold on to when things are harder, can hold on to when things are harder, when the rubber meets the road, when we when the rubber meets the road, when we when the rubber meets the road, when we get down into the plains and the valleys get down into the plains and the valleys get down into the plains and the valleys and normal life sneaks up on us. and normal life sneaks up on us. and normal life sneaks up on us. They give us something to anchor They give us something to anchor They give us something to anchor ourselves to. I am sure that you've all ourselves to. I am sure that you've all ourselves to. I am sure that you've all had the experience of talking to like a had the experience of talking to like a had the experience of talking to like a wise friend or a mentor or a therapist, wise friend or a mentor or a therapist, wise friend or a mentor or a therapist, then the conversation is really then the conversation is really then the conversation is really meaningful to you and you don't you meaningful to you and you don't you meaningful to you and you don't you don't let it rattle in your brain all don't let it rattle in your brain all don't let it rattle in your brain all the time. It's not on your thoughts 100% the time. It's not on your thoughts 100% the time. It's not on your thoughts 100% of the time, but when something gets of the time, but when something gets of the time, but when something gets hard, when you encounter a challenging hard, when you encounter a challenging hard, when you encounter a challenging moment, a sentence from it kind of rises moment, a sentence from it kind of rises moment, a sentence from it kind of rises up and it meets you where you are and up and it meets you where you are and up and it meets you where you are and it's exactly what you needed to hear. it's exactly what you needed to hear. it's exactly what you needed to hear. Peter had this happen to him as well. We Peter had this happen to him as well. We Peter had this happen to him as well. We see this in his second pastoral epistle see this in his second pastoral epistle see this in his second pastoral epistle that he wrote near the end of his life. that he wrote near the end of his life. that he wrote near the end of his life. He hearkened back to that mountaintop He hearkened back to that mountaintop He hearkened back to that mountaintop experience and what that meant for him. experience and what that meant for him. experience and what that meant for him. He said, um, He said, um, He said, um, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty when we were eyewitnesses of his majesty when we were eyewitnesses of his majesty when he received honor and glory from God the he received honor and glory from God the he received honor and glory from God the Father. When the voice from the majestic Father. When the voice from the majestic Father. When the voice from the majestic glory came to him, when we were with him glory came to him, when we were with him glory came to him, when we were with him on [clears throat] the holy mountain.

on [clears throat] the holy mountain. on [clears throat] the holy mountain. Mountaintops don't cure us of future Mountaintops don't cure us of future Mountaintops don't cure us of future doubt. They don't futureproof us against doubt. They don't futureproof us against doubt. They don't futureproof us against having hard times, but they do give us having hard times, but they do give us having hard times, but they do give us something to hold on to and say, "I something to hold on to and say, "I something to hold on to and say, "I remember this is true about my remember this is true about my remember this is true about my relationship with God. Whatever this is, relationship with God. Whatever this is, relationship with God. Whatever this is, whatever mess I'm in right now, whatever whatever mess I'm in right now, whatever whatever mess I'm in right now, whatever hard moment I'm facing and what I hard moment I'm facing and what I hard moment I'm facing and what I believe about that, that was true. And believe about that, that was true. And believe about that, that was true. And I'm going to hold on to that to give I'm going to hold on to that to give I'm going to hold on to that to give myself strength to get through this hard myself strength to get through this hard myself strength to get through this hard thing. thing. thing. Because we've got to come down from the Because we've got to come down from the Because we've got to come down from the mountaintop that we can't live up there mountaintop that we can't live up there mountaintop that we can't live up there forever. Can't set up camp. Got to see forever. Can't set up camp. Got to see forever. Can't set up camp. Got to see what's happening in the valleys and the what's happening in the valleys and the what's happening in the valleys and the plains of our lives. Steve Carol pointed plains of our lives. Steve Carol pointed plains of our lives. Steve Carol pointed me to a song this week by Paul Stoie who me to a song this week by Paul Stoie who me to a song this week by Paul Stoie who was a part of Peter, Paul, and Mary. The was a part of Peter, Paul, and Mary. The was a part of Peter, Paul, and Mary. The song came from his solo career. And the song came from his solo career. And the song came from his solo career. And the lyrics go like this. I was wondering if lyrics go like this. I was wondering if lyrics go like this. I was wondering if you had been to the mountain to look at you had been to the mountain to look at you had been to the mountain to look at the valley below. Did you see all of the the valley below. Did you see all of the the valley below. Did you see all of the roads tangled down in the valley? Did roads tangled down in the valley? Did roads tangled down in the valley? Did you know which way to go? The mountain you know which way to go? The mountain you know which way to go? The mountain streams run pure and clear, and I wish streams run pure and clear, and I wish streams run pure and clear, and I wish to my soul that I could always be here.

