Thankful for Communion

Mark 14:22-25

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

I remember getting into trouble as a child during communion.

When I was a little girl, before the establishment of junior church, I sat with my parents in the pew and listened to the sermon, sang the songs, and tried to behave. One Sunday, when the deacons passed the communion plates of little wafers of bread and tiny cups of juice, I got curious. I reached to take a piece and my mom let me know that was not the thing to do. If I remember correctly, she took me by the hand and took me outside to explain why. From that point on I didn’t touch the trays until I confessed my love for Jesus and was baptized.

From the day I became a believer, I’ve been enamored with the time of communion at church. That moment when I bow my head and consider the sacrifice Jesus gave for me and the grace He pours over me. He didn’t have to die. He could have lived on earth and just been a good guy. Instead, Jesus came and took on my sins and burdens. He called the weary, the poor, the hurting, the sinners, and the saints to Him. I’m beyond thankful that God created a way for people to come into a relationship with Him. I’m also thankful my mom taught me what communing with God meant. I’d be lost without my Jesus.

In this month of Thanksgiving, reflect on Jesus and the burden He carries for us.

Sunrise---Sunset

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Linus, of Charlie Brown fame, starts each day with a fresh blanket.

Photo by Maggie Wickline-Jowers

I don't often wake up in time to witness the sunrise. Yet, I know every day that bright star lights our world from dawn until dusk. With the morning I'm given the gift of a new day, an opportunity to start fresh on my journey with Jesus. While I attempt to follow the Holy Spirit's lead each day, some days I fumble through on my own and make a mess.

On the days I fail miserably, I bow my head as the sun sets and ask God to forgive me.

And he does.

The Lord gives second chances. His patience amazes me. I would have been done with me a long time ago. Not God. He calls me to repent when sin strangles me and drags me to the ground. He reminds me how much he loves me and wants me to understand I'm not alone. Instead I'm loved and accepted as his child.

I'm thankful for sunrise, a new beginning every morning. I'm even more thankful for sunset, a time to reflect on my day and seek God's grace.

Jesus calls everyone to repent, to throw off the burden of sin, and follow him.

If you haven't accepted Jesus love and grace, he asks us to hear his word (or read it), believe he is the son of God who died and rose to life, confess our sins, repent (turn away from a life chasing sinful things toward a life of hope and joy), be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (our comfort and guide,) and be obedient.

 Jesus loves us and wants us to live a life of abundance.

So Many Socks

Psalm 51:7-10

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

When my kids were at home the laundry piled up. Keeping jeans, sports uniforms, and oh so many socks clean turned into a daily task. I was thankful when the girls were old enough to help out. One of the challenges of washing clothes still plagues me. Stains. Those daily stains of life can be a real challenge. Ketchup, grass stains, food, even paint. Thank goodness for Dawn dish detergent which worked for most of them.

In the Psalm, David knew his stains ran deeper than his outward appearance, they marred his soul. For him to be totally cleansed he needed God. The only way he'd be whiter than snow was to bow before his Lord. We've all sinned, it is the nature of people to mess up. There's only one way to be cleansed. Jesus. He gave his life as a sacrifice for all of us. I am still amazed that he loves me that much. Years ago I bowed before him, accepted his grace, got baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. Even though I still fall down, he loves me and accepts my repentant prayers. Jesus is the only way to heaven. He's the way, the truth and the light. And living for him fills my life with joy and hope. Praise God for his grace!