It is strange the memories that stay with us.  I remember my grandfather on his riding lawnmower and driving his blue car.  I remember him getting ready for work and being in the bathroom putting Listerine (the mouthwash) on his head.  I think he made have had a cut in his head and was using that as a treatment to kill the germs.  (That is what I thought as a child)  I also remember every morning he would eat his bowl of bran flakes.  I don’t remember him ever raising his voice to me and he always encouraged me in whatever I was doing.

My grandfather had heart problems and he died at the hospital from a coronary thrombosis.  My grandmother was with him when he died.  My mother did not make it to the hospital in time.  I was told my grandfather was with the Lord and I would not see him again until I went to heaven.  So, in my mind – grandpa just left and went on a long vacation.  I felt like he didn’t tell me good-bye because he would see me again someday.  I was not taken to the funeral or visitation.  It was the first time my baby sister and I had been left with someone besides my grandparents.  I remember the lady who stayed with us kept asking me what she could do to help mom.  I finally told her she could clean out the refrigerator.  So, she did and my mom was so embarrassed when she returned to find out the lady cleaned the refrigerator.  I have no idea why I told her to clean the refrigerator out – perhaps I had run out of things for her to do.

My grandmother and parents must have grieved in private – because I don’t remember them crying.  I remember going to my grandmother’s house and feeling like it was such a lonely place without grandpa.  I missed him so much and wondered why and where grandpa went.

The wonderful thing is I know I will see him again in heaven someday.  I will cherish the precious memories of him that I have – the most vivid one of him giving me a red Hawthorne bike with training wheels.  I was around five or six at the time.  I learned to ride a two wheel bike on it and while learning to ride I ran into a tree and scraped my knee.  Luckily, the bike suffered no damage.  I was told that he thought the Lord would be calling him home soon and so he wanted to see me receive the gift of the bike.

The Lord has given me a precious gift with these memories of my grandfather that remain with me and I look forward to seeing him again when the Lord calls me home.  The thought I want to leave you with is that children see death in a child like perspective.  I saw death as nothing to fear because to me it was a long vacation for my grandfather and I knew someday I would see him again.

I will always remember my grandmother in her 90’s cooking family dinners for us.  She wouldn’t let anyone help her because that is how she showed her love for her family.  She was raised in the generation where it was a disgrace if you were not married and did not have a man to care for you.  I don’t think she ever understood my choice to remain single and follow the Lord.

My grandmother lost her first husband when she was in her 50’s.  She lived alone and I stayed with her at night for about four years.  Then, she married to a man who took care of her and they had a good life together.  He was a good man-I would spend weeks at a time with them during the summer.  Then, the Lord called him home.  My grandmother then eventually was married again – but I know in my heart this man was verbally and physically abusive to her.  I didn’t realize what was going on until my grandmother was hospitalized and she had marks on her neck from where he tried to choke her.  I reported it to the authorities – but since my grandmother didn’t want to leave him nothing was done.  She came from a generation that you didn’t leave your man under any circumstances.

I tried to convince her that we could get a place together – but she wouldn’t do it.  I believe another reason she refused was they were in a couples club and without a husband she wouldn’t have been included.  My grandmother is with the Lord – but the only regret I have is the wonderful times that we could have spent together and didn’t get the chance.  I have many wonderful memories of childhood and I will share a few of them with you.  One of my most favorite memories was going to the local “Dime Store” and getting a hot dog with a bun.  I can still remember the wonderful smells of the fresh popcorn in the store.  My grandmother and mom would then continue shopping after I had the snack.  Unfortunately, what usually happened was on the way to the next store I would trip and skin my knee.  I remember crying and they would go to a local drugstore and purchase some medication that helped the pain and probably prevented infection.  I just enjoyed being with my mother and grandmother.  The reason this was such a great adventure was that we lived in the country and so going to town and buying a hot dog was a very special occasion.