to my soul that I could always be here. to my soul that I could always be here. But there's a reason for living way in But there's a reason for living way in But there's a reason for living way in the valley that only the mountain knows. the valley that only the mountain knows. the valley that only the mountain knows. The roads are tangled up down here in The roads are tangled up down here in The roads are tangled up down here in the valley. Jesus encountered that, too. the valley. Jesus encountered that, too. the valley. Jesus encountered that, too. We're not the only ones. Let me tell you We're not the only ones. Let me tell you We're not the only ones. Let me tell you what happened to him when he came down what happened to him when he came down what happened to him when he came down from the mountaintop. He encounters a from the mountaintop. He encounters a from the mountaintop. He encounters a man who asked him for healing for his man who asked him for healing for his man who asked him for healing for his son. And this man said, "While you were son. And this man said, "While you were son. And this man said, "While you were up there, I asked your disciples to do up there, I asked your disciples to do up there, I asked your disciples to do this healing and they couldn't do it." this healing and they couldn't do it." this healing and they couldn't do it." And so Jesus goes and he heals the boy. And so Jesus goes and he heals the boy. And so Jesus goes and he heals the boy. And then he turns to his disciples and And then he turns to his disciples and And then he turns to his disciples and says, "Do you know why you were not able says, "Do you know why you were not able says, "Do you know why you were not able to do this healing?" Because you don't to do this healing?" Because you don't to do this healing?" Because you don't have enough faith. And I just have to have enough faith. And I just have to have enough faith. And I just have to imagine this is Katie McGomery Mirs imagine this is Katie McGomery Mirs imagine this is Katie McGomery Mirs putting words that I imagine in Jesus's putting words that I imagine in Jesus's putting words that I imagine in Jesus's mind. And I am thinking he's like, "Is mind. And I am thinking he's like, "Is mind. And I am thinking he's like, "Is this really that what I'm dealing with this really that what I'm dealing with this really that what I'm dealing with down here?" like these guys, is this the down here?" like these guys, is this the down here?" like these guys, is this the best we've got? They've been traveling best we've got? They've been traveling best we've got? They've been traveling with me and now they have enough faith with me and now they have enough faith with me and now they have enough faith and this is what I'm working with, and this is what I'm working with, and this is what I'm working with, right? That we experience these tangled right? That we experience these tangled right? That we experience these tangled roads as well where we have frustrations roads as well where we have frustrations roads as well where we have frustrations and annoyances and annoyances and annoyances and where people don't behave the way and where people don't behave the way and where people don't behave the way that we expect them to behave and we that we expect them to behave and we that we expect them to behave and we still live in it. In fact, that's where still live in it. In fact, that's where still live in it. In fact, that's where we live the vast majority of our life.

we live the vast majority of our life. we live the vast majority of our life. But God is with us here. We must But God is with us here. We must But God is with us here. We must recognize that God is holy in the recognize that God is holy in the recognize that God is holy in the ordinary. Uh Matt Moberg in his poem All ordinary. Uh Matt Moberg in his poem All ordinary. Uh Matt Moberg in his poem All of it writes this. I think every human of it writes this. I think every human of it writes this. I think every human being eventually has a moment where they being eventually has a moment where they being eventually has a moment where they are standing outside in sweatpants that are standing outside in sweatpants that are standing outside in sweatpants that have lost the will to be pants holding a have lost the will to be pants holding a have lost the will to be pants holding a trash bag, a divorce, a parking ticket, trash bag, a divorce, a parking ticket, trash bag, a divorce, a parking ticket, or some other receipt from the universe or some other receipt from the universe or some other receipt from the universe that says, "Surprise, this too is part that says, "Surprise, this too is part that says, "Surprise, this too is part of it. Tell me that isn't holy. Tell me of it. Tell me that isn't holy. Tell me of it. Tell me that isn't holy. Tell me there is a better word than sacred for there is a better word than sacred for there is a better word than sacred for the way the moon keeps returning with no the way the moon keeps returning with no the way the moon keeps returning with no guarantee that we will actually stop in guarantee that we will actually stop in guarantee that we will actually stop in this life and take note in this normal this life and take note in this normal this life and take note in this normal pedestrian everyday life. But if God pedestrian everyday life. But if God pedestrian everyday life. But if God became flesh then we have to imagine became flesh then we have to imagine became flesh then we have to imagine that the holy exists among the ordinary. that the holy exists among the ordinary. that the holy exists among the ordinary. that um as it says in the message that um as it says in the message that um as it says in the message translation of the Gospel of John that translation of the Gospel of John that translation of the Gospel of John that Jesus moved into the neighborhood into Jesus moved into the neighborhood into Jesus moved into the neighborhood into our neighborhoods with um traffic and our neighborhoods with um traffic and our neighborhoods with um traffic and library late fees and dishes in the sink library late fees and dishes in the sink library late fees and dishes in the sink that not um not everything happens on that not um not everything happens on that not um not everything happens on the mountaintop that we spend our lives the mountaintop that we spend our lives the mountaintop that we spend our lives wishing for another mountaintop and wishing for another mountaintop and wishing for another mountaintop and trying to make one happen of our own trying to make one happen of our own trying to make one happen of our own might and looking for it and God's just might and looking for it and God's just might and looking for it and God's just here among us in all of this. And so we here among us in all of this. And so we here among us in all of this. And so we really ought to stop in this life and

