GOD IN MY WHISTLE

 Now this title is sure to get your attention so let me explain. A couple weeks ago in church during communion time when they passed the bread and juice representing Christs' body and blood we were to hold them both and then take them together with everyone. So I placed the small little cracker wafer in my pants pocket. Well when it was time to retrieve it I couldn't. You see it had slipped down the slot in my whistle which is on my key chain. I kind of laughed at the time. I shook it but to no avail. So I thought, well I guess I will carry around daily a reminder of God's sacrifice for us since the little piece of bread is lodged in my whistle apparently not coming out anytime soon. I felt it was something good to use in a devotion so that is what I am doing. Just like the little 'cracker' reminding me of Jesus' body broken for us is in my whistle it makes me really think of what he did for us.

Do you realize the pain that God went through for you and many times we do not even give him any more time than is absolutely required, that being one single hour on Sunday? He endured the worst death ever. Excruciating pain and torture on a cross but yet never said a hateful word to his accusers or those that crucified him. His was beaten, bruised, crushed, whipped, spit on, and cursed at, yet he said not a word or fought back. The only thing he uttered was "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." (See Luke 23:34). Read the entire account in the book of John chapter 19.

Isaiah 53:5 says "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Examine your own heart first and get right with the Lord. Any jealously, resentment, bitterness, hate or lack of forgiveness in your heart? Confess it and get yourself right with the Lord first.

When you receive the elements at communion time you aren't to partake because it is the thing you should do but really think about what it means. It is not just cracker and grape juice time.

Matthew 5:44 is the key item to get out of what happened to Jesus to use in today's world and that is "Love your enemies and pray for them that persecute you."

So are you daily carrying Jesus with you not in the form of a cracker but in your heart? If not why not ask Him in today?

PRAYER: Lord you paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we might receive the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life once we have asked you into our heart. Help me to think each day of what you have done for me. Give me opportunities to share your love daily with others. In Jesus name.Amen.

Communion: What's It All About Anyway?

COMMUNION..WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

What does the Bible say about communion? First we know it represents the body and blood of Jesus and is called 'The Lords' Supper' even though not administered at the traditional suppertime hour. Now no need to get legalistic over the technicality of a word and say "oh we better meet at suppertime then or God won't be pleased."

Different denominations have different man made rules and interpretations concerning this Holy sacrament but the one thing in the Bible I always read before I partake of communion is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. First in verses 23 thru 26 it says "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
 
But continue on to the next few verses and perhaps many of us shouldn't always partake just because it is the thing to do. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 says "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.  For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." Many children are given communion by their well meaning parents but are their child like minds able to understand the meaning? Not judging but suggesting something to ponder.

Basically if you are flippantly just going to the altar or taking the element as they are passed down the aisle but have unforgiveness in your heart towards  someone that is wrong according to this scripture. Examine your heart. Maybe you should not take it that particular day but instead silently pray for God to purify your heart and to heal any broken relationships you may have.

Churches have split over issues like communion, baptism, membership and even color of the carpet. Jesus is probably just shaking his head as Satan gets credit for splitting the body of Christ. Too much legalism can seep in and take the joy of the Lord right out of the church. 

Before you reach for the communion cup next time it is offered be sure to get things in your life right with God before you partake. This sacrament is special and set apart and should not be taken lightly. 

PRAYER:  Search me God and cleanse me from any wrong ways or thinking in my life. Make my life acceptable in your sight. In Jesus name. Amen.