The last two memories involve a train.  I would go to my grandmother’s farm house to spend the day while my dad worked the farm with my grandfather.  So, my day was usually spent with my grandmother playing with me.  She lived in 2 story farm house with a long stairway that led upstairs.  Grandma and I would spend hours sitting on the steps playing train.  She was the conductor and I was the passenger – she would pretend to stop the train and then give me a list of possible destinations and I would choose one.  Then, we would pretend the train moving and then the train would stop and I would get off.  Then, it would start all over again.  This would go on for hours and only a loving grandmother would have taken the time to play with a child like this.

The next memory I have is that of riding a train in Flora, IL.  I think it was located near a park and (I believe) the train was called: “Little Toot”.  The train was going to be moved to another location – so one day my grandmother took me to Flora and we rode the train all afternoon.  My grandmother told me as we rode the train the last time that day – she wanted me to remember this day forever because someday I would only have my memories to reflect on.  She was very correct because at this point in my life – I have no family that I am close too and since my mom and grandmother are with the Lord – I am so blessed to have memories to get me through the tough times.

So, if I can leave you with one thought – that would be enjoy today and make memories that will last forever.

That poor woman screamed in pain and torment the whole night.  My mom slept peacefully and her pain was controlled – but I thought that night would never end.  I went to the nurse’s station several times and complained but nothing changed.

This poor woman had no one to speak for her and so was at the mercy of the nurse who refused to bother a doctor or daughter to make something change so that she would not be in pain.  The next morning I was going to file a formal complaint if the lady was not moved to another room or was given something to quiet her down.  I don’t know what happened to the woman because she was moved to a different room that morning.  There is a point here I would like to make – without an advocate if you are unable to speak for yourself or you do not speak for yourself before the Lord calls you home to ask Jesus to be your advocate then you will  be shown no mercy.  You see Jesus died on the cross for our sins and in order to be saved and to have Jesus as our advocate – you must ask Jesus into your heart and to forgive you of your sins and wrongs.  Then, you must surrender your life and will to the Lord and be baptized.  Finally, you must live a life pleasing to the Lord until he calls you home to be with him.

This is as close I want to know how torment or Hell might be.  Even, though I was not in pain nor was my mother – the constant screaming from pain by the woman kept me on edge and because I am compassionate to others –I felt helpless to help her.  I wonder if that daughter had forgotten how much her mother probably did for her – for example staying up when she was sick and comforting her.  I remember the sacrifices my mother made for me – especially when I was sick.  So, it was my duty and privilege to care for her when she was sick, had surgery and finally when she developed lymphoma cancer.  I cared for and was the only one who was with her when she drew her last breath and the Lord sent the angels to carry her home.

So, the point I am trying to make is the pain here on earth does not compare to the pain and suffering that will last forever in eternity and there will be so much suffering and discomfort I cannot even imagine it or describe it.  The story of the “Rich Man and Lazarus” gives an idea of how awful Hell will be.

Luke 16:19-31    (New International Version)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

19″There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22″The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell,[a] where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

25″But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

27″He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

29″Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

30″ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

31″He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

This is also shown in II Peter 2:4 that God did not spare angels when they sinned – they were sent to Hell.

2 Peter 2:4 (New International Version)

4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,  putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment;

Revelation 20:10 shows that torment will continue day and night for eternity.  I am hoping that by writing this that you will open your heart to the Lord and will ask Jesus into your heart and to forgive you of your sins and wrongs.  Then, find a ministry that will baptize you and live a life pleasing to the Lord.  I would not want anyone to miss the opportunity to spend eternity with the Lord.  The Lord gives everyone a free choice and so only you can choose whom you will serve –  Choose The Lord and spend eternity in Heaven and have peace for eternity or Choose Satan and spend eternity in Hell for eternal torment.

