One of the most extraordinary events recorded in the New Testament took place on the Day of Pentecost. We read the remarkable details in the book of Acts, chapter 2.

In Acts 1, the resurrected Savior met with his disciples just before he was taken up into heaven. Jesus told them they would soon receive power from the Holy Spirit to go into the world and be his witnesses. Luke 24:49 records the Lord's instructions: "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

A few days later, the disciples were all together in Jerusalem when the strange events began. A violent wind brought tongues of fire to rest on their heads. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues. Then Peter preached a powerful message to the crowds gathered for the Feast of Pentecost, and the Bible says the people "were cut to the heart." An astounding 3,000 Jews and converts to Judaism received the message of salvation in Jesus, and were baptized and added to the church that day.

Today, 2,000 years later, believers in Jesus Christ continue to be supernaturally filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. In this Bible story summary, learn more about the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost:

• Day of Pentecost

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This week's post is a member-submitted Christian poem called I Am His. It is a declaration of complete and total surrender to God and his will.

I Am His

By faith I call on Jesus Christ,
There is no better friend.
My Strength, my Rock, my "soul" support—
My Savior to the end.

If these words that come from Him
Could only in some small way
Reach out and touch just one lost soul
And bring them home today!

Read more of ... I Am His by Gwen B.

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The timeless Bible story of Martha and Mary is one I've returned to study again and again throughout my walk with Christ. Mary and Martha were the sisters of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. They were also close friends of Jesus.

One day when Jesus and the disciples were visiting in Mary's home, a wonderful lesson unfolded. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening intently to his words, Martha frantically worked to prepare a meal for her guests.

Now, my name, in fact, is Mary, but I am Martha through and through. I am Martha, not for my hard-working service, but for my tendency to become worried and preoccupied with doing many things when what I really need is to sit for a while with Jesus and be nourished by his Word.

Jesus gently admonished Martha for being anxious and upset and praised Mary for her single-hearted focus on what was most important. If you need a reminder about priorities, as I often do, take another look at the story of Martha and Mary:

• Bible Story Summary - Martha and Mary

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At an early age, Embee lost interest in faith. By the time she reached grad school, her life was fulfilling, fun, and she felt no need for God. Yet, Embee knew she had a decision to make. Would she believe in God or become an agnostic? One day an authentic Christian encouraged Embee to make her choice and suddenly she discovered a passion for reading God's Word. Not long after that, Embee had a personal revelation of truth through an amazing Pentecost experience.

Read: Embee's Pentecost Experience

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