"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone."  (Matthew 17:1  NLT

What do you think of when you see, or hear, "mountain top"?  Being able to see Rainier or Denali?  Actually being able to get UP the hill (or down again which I think is harder)?  Or maybe a wonderful retreat experience? Maybe a special family time?  We are preparing to start into Lent - Ash Wednesday is tomorrow - so maybe a "mountain top" can be a personal experience feeling God's presence and guidance through all the changes happening around us.

This Scripture, from this last Sunday, is Jesus taking 3 disciples with him "up a high mountain" where they see Jesus transformed in front of them.  They also see Moses and Elijah AND hear the voice of God (v. 5).  Then, on the way back "down" Jesus asks them NOT to say anything "until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."  (v. 9)  The wonderful news is.... Jesus HAS risen from the dead so WE can tell people where we have seen and felt God with us.

So...... when are you sharing God's presence?  What are you telling others?  Are you inviting them to join you?  Something to think about............

"For the Lord your God is living among you.  He is a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With his love, he will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."  (Zephaniah 3:17  NLT)

What do you think of when thinking about Emmanuel?  God IS with us?  When do you feel His presence?  How is your God time?  When is your God time?  I have God time every morning and every evening - now with my praise music in the background.  This was the Scripture verse earlier in the week but has been very helpful all week.  I keep going back to it.......  

It reminds me of my friend Isaiah.... God is holding us in "his righteous right hand" (41:10) and "holding your right hand." (41:13).  Emmanuel God IS with us.  Something to think about........

"You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.  I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night."  (Psalm 63:5--6 NLT)

When are you taking time to "just" be with God?  How often do you take the time?  Do you have a regular "time"?  Do you have a regular routine for said time?  I, personally, take time every morning (before my feet hit the floor) and night (before I turn out my light).  Recently I added listening to praise music, at night, to my routine.  I always listen in the morning but the night time is a new one.  An interesting thing has happened -- the music, on the radio, frequently goes with the Scripture I'm reading.

The above verses were part of my God time earlier this week.  They have stuck with me all week.  I read "Jesus Calling" every day morning and evening.   The last few days I've been reading the Scripture listed but then going back to these verses.  These verses, and the songs "10,000 Reasons," "Praise," and "Faith like Paul" have been playing as I'm reading.  It is an awesome way to start the day AND end the day.  It reminds of God's presence with us.

How, and when, are you taking time to be with God?  Something to think about.........