Revelation 20:10 (New International Version)

10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

This is how I feel about the situation-in today’s society pastors are involved in sin, Sunday school teachers are in sin and I believe the reason is that these people do not have a personal relationship with the Lord.  Too many times people are given positions in churches because of their standing or job position in the community.  The positions should be given to those who have a personal relationship with the Lord and are mature enough to lead others to the Lord.  The Bible teaches that teachers will be judged more strictly-James 3:1 “Not many of you should presume to be teachers my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (NIV)

I am in the process of re-starting my ministry in the Indiana area-but I am having trouble finding people to volunteer as support staff for the ministry.  People don’t want to volunteer for the Lord-they want to be paid for serving the Lord and then there is the problem of qualifications to be a volunteer for the ministry. Why do people believe they should be paid to use their God given talents to spread the good news of Jesus-Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again and will someday return for those who have stood true for the Lord.  The fact that the Lord did all this should encourage people to serve the Lord freely-not charging for what the Lord freely gave to them.  The qualifications to volunteer in the ministry are: 1.) Asked  Jesus into their heart and repented of their sins.  2.) Baptized (immersed in water) 3.) Baptized in the Holy Spirit 4.) Living a life pleasing to the Lord-no smoking, no drinking alcohol, no sexual sin (such as adultery, homosexuality, living together, pornography or any other kind of sin that the Lord would not approve of) and anything else the bible teaches is sin.

So, what is my point-the point is that I believe once you know that Jesus died on the cross and rose again and someday will return for those who have remained faithful at some unknown time and you do not repent or if you are born again and you feel you can continue to enjoy the sinful things in life and repent when you are ready ( I believe most people plan to repent just before they die)-I believe God is going to hold you accountable for the time you could have served him-but chose not too.

As an ordained pastor I have seen people leave this earth and walk into the arms of Jesus and then I have seen those that look like death is taking them into a terrible place.  I was with my Mom – Pastor Joyce Dreiman when the Lord called her home.  I made the call to stop CPR and prayed with her as the Lord took her home.  I knew she wouldn’t let go of this life-because she knew after she was gone-I would have no family to care for me.  I knew that too-but I loved the Lord and my Mom enough to know the Lord would take care of me.  The Lord has provided for me and I will continue to serve the Lord until I draw my last breath.  So, I want you to think about this: Matthew 24:36-51 “No-one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the Ark; and they know nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away-that is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.  Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But, understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house been broken into.  So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time.  It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.  I tell you the truth; he will put him in charge of all his posessions.  But, suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, my master is staying away a long time, and then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.  The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (NIV)

So, I am praying you will look at the relationship you have with the Lord and if you have not repented and asked the Lord into your heart and have not served him faithfully and if you are born again-then please look at your life to see if you are living a life pleasing to the Lord and you are serving him because you love him.

Here are prayers that might be helpful-if you need to repent and start serving the Lord.

To be saved: Please, pray this prayer and then e-mail the ministry-so we may rejoice with your decision to serve the Lord.

Dear Lord, Please forgive me of my sins and wrongs and I ask Jesus to come into my heart.  I surrender my will and life to you and ask you to take my life and use it for his glory.  I give you the praise and glory!  In the name of Jesus I pray-Amen!

Note: After praying this prayer-please find a local church and ask the pastor to baptize you and ask the Lord to fill you with his Holy Spirit. (Baptism should be by immersion)  Then, study your Bible and pray daily and ask God for the opportunity to serve by spreading the good news of Jesus to others,

Prayer: For if you have not faithfully been serving the Lord: Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins and from this day forward I will serve you with all my heart.  I ask you to give me strength to resist temptation and to keep the Lord’s standards as to how I should live my life.  I ask the Lord to take my life and use it for his glory.

In the Name of Jesus I pray-Amen!

photo credit: mrehan

Many years ago I was a child care provider and this lady and her little girl came to see me about day care services.  They had walked a long way and you could tell they were tired and weary.  I knew in my heart that she probably would never pay me-but I enrolled the little girl anyway.  At the end of the month-she gave me a check for 4 weeks of care.  They didn’t show up the following Monday and the check did not clear.  I thought about it and asked myself “What would Jesus do?” Would he turn it into the legal system or would he send it back to her with a note saying your debt is forgiven?  I did what I thought Jesus would have done-I sent her a kind note with the returned check-telling her the debt was cancelled.

