In the Silence of This Day

In the Silence of this day, will we not remember what Jesus spoke to us from the Cross? Will we remember what He told the Father when forgiving another was His utmost priority in losing no precious time with His Father: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

John 12:44-50 NKJV Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words,, has that which judges him----the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.” 50 “ And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Being intimately acquainted with the counsels of God, Jesus was faithful in communicating what the Father had given Him to speak. Jesus the faithful delivered souls for He spoke the truth, the whole counsel of God and nothing was held back.

Proverbs 19:20 Amplified Bible 20 Hear counsel,  receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.

Psalm 19:7-11 Amplified Bible 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. 9 the [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous all together. 10 More to be desire are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); & in keeping them there is great reward.      

Our walk is to be one of faith in Jesus. Is there days or weeks that our faith walk takes a vacation? Do we vacate the speech regarded by God for some other form of speech? Are our words filled with Covid 19 or death? Or are our words filled with faith with trust in God and the best days for us are right before us now?

We were told in Luke 2:52 that Jesus at the age of 12 (verse 42) had increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. Jesus had gone with His parents to the custom of the feast. But the boy lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Jesus was found among teachers in the Temple and was both listening to them and asking questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers! (verse 47)

Jesus came from God and was trustworthy to give to a world those things God had on His own heart for mankind. John 17:3  And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, & Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 

"To Know YOU, the only true God"…and Jesus undertook the assignment to deliver it to us….to be reminded of God the righteous Judge and Jesus the Mediator between God & man.  

The Testimony of the Lord is Sure:1 John 5:9-12 Amplified Bible 9 If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [ if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater ( of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God [ who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself.

He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence ( the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son.    11 And this is that testimony ( that evidence); God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.  

In His last moments before dying, Luke 23: 43 "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."  The criminal who hung next to Him, feared God. He knew he hung there for what was wrong to do and in Jesus, he saw truth revealed that Jesus had done nothing wrong. He spoke to Jesus: Luke 23:42 :"Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

And in Luke 23:45 we are told: Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last.

Jesus came speaking of the Father and in His last moments He had spoken again. In the darkness that fell, the ground quaked and it shook all that surrounded those people who saw Jesus go to the Cross. Those who experienced Him in Nazareth, Galilee, in Capernaum and Jerusalem, who had a glimpse of the truth, ran headlong into darkness and emptiness without Him.

Will our day be in silence in thinking on that moment that occurred some two thousand years ago? Will our only thought be on what we will try to do to make another week in quarantine and the shut-down by men's own voices and hands or will we lift our voices in praise to Him Who removed the veil, and removed that which blocked our access to the Father?

Will we lift our voice in worship to Him who hears from heaven? For God is not dead. No He is surely alive and in Him we today celebrate Resurrection. Because the Cross and DEATH could not hold Him, and we are not held in isolation but free in the spirit to worship Him, to touch heaven and change earth in the here and in the now of this moment.

No isolation here, God's presence surrounds us, and He is joy in our midst! The true will seek out the true God, and will search with a heart that is praising without any reservations no matter the circumstance or season; they will smile though their world is breaking apart….because they remind themselves of the good the Lord has done to them and through them. 

We should remember that He spoke He would never leave us nor forsake us…For this which the Lord God gives is a fullness of the soul, it fills us up with joy, is a reminder of His goodness & how great He truly is…….in the depths of  hurt, pain & much grief… whether due to the loss of a loved one to a virus, or a loss of employment, still the Cross is revealed &  the Tomb is opened to allow power & glory to come in....and it comes to those who accept and receive readily…the Holy Spirit Who appeared to empower us who would receive Jesus as Lord, the Shepherd of our souls and lead us in paths of righteousness! We truly forgive those who have erred against us, and we ask You Lord to forgive them for they know not what they do!

Today we choose to draw from the depths of our heart where God’s word is planted to speak that length, the depth, the width and height of it, so God's love is revealed when we speak.  If that word of God is not there, then we speak amiss, our actions are that of the world and not of God!

