"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."  (Psalm 37:3--4)

Sometimes God time gives special gifts.  God time this morning, praise music playing while I read "Jesus Calling" for today, gave the verse Psalm 37:4.  I like to read the verses around "the" verse given.  And this morning God really blessed.  Trusting God.  Feeling God's presence as we start into the day.

Fridays are usually "quiet" days because it has always been my "day off."  Even now, in retirement, I try to keep Fridays quiet because things seem to have gotten busier.  A QUIET day really helps!  God giving "extra" verses reminding to trust does give the "desire of your heart" because it brings us closer to God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Definitely something to think about.

"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..........

"The Lord went ahead of them.  He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire.  This allowed them to travel by day or by night."  (Exodus 13:21 NLT)

The wonderful thing about Emmanuel - God IS with us - is how God helps and guides.  We can be traveling, not able to be in a "worship" service but we can still have the hymns and praise music to celebrate God's love.  We can be with family for the food and fellowship.  We can use the time to encourage each other even as we take (get) time to rest and relax.

When are you able to get time with family?  Friends?  Are you able to feel God's guiding presence?  Can you share and encourage each other?  Something to think about.........​

"Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, "Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together."" (Luke 22:8  NLT)

Tradition - what do you think of?  What tradition do you have for Holy Week?  Have you got plans for celebrating Maundy Thursday - today?  The tradition of Holy Communion started with this meal shared in the Gospels.  Luke describes Jesus having Peter and John "prepare the Passover meal." (v. 8) It also describes how Jesus starts the tradition of Communion with the breaking of the bread (v. 19) and the start of the "new covenant" with the giving of the cup. (v. 20)    A wonderful tradition for the preparation for tomorrow - Good Friday.

​So... what tradition do you have?  Something to think about...... 

"A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him.  They shouted, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!""  (John 12:12b-13 NLT)

What we celebrate as Palm Sunday started with a crowd of people excited to see Jesus.  Can you imagine what the people "along" the way thought?  What about shop keepers?  Were they wondering what was happening?  Were they able to see what was happening?

Now imagine yourself there.  Where are you?  At the front of the crowd shouting?  At the back of the crowd answering questions?  Trying to share how you have seen Jesus?  Are you "way back" trying to stay out of everyone's way?  

Now.......today.... where are you?  Are you telling people how Jesus is your strength and guide?  Are you sharing Jesus?   Something to think about........

"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.........