Exodus 22:25-27 “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a money lender; charge him no interest.  If you take your neighbors cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body.  What else will he sleep in?  When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”  (NIV)  The Lord is compassionate-so let me ask you this-are you compassionate to those who fall on hard times?  Maybe, you are one of those people who spreads rumors about the person who is down and out-the Lord has placed it on my heart to ask you-Where would you be if the Lord had not forgiven you?

I believe most people want to work-but in today’s society-jobs are scarce.  I know I have been unemployed since November 2008.  I believe the Lord allowed this to happen to me to remind of the ministry I was called too.  You see in a matter of months-I lost everything on this earth I cared about-but where would I be without the Lord.  I have faith that the Lord will restore everything I have lost and continue renewing my strength to serve him.

So, today if you are out there and you are to the point that you feel like just hiding or you may be so desperate you feel like there is no point in living or even to continue trying-Stop and ask the Lord to help you.  Trust me when everyone leaves you and you are alone-that is the time you grow closest to the Lord.  Friends and family may leave you or forsake you-but the Lord will carry you through-if you only ask and give him the praise and glory.

photo credit: darkpatator

To give you a little background-Pastor Joyce was diagnosed with lymphoma (Cancer) and had spent approximately a year with chemo-therapy, radiation and surgery for treatment. They had told her the cancer was gone. Approximately 2 weeks later-she had trouble breathing, was very weak and had terrible pain. I called an ambulance on Saturday and she died on Sunday. I would like to
point out-that no-one is guaranteed another moment of life-so you must be prepared to meet the Lord or spend eternity in Hell.

I want to share with others that death is nothing to fear-if you have your heart and life right with the Lord. Pastor Joyce Dreiman served the Lord until she drew her last breath. So, what happened to her after her physical life ended? I was there and saw her face go from pain to the lovely glow of peace from the Lord as she went to be with him. The hardest part of this for me was telling her it was ok to go with the Lord-I would be ok. I told the medical personnel to let her go-not to do CPR ect. She went to be with the Lord in peace. I was sad not because she was now at peace-but because I was left behind. Of course, I didn’t want her to die-I would have given almost anything to have more time to spend with her-but that wasn’t God’s will.

The Bible shows us that the spirit is separated from the body. (John 11:25-26) For those who live in Jesus will never die.
So, where did her spirit go-it went to be with Christ. This is shown in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” When Jesus returns to earth-our physical bodies will be raised and will connect with our spirits. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore, encourage each other with these words.” (NIV) 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 “Listen I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. When, the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swelled up in victory.” I would like to share with you that it is a blessing that a loved one-such as Pastor Joyce is with the Lord and no longer suffering-but it is normal and perhaps God’s plan for those left behind to experience grief.

Here are some stages of grief:

1.Experience of shock, denial, numbness and disbelief.

2. This stage may involve outbursts of emotion, fear, panic or guilt. When the loss of a loved one becomes real to the person-they may experience loneliness, isolation, and depression. This stage leads to the start of recovery. Once the lost is accepted-then hope comes back. God may use this experience to help the person to reach out, love and support those who are suffering.

Here are some suggestions to help those who are grieving:

1.)Ask them how they are doing-but only ask if you really want to know and are willing to help. Someone once told me that when they asked someone how they were doing-they didn’t really care and just expected them to say ok. Not really caring will only make the grief worse.

2.) Pray with them-Prayer is comforting and uplifting.

3.) Many times people need help financially, help with meals, repairs or housework. Reach out and help.

4.)Send a card with a personal message. Call them on the phone and just be a good listener.

5.) Every person deals with grief in their own way-don’t judge them. Some people may cry continually and others may never shed a tear.

6.) Don’t give people advice. Don’t share how you have dealt with grief.

7.)Bethere for grieving people. You need to be supportive, kind and compassionate. Let them talk about the wonderful memories they have and when they are ready-the wonderful plans God has for their future.