In the silence of this day, will we remember Him who gave up His life to gain ours? In the silence of this day, will we experience God, not by the gushing pangs of emotions, but by the true warmth of His presence that is encouraging, is strengthening and willing to release more of His love to us and through us in these days set before us? Because God is not dead, and we live by His breath in us to live this day, and move and have our being that represents Him, the Lord of glory!

Father, we give thanks for this day for it is a day You made for us! We live for Your glory and to Your praise. We come out on top because You are our VICTORY!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

God or Nothing

https://youtu.be/33H4WAxcedQ

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Abhor What is Evil

https://youtu.be/DB7xvRtQpys

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

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A Foggy Situation

Hebrews 12:1-6

12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 

6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives." 

NKJV

Are we looking for a successful conclusion? But does that conclusion involve that one ultimate "thing" that in a life of faith we will actually sit down in the presence of God?

From the above passage, Jesus has gone before us. He ran the race, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. If we keep our eyes of faith on Jesus, then we certainly come out in safety, reside in green pastures where we lie down in God's presence and His peace.

Almost two decades ago, I wanted to help out in this Book Ministry at the church. In volunteering I learned a lot about authors of the latter part of the twentieth century. I learned of one specifically who had a publishing company in the Lynnwood, Washington area. 

Many Christians today should know of this man and his heart for God. He had many books published, like New Creations Realities, In His Presence, The Two Kinds of Life, Jesus the Healer, The Two Kinds of Righteousness and the Blood Covenant. Now I only list a few of those great books.

In assisting in the book store one day I was asked to go to the Kenyon Publishing Society and get a few books the church had ordered. I got the list, and headed home. It would be late if I tried to stop off at this book place, so I reserved that time for early the next morning.

Unbeknownst to me, I would arise early the next morning to find fog laid over the entire city. And I was to drive to Lynnwood, Washington. The best thing about it was that I did not have to go by the Interstate but could take the back roads and neighborhoods to get to the publisher.

I backed out of our driveway, and fixed my eyes on the school bus in front of me. The further I went south to Lynnwood, the heavier the fog appeared to me. So during this trip that took about 50 minutes that morning, I arrived to get the books for the church. My job done, I needed to find my way through the fog again.

I certainly was challenged on that trip. I had to continually fix my eyes, not only consistently but with an intensity and focus on Jesus. I was intent on getting home, but I was also intent to arrive safely in the presence of my God and Father.

I do not know if Jesus encountered fog. I know He could not have had a car or even a driver's license. The book He knew was the Torah. But for certain, Jesus is the only one who knows the safest and best path to that goal.

We are not to despise the chastening of the Lord. For correction can come and we must embrace it to grow further in His grace. For He had to love us dearly to send His love to us. And when the chastening comes, we should remember that He, the Father will scourge every son whom He receives.

 That scourge is a contact with us. It is with a cord or strap for disciplining another. I certainly recall a couple of real "discipline" moments when I was growing up, and one was soap on the tongue when I spoke what my parents said was wrong at the time.

I learned not to speak those things and I really learned after the third time I did it. Yikes!

But true discipline is: a love and it is a force that flows from a willing heart for the true God. God has given us His Holy Spirit not to fear.  He has given us power, love and a sound mind to prevail in all situations, including FOG! Holding on to fast to the pattern of sound words we are cultivating a relationship with His Holy Spirit. And within that relationship we are propelled into His power for signs and wonders.

Let's remind ourselves of the joy that was in Jesus. And the walk He took to Calvary was a benefit to me and for you. Set your focus on Him. 
Wherever you go today, may you arrive at your destination safety and in the presence of Almighty God!

Father, we thank You and declare that everything we put our hands to do will prosper beyond our expectations. We declare that with God our Father, all things are possible. We are thankful for Jesus and our focus is set on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We are truly blessed with a clean, wise and understanding heart. For we are the blessed with self-control and discipline. We are blessed with a great family, good friends, and good health. Today we are blessed with faith, favor and fulfillment. We experience promotion, supernatural strength and Your divine protection. Today we walk out of any foggy areas, and the release from captivity. We walk with compassion in our hearts and with a positive outlook on life. For it is in Jesus, that we live, move and have our being. We are the blessed of the Lord and thankful for Jesus. It is in His name, we have given much thanks!


Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has two new teaching published:
Meekness: Not Weakness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckFuD-ZaDxE


Christmas Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXnnlvjAVA


You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Pedal To the Metal

In those good 'ole days back in the mid 20th century, the vehicles were made out of metal. There was no thought of having a head-on crash with anyone, for one had some real metal guarding that 409.......yes, those were the days!
The best thing that could be said at that time, was you could put the pedal to the metal.........that was pressing down on that gas pedal and leave some rubber from those tires on the roadway. Not smart at all, yet was fun at least to do once or twice. Yes, that gas pedal could be pushed down and it would meet the metal in that floorboard of pick-up or car.
Then the era came for the test dummies and those fastened in seat belts. What seat belts? It was never really implemented as to the importance of said seat-belt, even though they could be found in some cars, trucks and pick-ups but not on school buses. Then vehicles were starting to be made out of I guess generic stuff and not that which would hold resistance to another vehicle. Today, you can see what happens to a vehicle made out of fiberglass hit by a semi-truck. Not good at all especially if you are the one riding in the fiberglass, sports job type vehicle.
I remember of the one year living in the city of Northglenn, Colorado made me want to be in the country....for good. There was a song by John Denver......and it went.......something like this, "take me home, country road". It is one our daughter's favorite songs, yes that country road with no sight of car or bus for many, many miles. A young, newly married,woman was on her way home from work on a weekday. She had got off the exit for Northglenn and was stopped at the light to turn onto the main road for the city there. But the semi coming up behind her could not brake........yes, the brakes failed and that "big" semi went through that intersection with no way to stop. She was driving in one of those MG sport cars with the top off. All they found was her wedding ring.
I cried for days. I saw the pictures on T.V. and prayed. And every April I revisit that scene in my thoughts. All though these many decades have passed, I wonder if she was saved (if she really knew Jesus)

Yes, that pedal to the metal........sounds awesome........and to get the speed up to go faster. Even the term, like "throttle Up" can excite those who want to go into space. Yeah all that rocket fuel bursting forth into energy just behind your rear parts to propel you into space and to view what? Yes, that would be exciting and scary!

But so many things can occur at once when we start moving quickly, like making decisions that probably need some prayer time over before speaking or signing anything that might be costly to us or to our children.

In the new year that is upon us, I pray that we ponder the amazing works of the Lord in our lives. I pray that we would consider all the avenues that He has opened for us to journey through watching all the while that He is with us. I also pray that we would continually be open to seeing His paths before us.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. Amplified

Proverbs 8:13-14
The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.

Proverbs 6:20-23
My son, keep your father's [God -given] commandments and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught] you. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck [Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 7:3]
22 When you go, they [the words of your parent's God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you awaken, they shall talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life. [Psalm 19:8] [Psalm 119:105]

That reproof, that discipline is life and it is from the Lord. When it is time for our lives to make a difference in this world, it is when we lean not to that which was taught by man and his wisdom, but by God alone. Our parents, if they attended to hearing God's Word is to teach us in the way of wisdom. In all our ways we are to recognize, yes recognize the Lord's leading..............ACKNOWLEDGE HIS LEADING...so we see the plan before us. For in recognizing Him, we are then receiving His counsel that is wise and sound. It is not loud, boisterous, hasty or against His Word.  It is that which gives us power and might of His Spirit to move through this journey, not just by giving people the 'message' in less than 25 minutes, but that the 'message' is not bound up in agenda's like making sure the offering message is given and that the music is going to move those "young folks, like those teens". It is not by any agenda's..........!!!
No, those who know God can move through making a difference to the young as well as to the elderly. They speak in peace and justice. They do not demand their own agendas or their own rights, they speak that which brings glory back to God..........and that place is a place of peace and justice.
In our lives, that putting the pedal to the metal, is knowing God is with us, in us and leading us. Amen.  It is His Word that causes us to lie down in green pastures. It is a place we rest at night, not concerned about 75 mile an hour winds, but that God has sent His ministering spirits to minister to us who are His children, His beloved.
God's word awakens us day by day.......to hear and to obey. Still in our choosing, but oh life is so much sweeter and more peace added with justice that delights our God and looks like us possessing the land He desires us to have. It is getting in that vehicle made with whatever man devised, but knowing God has set His angels around us, to guard us, and to keep us.
In being disciplined by His Word, we obey, we are the protected, out of harm's way and living life abundantly to tell others what God has done for us...........from healings, to restored marriages, restored families, and the birth of new ministries and new businesses!
Truly God is good..........and He is love!
In that place, there is no evil, no twisted speech, no hatred, but love. Loving God is hating that which is of the evil, the pride and the arrogance.


