Brothers and sisters, today, we gather in the heart of Flagstaff, a city nestled high in the Coconino National Forest, where the grandeur of creation is on full display. This land, surrounded by towering pines and crowned by the San Francisco Peaks, serves as a testament to the power and majesty of our God. Here, in the cool mountain air, amidst the changing seasons, we are reminded of the unchanging nature of our Lord. Just as Flagstaff experiences winter’s snow, summer’s warmth, and autumn’s vibrant hues, so too do our lives pass through seasons. But let us not be troubled, for the Lord walks with us in every season, guiding our steps and strengthening our hearts.

The Word of God tells us in John 14:17, “He dwells with you and will be in you.” This is the promise of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who abides in us through trials and triumphs alike. No matter the storms that come, be it the monsoons of July or the blizzards of December, we are never alone. The world may not recognize Him, but we do. We feel Him in the whisper of the wind, in the rustling of the pines, in the laughter of our children, and in the hope that carries us forward.

In Matthew 16:28 – 17:4, we read of Jesus’ radiant glory, shining like the sun, His raiment white as light. This moment of divine revelation was witnessed by Moses and Elijah, confirming the kingdom of God. We are called today to witness the same light, to see beyond the trials of this world, and to recognize the eternal promise that awaits us. Just as the great plateau upon which Flagstaff rests is a beacon of beauty in the Southwest, so too should our faith be a beacon in a world that often walks in darkness.

Some of us may struggle with doubt, uncertainty, or even fear. Perhaps you’ve heard the voices of those who question the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the practice of speaking in tongues. As Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 13:1, without love, even the most powerful words are but clanging cymbals. The Spirit is not about division or controversy; it is about unity, love, and the power of God flowing through His people. Love is the evidence of the Spirit’s presence in our lives.

The beauty of mercy is that it surpasses justice. We all deserve justice for our sins, yet God, in His infinite mercy, offers us grace. We stand in awe of that mercy when we look upon the rugged beauty of this land, just as we stand in awe of His love when we witness lives changed, hearts healed, and souls redeemed.

In Revelation 11:8, we see the stark reality of a fallen world. We hear of destruction, of sorrow, and of the price paid for sin. But let us not be disheartened. The vision John saw in Revelation 15:2, the sea of glass mingled with fire, reminds us of the refining work of God. Just as fire purifies gold, so too does the Lord refine us through trials, making us ready for His kingdom.

I recall a mother who once called a pastor in Tucson, begging for prayer over her child whose finger was set to be amputated. In her moment of desperation, she did what we all must do—she turned to God. Prayer is powerful. Faith moves mountains. Just as Humphreys Peak rises above this city, so too can our faith rise above our circumstances if we place our trust in Him.

The prophet Isaiah foresaw the upheaval of the earth, the staggering of nations, the darkening of the sun and moon (Isaiah 13:13; 24:20). Jesus Himself spoke of these events preceding His return. We do not know the day or the hour, but we do know this: He is coming. Are we ready? Are we walking in His light, in His truth, and in His love?

We must not be like those who give grudgingly, as Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Instead, let us give cheerfully, not just of our finances, but of our time, our love, and our faith. As we gather in this beautiful city, where the skies stretch endlessly above and the forests whisper His name, let us remember: the world is watching. Just as Israel realized too late that they had forsaken the Lord, let us not wait until calamity strikes to turn to Him.

When Paul spoke of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, he said it was love. Love is what pours forth when the Spirit overflows within us. Let that love be our testimony. Let it be the force that draws others to Christ. Though the world may present sin as something enticing, Proverbs 14:12 warns us that its end is death. But we have a Savior who offers life.

Even now, the world is moving toward a time of reckoning. Oil, wars, and world powers shift like sand, but our foundation is firm. The Euphrates River, mentioned in Revelation 16:12, may dry up, but our faith will never run dry if we root ourselves in Him. The call is urgent: “Now is the time to awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than we believed” (Romans 13:11).

Flagstaff, as we stand in this place of beauty, where mountains meet sky and forests stretch wide, let us be reminded of the glory of God. Jesus takes the scroll in Revelation 5, claiming what is rightfully His. And so, let us claim our place in His kingdom.

Let today be the day we surrender fully to Him, with joyful hearts, with faith unshaken, and with love overflowing. Let us shine like the peaks that rise above this city, so that all who see us will see Him.

Amen.