"They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.  There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together"  (Luke 24:33 NIV)

When you get excited about something when do you share about it?  Who do you share it with?  Family? Friends?  Whoever happens to be near you - which, of course, means you are in a group when it happens?  How do you share it?  I've been known to say, in a loud, clear voice, "Praise God!"  It might even be a "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"  I also have a tendency to talk really fast if I'm excited about something....then I usually have to slow down and repeat it.

This reading is the "end" of the two Disciples walking to Emmaus.  They have recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread.  They "got up and returned at once" to share with the Disciples in Jerusalem.  Some translations say "immediately."  Either way they were so excited they wanted to share NOW.

So.......when we have felt God's presence, when we have seen God working....when, how and to whom are we sharing?  How soon are we sharing?  Something to think about.........

"As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them,"  (Luke 24:15 NIV)

When we talk about walking what do you think of?  Walking along a smooth path?  Does the path feel like it is going up a steep hill, or a VERY rocky climb?  Sometimes it might even feel like riding a roller coaster - up and down and way to fast.  Do you think about sharing the path?  Who is on the path with you?

A recent weekend was about travel to Emmaus - Luke 24:13-35 - about the two walking to Emmaus and Jesus "came up and walked along with them" (15)  The interesting point about the reading is "they were kept from recognizing him." (16)  The recent weekend had people "walking" (actually sitting listening to 15 talks) and discussing Jesus.  Some of them were continuing to walk with Jesus but some were meeting Jesus for the first time.
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Walking, talking, sharing and encouraging each other - one of the things we do on a regular basis.  The interesting questions are where is Jesus in this and do we recognize him?  Are we REALLY walking with Jesus?  Something to think about..........

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

As we start into the "fall" season, a new month, new schools (already started) and - maybe - some new meetings and schedules how are you doing?  Is someone encouraging you?  Are you encouraging anyone?  Do you need encouragement? You do!  Even if you think you are doing okay you need to hear it AND it is most helpful if you hear it from someone else.

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians helping them to understand who they are as "members of the body of Christ."  Helping them to understand how they can help each other and others.  He has pointed out that none of us know when Christ will return but we do know Christ WILL return.  So what can we do until then.  We can continue to follow where God is leading but we can also encourage each other "as you are already doing."

Yes, we are all busy.  Yes, the seasons are s-l-o-w-l-y changing (it was in the 90s last week!).  One of the good things that is NOT changing is how we can encourage each other.  We can​ share God's love and encourage.  Something to think about..........