Strategic Conversation

Luke 9: ²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

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Running late I eased into the conference room through a back door. The faces were familiar but not for the meeting I was supposed to attend. “May I help you” said one of the participants as I searched for an open seat. I told them what meeting I was there for and they pointed me down the hall as the heads of the company had confiscated the room I was in. I wonder what they were talking about.

• There were times when I wanted to hear what leaders had to say.
• There were times when I desired to hear how strategy was developed.
• There were times when I was curious about decision making for big corporations.

Moses and Elijah appeared to JESUS with an important conversation about JESUS’ death that HE was going to “accomplish” at Jerusalem. This highly strategic conversation was not confidential, but Peter, James and John could not stay away to hear it. Peter blurted out an offer of hospitality when he woke up, delirious.

• GOD has given me HIS strategic plan by placing HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me..
• GOD has gracefully included me in the conversation by allowing HIS SON to die for me.
• GOD has shown me the future through HIS written word.

Powerful people rise and fall, BUT GOD reigns forever. HE prepared JESUS to take on all the blame for every sin committed by every person. JESUS gracefully volunteered HIS life and the FATHER conceded. I am grateful GOD allows me to understand HIS plan for me.

• Are you frustrated with your impending future?
• Do you think GOD does not hear you or care for you?
• Can you stop trying to figure out the future and allow GOD to guide you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek GOD through HIS word and accept HIS plan for you today?

Talking Scared

Mark 9: ² 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. ³ His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. ⁴ And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

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“What were you all doing?” said one of the pledge leaders in the fraternity. Scared out of my wits, I blurted out the truth. “We got delayed looking for our line brothers” I said. “Wait a minute, they said they were with you.”

• There have been times when I was in trouble.
• There have been times when I thought I had to say something.
• There have been times when I needed to keep my mouth shut long enough to understand the situation.

I was actually not trying to get anyone in trouble, just save our hides. Peter had no clue what he was saying. He did not question the fact that Elijah and Moses were right there in front of them after being written about hundreds if not thousands of years prior. He was so scared that he blurted what was top of mind.

• GOD wants me to recognize HIS amazing power.
• GOD wants me to be prepared when HE shows me HIS face.
• GOD wants me to seek out HIS amazement on a daily basis.

JESUS will return soon someday and I need to be ready for an amazing appearance. I don’t know how prepared I can be, but I do know I would prefer HIM to catch me in the act of doing something HE wants me to do.

• When you get frightened do you blurt out the first words that come to mind?
• Before you speak, can you ask GOD “Is this what you want me to say?”
• Will you slow down when you are frightened and let GOD give you the right words?”

Greatest Conversation

Matthew 17: After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ 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.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

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Somehow, Peter knew who Moses and Elijah were without ever seeing them or meeting them. He was out of his mind as he blurted out his desire to help. I wonder what they were doing there. What were they discussing?

• On a daily basis I can have a conversation with GOD.
• Each and every day I can discuss JESUS for whom the FATHER is well pleased.
• Daily I can seek to talk about JESUS with others.

Listening to JESUS is the most important conversation I could ever have. THE FATHER makes it very clear that I should do so. HE showed JESUS in a transfigured manner letting me know there is more to JESUS than what is written.

• Are you listening to yourself or JESUS?
• Are you quieting down to hear HIS voice?
• Can you stop talking about humans and talk about JESUS today?