promises.......

"I am going to send what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been closed with power from on high."  (Luke 24:49)

Promise, promising, promised...what do you think of?  The new job really looks "promising"?  The people who moved to the Colonies with the "promise" of land and freedom?  The same "promise" as people moved west?  Each of these is thinking about people thinking of something that is, or will be, happening.  Another thought is expecting something to happen.  The "follow through", the actual doing, is the part of each of these we need to focus on.

The readings today are about promises.  Luke is pointing out, in the first chapter of Acts, all the things he (Luke) spoke about Jesus.  How Jesus fulfilled, and proved, he was alive.  Luke is also pointing out the promise Jesus is giving of God fulfilling God's promised gift. (Acts 1:3-4)  Paul is reminding all of us of the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" God gives.  (Ephesians 1:17) Jesus is asking the disciples to wait because he (Jesus) will "send what my Father promised" so they should "wait" for the "power."  (Luke 24:49)

Which brings us back to our promises....   How are we at keeping promises - especially to ourselves?  Did you finish the Lenten study?  Are you still working on the New Year's resolution?  Caregivers, are you taking time for YOU to s-t-o-p and be with God?  What about the promises we have made to the church - to be faithful with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service?  (Confirmation promise)  We KNOW God keeps God's promises.  Do we?