In writing this today, I reflect on some of the games(football) played over the weekend and how they seem to be played everyday of the week nowadays. I saw the Cincinnati team being talked about.........seeing and hearing them called only "Cinci"..........wow, nicknames for a team...........!
But one thing caught my eye, and it was this. A young man runs with football into end zone. At some point the football is either thrown down or given to the official who is nearby...........the player then....because of the "touchdown"....does this gesture............of taking his "maybe the pointer fingers"  and middle fingers of both hands ...bringing together and....kissing them...... then pointing upward to the sky..........!
Of course, my thought process was........"what"........was he thanking God ....for the touchdown...!
Not sure.

And only God can tell you the truth on that one. For most of us are not of this young man's team or one of his family members.......but I am certain they could say....something about it...........but in truth God will know if the young man is a true worshiper of God or not.

In the blog: High Risk! I wrote about having that one-to-one with God and how in a very difficult life or death situation who and what we believe will determine our end!
But on writing this today, I also was made to  think on my own life. 
I think of the place I was in that eventful night of March 17.........and with low hemoglobin and no matching blood because of warm antibodies, well it was not one I had planned for other than.........in all my days with the Lord, I was believing and declaring His Word over my life. In that eventful night and time, I was till told HIGH RISK! and the Admitting Dr. thought I should change my mind on whole matter. But in that 3 am hour, with lights turned off and I alone with God and my thoughts of what had just transpired..........I confessed His Word again...........that I would face the unknown of what was before knowing God had me and that was it. In the intimacy of that faithful moment, I reconciled myself to God and His plan and not to man or any kind of sickness or disease any devil could bring. I came to the place that God was more important to me than my life..........and was willing to go on to be with Him, but I believed I had much more to give to others, to encourage others and show others the way to God and His heart!
And in reflecting on what I had seen in that "end zone"........I was saddened for my alone times with God are so important to me, I will not share them with another ever!
And I did ask myself, if there is somewhere in my life am I acting in some manner that would not be of a reverential awe of God? Am I doing something that will not bring glory to God?

In the previous blog: HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, are we just gossiping about what we have heard others say about God? And how about what we do or say, when other people's names are mentioned?
In speaking about God: are we really the ones with the close relationship to Him or we just exhibiting that we might know Him.........or are we just another who passes His name around but does not really know anything about Him? Are we the name-dropper?
ARE we those who are found with God and filled by His Spirit? Are we, those who operate in HIS power and might? Are we participating in life?  Are we those disciplined to recognize God in our lives, but also recognize Him in the lives of others? Is the total amount that is given to God..equal to all the texting and Facebook that I do? Or is there more time given to posting those pics and seeing what was texted back to me?
Do we give that comforting word that God is here, in this moment that satisfies and heals the broken? 

In that Pedal to the Metal.....it is action time.........but it comes by knowing Him!
 Of which family do we belong? Are we those who are the fortified to go......are the other....?

