Greetings to my Beloved Mt. Vernon Family and Friends,

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them (Mar 9:2-3 NKJ).

This is the fourth Sunday of Lent and our third full week of fasting and prayer. Praise God! When we take the time to pause, reflect, and pray sincerely while fasting, we sometimes have mountaintop experiences with God. The Holy Spirit lives in all true believers, and He gives us access into the spiritual realm. We worship God in spirit and in truth, spirit to Spirit. Christians have the ability to operate in two realms, the spiritual realm and the natural or physical realm. Therefore, encountering God’s presence in a way that transforms us and gives us a spiritual high is to be expected. God is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him by faith (Heb. 11:6). We need mountaintop experiences with God to keep our experience as Christ followers fresh and alive. Fasting intensifies our prayers and help us clearly discern God’s presence, His voice and His works. After the disciples witnessed the transfiguration, Jesus led them back down the mountain to face human suffering, a desperate father who wanted Jesus to deliver his son from a demon. Our mountaintop experiences and spiritual highs must be translated into compassionate service. The words to pause, reflect and pray over as we fast next week, March 28-April 2, are as follows:

Be Richly Blessed,

Pastor Deborah Giles