Archive for May, 2010

“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord’s death until He comes (again).“  I Corinthians 11:26(Amp.)

I endeavor to come to the communion table with complete focus on the Lord’s sacrifice in order to be sure I never take this remembrance in a causal way or without the respect it should be given. I Corinthians 11:27 “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”

I like the fact that communion is offered every week in the church I attend; however, this can lead one to take it without the thought we are cautioned to use. It is important to avoid the frequent taking of communion becoming a rote event. When I come to this time I am constantly looking for new depths and meanings that I have not seen before.

One day recently when pondering communion I felt impressed with three statements that helped me better understand what we are doing.  They are:

1.      Remember covenant
2.      Celebrate covenant
3.      Draw on covenant

Many words have been written regarding the covenant we have with God when we accept the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus, as He shed His blood on the cross.  Covenant is defined in the dictionary as a “formal, solemn, and binding agreement.”  It may be written or verbal.  We are blessed to be heirs to the covenant of salvation with all of the many wonderful provisions available to us as born again children of God.

When we pause and with great reverence remember His sacrifice, then we do have great cause to celebrate as we take communion. We then, by faith, may draw on what the blood sacrifice made possible for each of us.  The beautiful passage in Isaiah 53:4-5 is a great reminder of what Jesus’ sacrifice made available to us who have received Him.

Let us always be alert to the deep meaning of communion, as then we in some mysterious way commune with our Savior.

© Peggy Park 2010.

“We over come by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”  Rev. 12:11

It is fascinating to contemplate the power we, as Christians, have over the forces of evil when we call on the blood that Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed on the cross. The blood dripped down His head, His hands, His body, and His feet forming a pool of blood at the base of the cross. That blood had the divine life of Jesus contained within it and it is as alive today as it was on the day He hung on the cross.

I used to wonder what people meant when they “pleaded” the blood in prayer.  I read an explanation by Jack Hayford which cleared it up for me.  He compared it to one standing in a court of law when the judge asked, “How do you plead.  Guilty or not guilty?”  Anyone of us would have to plead guilty of numerous charges of transgression against God’s holy, righteous standards; yet, because Jesus took those sins on Himself we can plead, “not guilty.”  Is that not an awesome thought?  All our sins nailed to the cross!  All of our sins heaped on Jesus, the Christ and redeemer of those who would accept His blood sacrifice.  He took what should have been charged to me and paid the price for my transgressions.

It has taken me years to begin to grasp the magnitude of what Jesus did for you, as well as me, and for anyone who would accept Him as a substitute for their sins.

Jesus, the Christ, provided the eternal conquest of Satan whose accusing voice of condemnation and guilt is swallowed up in the triumph of Calvary.  We over come by

declaring our faith in that holy blood sacrifice.  We can rejoice that according to Col. 1:13 we are delivered from the power of darkness and into the kingdom of the Son He loves.  Our constant heart cry should be to stay fully motivated and equipped to walk in this provision and to be bold to avail ourselves of the anointing He passed on when He said, “Greater works will you do than I have done.” (John 14:12).   My mind can not comprehend this statement.

We have a blood covering that we can proclaim and declare when the arrows of Satan start to fly in our direction.  I personally am just now learning to pray that God will manifest the power of the blood over the needs I bring to Him in the way that will bring Him the most glory.  I have to admit that previously I often prayed what would make me the most comfortable.

© Peggy Park 2010.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

The old year has passed away.  2009 is but a memory to us as we several months ago we discarded the old calendar and put up a fresh new one full of unwritten days.  What have we been writing on those days as we scurry to fulfill our “to do” list?  Has time for our Lord Jesus Christ been a top priority? Have we penciled in quiet time to be with Him, or has that time given way to the tyranny of the urgent? Let us do a check up to see how we are doing now that we are well into the new year.

Contemplating new beginnings can be intriguing.  So many days and hours to deepen our relationship and fulfillment in Him OR to simply let time pass with no plan to know Him better. Will we allow old habits and challenging life circumstances to derail our time with Him, or will we crave out time to know our Savior in a deeper way?

Our world is in turmoil with mankind confounded by many circumstances and the uncertainties of life. Many do not know where to turn for answers. The believer in Jesus has a refuge as we draw on the peace found in our relationship with the Son of God.  What an awesome thought that He actually wants to fellowship with us and show us His compassions. We are truly a blessed people to have an audience with Him.

He is faithful to His children.  His compassions (mercy) never fail.  We can find rest in that no matter what circumstances we face.

© Peggy Park 2010.