In closing: think on a moment when you saw a beautiful serene picture. Think of the tranquility of that scene. I think on this picture taken by a photographer over the holidays. It was of this place close to Mt. Hood and the snow was falling. And in it ........he captured..........the sound of "silence" of that snow..........of that scene. How beautiful.............how awe inspiring!
Today, think on your life in that beautiful serene picture. Think of you basking in all that beauty and all the peace. For that is what Your Father in heaven sees for you and for me. It is in that beauty of Him we behold His glory and His great love! And in that love, we find ourselves......yes, we each find our inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of a great worth in God's sight.(1 Peter 3:4)



Father, we are told in Psalm 9:9..."The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and "stronghold" in times of trouble (high cost, destitution and desperation)" Father we understand that it is about relationship .......and that is with Jesus as our Savior. We are thankful for Jesus, the Lord and King, our Deliverer, Who is our "stronghold".
In all our getting of Your wisdom, we pray and believe that we know seeking to obey Your instructions is paramount for us to live life fully in the good You planned for us. Today, we give worship in praise with our lips that God is an awesome God.
In reading even further in Psalm 9:10 Father, we find this: And they who know YOUR name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for ) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. Amplified
Our desire heavenly Father is to experience You daily. to intimately know and recognize You when You speak, when You act, when You are pleased with us. For we know that honoring YOU and putting YOU first, in our lives, our enemies are turned back from causing us harm. It is YOU Who delivers us..........and we give thanks.
I cannot speak for all who pray this today, but for me........and my house......we will serve the Lord.
Jesus predicted the time of the end. It is where we find we live and exist. And Jesus said, "but as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. "(Matthew 24:37)
Despite all the serious things going on today, people are still going about those "normal routines". Without considering what is on the horizon coming toward them, they take not a moment to think or ponder on major events and those which will affect them on a personal basis. We pray to not be those easily distracted by noise, by hype, by something given on Facebook, but actually know Your words and thoughts concerning these days and how short time is right now. For we know technology is awesome. To have an outreach like Facebook certainly reaches many lives and may those who do it for life prosper in life to see that which benefits another. Today Holy Spirit help us that as we read the Holy Word, pray for those around us.......to pray for those worldwide who are our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Help us join as that "spiritual" team that will pray and see the best days for those WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS, THE LORD, MESSIAH AND OUR COMING KING! Amen.



You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

In REMEMBRANCE

Philippians 2:1-4
2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  NKJV

Being in one accord and of one mind sounds simple. Taking a  look at communion and the breaking of bread......we find scriptures that mention not only of those things as breaking the bread, and taking the cup of blessing in receiving the Blood shed for us on the cross!

In the passage below, we find that which was written and testifies of the fellowship with others in hearing the Word of God taught, which are two things listed. (gathering together and hearing) The other speaks of the breaking of bread and in prayers.

Acts 2:36-39

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  NKJV

Those glad to hear the word he preached continued steadfast in that word, fellowship, in breaking bread and prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 10 and verse 14-17 below....we see Paul referring to the cup as communion "of the blood of Christ". We also see the bread as that "of the body of  Christ". Yes, we have seen that for some time have we not? But that coming together, that participating gives us the advantage to participate in the benefit's of Christ's death.

1 Corinthians 10:14-17

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.    NIV

When we take Communion, we are giving much thanks to Jesus and for our deliverance from sin. Partaking of communion causes us to also partake of benefits from His crucifixion on the cross. Because of our deliverance, we are empowered on this side of the cross. We partake and in so doing, come away with a voice of victory that we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer slaves to sickness or death. Jesus, is Our Passover causing us to rise in power through the Holy Spirit.

When we recognize the importance of the communion in that with other believer's, hearing the Word of God together, participating in the "Communion" and prayer.......we are refreshed........the renewed to soar as eagles.

Mark 11:24-26
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

25 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
NKJV

When we stand....in prayer........we are " persevering "......in prayer. It is holding fast on the sure Word..... by praying, trusting and leaning on God Himself!