really ought to stop in this life and really ought to stop in this life and take note of that. take note of that. take note of that. If you stopped and took note of what If you stopped and took note of what If you stopped and took note of what your last week held, I wonder if you your last week held, I wonder if you your last week held, I wonder if you would see God in it. When I think about would see God in it. When I think about would see God in it. When I think about my last week, it it included standing my last week, it it included standing my last week, it it included standing and waiting in lines to check out. It and waiting in lines to check out. It and waiting in lines to check out. It included disciplining my kids and doing included disciplining my kids and doing included disciplining my kids and doing dishes and waiting on hold with customer dishes and waiting on hold with customer dishes and waiting on hold with customer service agents and folding laundry and service agents and folding laundry and service agents and folding laundry and answering 1 million emails. And God was answering 1 million emails. And God was answering 1 million emails. And God was in all of this. in all of this. in all of this. And sometimes I saw God in it and And sometimes I saw God in it and And sometimes I saw God in it and sometimes I didn't. But that's the sometimes I didn't. But that's the sometimes I didn't. But that's the lesson from the mountaintop that we lesson from the mountaintop that we lesson from the mountaintop that we don't just come down here and do all don't just come down here and do all don't just come down here and do all this on our own, but that God comes with this on our own, but that God comes with this on our own, but that God comes with us and God is shaping us in all of this us and God is shaping us in all of this us and God is shaping us in all of this um for our everyday lives for these um for our everyday lives for these um for our everyday lives for these encounters. And it should change us. encounters. And it should change us. encounters. And it should change us. What we experience on the mountaintop What we experience on the mountaintop What we experience on the mountaintop should change how we wait on hold for should change how we wait on hold for should change how we wait on hold for customer service agents with patients customer service agents with patients customer service agents with patients and how we discipline our kids and how and how we discipline our kids and how and how we discipline our kids and how we wash the dishes with gratitude for we wash the dishes with gratitude for we wash the dishes with gratitude for the food that was on them and all of the food that was on them and all of the food that was on them and all of these other things because the holy is these other things because the holy is these other things because the holy is in the ordinary.

in the ordinary. in the ordinary. But you know what else is in the But you know what else is in the But you know what else is in the ordinary in our everyday pedestrian ordinary in our everyday pedestrian ordinary in our everyday pedestrian valleys and planes, tangled road lives? valleys and planes, tangled road lives? valleys and planes, tangled road lives? Fears and worries and anxieties. Fears and worries and anxieties. Fears and worries and anxieties. That's what Jesus is talking about in That's what Jesus is talking about in That's what Jesus is talking about in the parable of the soils when he says the parable of the soils when he says the parable of the soils when he says that seed is scattered and as it grows that seed is scattered and as it grows that seed is scattered and as it grows it is choked by thorns. He interprets it is choked by thorns. He interprets it is choked by thorns. He interprets that parable to say the thorns are the that parable to say the thorns are the that parable to say the thorns are the everyday worries of our lives. And so everyday worries of our lives. And so everyday worries of our lives. And so that's the reality of what can happen to that's the reality of what can happen to that's the reality of what can happen to us when we're down here in the plains us when we're down here in the plains us when we're down here in the plains and the valleys. Let me tell you what we and the valleys. Let me tell you what we and the valleys. Let me tell you what we do about that. When farmers scatter do about that. When farmers scatter do about that. When farmers scatter their seed, they don't just scatter it their seed, they don't just scatter it their seed, they don't just scatter it and say, "I bought the best seed. I'm and say, "I bought the best seed. I'm and say, "I bought the best seed. I'm going to hope for the best and sit going to hope for the best and sit going to hope for the best and sit back." No, they scatter it and they say, back." No, they scatter it and they say, back." No, they scatter it and they say, "Now I'm going to walk and go look and "Now I'm going to walk and go look and "Now I'm going to walk and go look and when I see a thorn or a weed pop up, I'm when I see a thorn or a weed pop up, I'm when I see a thorn or a weed pop up, I'm going to pull it out." We can't we can't going to pull it out." We can't we can't going to pull it out." We can't we can't say, "I had the best mountaintop say, "I had the best mountaintop say, "I had the best mountaintop experience, and that's just going to experience, and that's just going to experience, and that's just going to help me with the rest of my life." No, help me with the rest of my life." No, help me with the rest of my life." No, we have to walk the fields of our lives, we have to walk the fields of our lives, we have to walk the fields of our lives, too. We have to assess what's going on too. We have to assess what's going on too. We have to assess what's going on in our lives. We have to take account in our lives. We have to take account in our lives. We have to take account for them and take responsibility for for them and take responsibility for for them and take responsibility for them. We have to actually pray about the them. We have to actually pray about the them. We have to actually pray about the thing that's keeping us up at 2 a.m.