In today’s society many people have not forgiven people for things that may have happened many years ago. They hold on to the bitterness, hurt and anger-which eventually will lead to emotional and health problems. Forgiveness is the answer and letting go of the past. Yesterday is gone-nothing can be changed. Tomorrow has not arrived – so we must deal with today and focus on the positive. Stop and look at the life of Stephen-he was being stoned and asked the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. Acts 7:59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Then, he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them, When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Today, you may not have someone physically throwing stones at you-but perhaps they are stoning you with words. Words cut and hurt. So, how do you deal with words and learning to forgive others? The first step is to give these problems to the Lord and to allow the Lord to take care of them. This is accomplished by praying to the Lord and focusing on doing things that glorify the Lord and help others. Sometimes, it may help to write a letter to the person who has hurt you or whom you have hurt. This gives you a chance to reflect on what you are saying and make any changes in the letter that may be needed before you mail it. Many times people do not realize they have hurt you. Reading the Bible and memorizing scripture is also a great way to focus on the positive. For example: Psalms 91 is a comforting scripture to read and memorize.

Finally, remember that God has a plan. Trials and temptations are part of life on this earth. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Lord will give you peace in your heart and the strength to walk through these trials-if you will trust and obey the Lord.

The Lord placed it on my heart to share this story to point out that perhaps you had a personal relationship with Jesus and you have drifted away from the Lord. The personal relationship you had with the Lord may have included prayer and allowing God to be first in your life. Perhaps, you still believe in him-but you no longer have a close relationship with the Lord.

God never goes away from us. The truth is we lose touch with the Lord because we get too busy, blame God for bad circumstances or just simply allow ourselves to drift away. The Lord knew you before you were born and had a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Jesus loved you so much that he died on the cross for your sins. He experienced Hell and Death for you. Jesus gave you eternal life by being raised from the dead.

This world has many temptations and sometimes people allow these to cause them to walk away from the Lord. The Bible teaches we are separated from the Lord because of sin. 1 John 1:5-10 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light: in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But, if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (NIV)

Today, if you have drifted away from the Lord-why not confess your sin and return to a right relationship with the Lord? James 5:19-20 “My brothers if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (NIV)

God is waiting to renew the relationship with you-His arms are wide open. Don’t wait-God is waiting with arms outstretched to give you forgiveness and to enjoy a new bright relationship with you.

James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perserverance.” (NIV)

In today’s society-people can recall events of meeting a celebrity, baseball player or some other event that was special. The most important event in a person’s life is when they ask Jesus into their heart and surrender their will and life to the Lord. The sad fact is few people can describe the moment they were saved and gave their life to the Lord.

Matthew 17:1-9 “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John, the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, Lord it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said: This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him. When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground terrified. But, Jesus came and touched them get up, he said. Don’t be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no-one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man, has been raised from the dead.” (NIV) This scripture shows the disciples had a life changing experience. Every person who accepts Jesus as their Lord and savior should experience God’s transforming power. Some ways to experience God’s transforming power is through: prayer, Bible study and communicating with other Christians. The first step is to have that personal relationship with Jesus and to ask Jesus into your heart.

God has the power to transform us even if we feel hopeless. Matthew 16:21-28 “From this time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, Never Lord!, he said. This shall never happen to you. Jesus turned and said to Peter, Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (NIV) This scripture shows Peter was afraid to be alone and did not want Jesus to die. The transfiguration established the divinity of Jesus. This transfiguration experience gave Peter and John courage to obey. John was living on the isle of Patmos and was faithful in writing the book of Revelation and Peter preached to a huge crowd on the day of Pentecost (Peter was not well educated).

People love the mountain top experiences with the Lord and want to live in that on a daily basis. The purpose of the mountain top experience is to prepare people for service. So, if you are trying to to keep that mountain top feeling-you are missing what God’s purpose was for this experience. God has a plan for people to reach out and make a difference in other people’s lives and to spread the good news of Jesus.