"They were completely amazed.  "How can this be?" they exclaimed.  "These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!"" (Acts 2:7-8 NLT)

Pentecost - 50 days from Jesus rising from the dead, the empty tomb, the sure knowledge that God keeps God's promises.  A time of celebration in Jerusalem with people from all over.  Then the promised Holy Spirit arrives to be with the Disciples AND with each (and all) of us.  The Disciples are able to speak in the languages needed for the people to understand about God's love.

What about us?  Are we able to talk to people about the ways we see God's loving presence and guidance?  Do they understand us?  I firmly believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, also gives us the way we can speak to others about God's love.  God will guide the person to us, and us to them, AND give us the words to say for comfort and guidance.  We can share where, and how, we have felt God's strength, guidance and peace.  Definitely something to think about......

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere -  in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (9) After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him."  (Acts 1:8--9 NLT)

Some of us follow the Liturgical calendar which tells me Ascension was last week (10 days ago tomorrow) and was celebrated last Sunday.  Pentecost will be celebrated this Sunday (remember to wear red!).  There are two interesting things I want you to think about.  The first is God keeps God's promises.  We know this because we are celebrating this 2,000 years after Jesus was speaking to the Disciples.  We also know the Holy Spirit DID come and IS here with us so we CAN celebrate Ascension.

The second thing to think about is how are we following Jesus's directions -- "telling people everywhere"?  Jesus speaks to the Disciples about Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the "ends of the earth." (v. 8)  So...... if he were speaking to us now where are we?  We are in our homes, our work places, the communities we live in but are we sharing about God's loving presence with us?  Maybe even "just" by being kind (polite) and smiling?  Something to think about..........

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing."  (John 15:5  NLT)  

Staying connected, especially with God, is how we can have the strength to continue to do all the things we need to do.  Staying connected means, also, sharing with each other when, and where, we are able to connect with God.  Hectic schedules make it more difficult to have the time to stay connected - which is where have time set aside "just" for God is what works. 

I, personally, have a morning God time and another God time just before I turn out the light at night.  Right NOW I'm using Jesus Calling (which I have suggested).  I also have my praise music playing so I can have the music AND God's Word.  A great way to start, and end, the day.

How are you "remaining" in God?  Something to think about..........