thing that's keeping us up at 2 a.m. thing that's keeping us up at 2 a.m. with worry. We have to tell someone that with worry. We have to tell someone that with worry. We have to tell someone that we are struggling with our finances and we are struggling with our finances and we are struggling with our finances and come clean. We have to take our phones come clean. We have to take our phones come clean. We have to take our phones and put them face down when we're around and put them face down when we're around and put them face down when we're around the people that we love so that we the people that we love so that we the people that we love so that we notice who God has put in our lives. We notice who God has put in our lives. We notice who God has put in our lives. We read one more verse or one more chapter read one more verse or one more chapter read one more verse or one more chapter of scripture instead of scrolling for of scripture instead of scrolling for of scripture instead of scrolling for one more story or real. We walk the one more story or real. We walk the one more story or real. We walk the fields of our lives. And these ways of fields of our lives. And these ways of fields of our lives. And these ways of doing that might sound suspiciously to doing that might sound suspiciously to doing that might sound suspiciously to you like our inside out habits. That's you like our inside out habits. That's you like our inside out habits. That's for a reason. These practices of praying for a reason. These practices of praying for a reason. These practices of praying and worshiping, of studying the Bible, and worshiping, of studying the Bible, and worshiping, of studying the Bible, of telling our stories, and making of telling our stories, and making of telling our stories, and making friends, and giving ourselves away in friends, and giving ourselves away in friends, and giving ourselves away in generosity and service are postures that generosity and service are postures that generosity and service are postures that help us to encounter God in the plains, help us to encounter God in the plains, help us to encounter God in the plains, in the valley. I cannot account for the in the valley. I cannot account for the in the valley. I cannot account for the Holy Spirit. You cannot account for the Holy Spirit. You cannot account for the Holy Spirit. You cannot account for the Holy Spirit. So, we cannot use these Holy Spirit. So, we cannot use these Holy Spirit. So, we cannot use these habits to force a mountaintop. I can't habits to force a mountaintop. I can't habits to force a mountaintop. I can't say if I'm good enough at these things say if I'm good enough at these things say if I'm good enough at these things that I'm going to wake up tomorrow on a that I'm going to wake up tomorrow on a that I'm going to wake up tomorrow on a spiritual high.

spiritual high. spiritual high. But what I can guarantee is that if you But what I can guarantee is that if you But what I can guarantee is that if you are disciplined in these things, if you are disciplined in these things, if you are disciplined in these things, if you walk the fields, if you focus on your walk the fields, if you focus on your walk the fields, if you focus on your relationship with God, you will see holy relationship with God, you will see holy relationship with God, you will see holy in your ordinary, you will experience in your ordinary, you will experience in your ordinary, you will experience God's presence down here on all of these God's presence down here on all of these God's presence down here on all of these tangled roads. tangled roads. tangled roads. Mountaintops are great. they would be a Mountaintops are great. they would be a Mountaintops are great. they would be a lovely place to set up camp because we lovely place to set up camp because we lovely place to set up camp because we get this clearer vision of Jesus. But get this clearer vision of Jesus. But get this clearer vision of Jesus. But the reality is we get this big swath of the reality is we get this big swath of the reality is we get this big swath of valleys and plains to follow Jesus. valleys and plains to follow Jesus. valleys and plains to follow Jesus. Let's pray together. God, I give you Let's pray together. God, I give you Let's pray together. God, I give you thanks for our mountain tops. The fact thanks for our mountain tops. The fact thanks for our mountain tops. The fact that you draw so near to us and allow us that you draw so near to us and allow us that you draw so near to us and allow us to draw that near to you. this this to draw that near to you. this this to draw that near to you. this this relationship that is strengthened. God, relationship that is strengthened. God, relationship that is strengthened. God, we pray that you would help us carry we pray that you would help us carry we pray that you would help us carry back down with us. That we wouldn't be back down with us. That we wouldn't be back down with us. That we wouldn't be discouraged by the fact that we live 99% discouraged by the fact that we live 99% discouraged by the fact that we live 99% of our life in the plains and valleys, of our life in the plains and valleys, of our life in the plains and valleys, but that we would see you in it and feel but that we would see you in it and feel but that we would see you in it and feel your presence. God, we love you and we your presence. God, we love you and we your presence. God, we love you and we pray this in your name. Amen.