Good Morning,
"TAKE AND EAT............" is the title and the theme of today's writing by Cathy Friberg. Cathy used material in part that was written by Pastor Joseph Prince, a well know theologian and writer. This writing gives a lot of information about the gift of Jesus when He gave us this amazing right to receive the elements and remember Him. Many of the readers are fully aware of all that is behind the communion story. Still it is good to read this comprehensive writing. Cathy wrote, "Today, when we partake of the bread, we are declaring that Jesus health and Divine Life flows in our mortal bodies. And when we partake of the cup, we are declaring that we are forgiven and have been made righteous. Jesus' blood gives us right standing before God..."
(During the time between now and Easter is a season that some call Lent. No matter the name used most people know that this is a time to prepare to celebrate Jesus sacrifice and resurrection from the dead so that those who accept Him have salvation and will live with Him in eternity...C.M.)
May tomorrow be the first day of a season that recognizes how great God is.
God bless
Cathy & Corinne
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Today's Devotional
"TAKE AND EAT............"
"TAKE AND EAT............"
We have all seen it..... Leonardo Da Vinci's painted rendition of The Lord's Supper. It is stunning, reminding us of the night in which Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples. The illustration also reminds us of the legacy which Jesus has so graciously left his followers, which we call Holy Communion.
Being raised many years ago in a rather lifeless congregation, I participated in the sacrament of communion with little real understanding of its power and significance. I remember the weekly event as rather solemn and sterile. The thin flat preformed communion wafer was doled out robotically by an officiant to each participant. I was never aware that it was acceptable to partake of The Lord's Supper at home or in any place other than the church building setting.
As a grown up, I moved into other denominations and grew spiritually through reading God's Word and hearing more in depth preaching and teaching. I came to understand more of the meaning of Holy Communion.
Pastor Joseph Prince gives some insight into the understanding and value of The Lord's Supper:
"The Holy Communion, known as The Lord's Supper represents the greatest expression of God's love for His people. Two items are used in the Holy Communion - the bread which represents Jesus' body that was scourged and broken before and during His crucifixion, and the cup which represents His shed blood.
At the cross, God took all our sicknesses and diseases and put them on Jesus' originally perfect and healthy body, so that we can walk in Divine health. That is why the Bible says by His stripes (or the lashes on His back) we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24)
In Luke 22:20, Jesus tells us that the cup is "the new covenant in My blood", and the apostle Paul tells us that the blood of Jesus brings forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:7)
On the night He was betrayed, Jesus ate His Last Supper with His disciples and knowing what he would accomplish through his sacrifice, He instituted The Holy Communion. (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
Today, when we partake of the bread, we are declaring that Jesus health and Divine Life flows in our mortal bodies. And when we partake of the cup, we are declaring that we are forgiven and have been made righteous. Jesus' blood gives us right standing before God, and we can go boldly into God's presence. (Hebrews 4:16) When we pray, we can be sure that God hears us.
"Holy communion is not a ritual to be observed but rather a blessing to be received." (Taken from Joseph Prince Ministries)
The Lord's Table can be taken at home alone or with other family members or friends. I have found this practice to be such a very sweet and intimate time of fellowship with the Lord. I recite some appropriate scriptures ("This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it." ( 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) and then partake of the communion elements. At that point, I usually linger in silence and let the Lord speak to me in words or impressions. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so powerful and faith mounts mightily. Many times I lay a pressing prayer request before the Lord at this time. I feel that there is an "open heaven" as I come into agreement with Jesus over His perfect will to be done. I use whatever is available at home, as far as the elements are concerned.... a cracker or piece of bread and some juice. Christian home group meetings are a wonderful venue for sharing The Lord's Supper together. It creates such a bond of unity and love among believers.
As we enter the Lenten season, taking Holy Communion is a precious way to prepare our hearts for the Resurrection Celebration of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Written and shared
by
Cathy Friberg
by
Cathy Friberg
"Remembrance"
(A Communion Song)
(A Communion Song)
Sung by
Matt Redmond
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Here is an uplifting graphic
for you to think about.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for
you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
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