In taking Communion we are to check ourselves for anything we might hold against another person. This comes to mind as I write this today:

Luke 18:9-13
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' NIV

The tax collector saw where he stood and wanted to remain clean before God.........."have mercy on me, a sinner".  "Yes, but Shelley I have received Jesus as Lord."  But I ask you: " have you driven down I-5 today"? Did you stay or keep to that love walk with others say while driving or by the time you got to your "destination"? That is hard to do! But we must remember God forgave us...........He loved us first!
1 John 4:20-21
20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.     NKJV

2 Peter 1:16-21
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.   NKJV


We have a "sure word" to stand........to persevere.......and that by taking Communion and having fellowship in hearing the Word, we gather forces.

We take .........yes partake.........choosing to participate in the benefits of Jesus' death and resurrection. In it we are reconciled back to God. Through His death, we are the saved.

Romans 5:9-11

 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.  NKJV

In the "Bread" and the "fruit " of the vine we are the nourished and the empowered from the risen Christ through His Holy Spirit!

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 

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. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 

NKJV

AND WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS.........HE BROKE IT!

Verse 24 is the looking at Jesus when he broke the bread for His body.

Verse 26 is of our looking for His return and the third thing we take note is this: Verse 28...we are to examine ourselves. Examining comes through prayer ...RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD GAINING HIS WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT.......for any who will not examine then become those who are not "honoring" toward Jesus. 
I like what our pastor spoke on Thursday, about coming to the Garden, conversing with God and having that fellowship. Communing with God and knowing Him is important and is life to us!

If one spends all day watching "soaps' and spend no time in the Word of God or prayer........then one has no spirit or life....NO POWER....! Could probably tell you what JO-JO did but nothing about God and His love, life or majesty! If we will not "HONOR" Jesus in our life, then what will we have for the future? If Jesus has given us life through His broken body of the Cross, then we know we have every benefit that He chose to give us from that place of "sacrifice".
Do we not as parents, work, pay bills, and keep a portion for our children to see that they have food, clothing, and protection in a home life?

John 6:53-65

53 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" 

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."  NIV

Jesus wanted to show them the importance of remaining in the spirit of His departure. He wanted them to keep the instruction to remain in HIM! Like verse 62, He was returning, going to ascend back into heaven. He, Jesus, remained faithful to the Father and those who were to be "the family of God". Jesus gave His life: in remembrance we take Communion to remember that "sacrifice" yes, but also all that "we gained in this life now" by that sacrifice. Amen!
In closing: We are reminded of Jesus speaking in Mark 3:31-35!
Mark 3:31-35
31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You." 33 But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?" 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."   NKJV

In life, what we value determines our outcome! We find our true "SOURCE" when things go awry!

If our faith and trust is in our job.......and look to, adhere to that only, for that pay-check, then when that lay-off comes and you are not expecting  "THEM" TO lay "you" off, then who is your family?
Who would you turn to then? If job is your family, what then? What if money is your family and you run out of money, who do you turn to? If you run out of water tomorrow, who will you look to as your source?
What if "pastor" is your family? Surely we need a leader and surely we need the teaching, but man cannot be God to us.
If we value only what a Dr. tells us about our health concerns and do not consult God on the matter, then our trust, our faith.....is leaning on man and him only...........the outcome is determined by what the said "doctor" tells you, and recommends to you what to do. And the outcome is determined by what instruction you have followed! But if we follow Jesus Who is truth and light, and allow Him to lead us to victory. When we abide in Him as a family, we listen to His instructions and abide in safety and wisdom of His Word. Doing God's will is so important to us always. For whoever does the will of God is Jesus' brother, sister, and mother! Giving honor to that which is given as instructed to us will give us safe harbor, direction to life and abide in the Wisdom of God!

Like in John 6 and verse 57 -58.......... as the living Father sent Jesus and HE lives because of the Father, so the ones who feed on Jesus will live because of Jesus This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."

THOSE WHO FEED ON JESUS WILL LIVE...........ABIDING IN THE WORD OF TRUTH.

That coming to gather around the Word of God, having fellowship, breaking of bread (COMMUNION) AND PRAYERS...........causes us to have employment when others are losing their jobs. That communion, that fellowship with God causes us to have water when others do not! That rallying with God and remembering that shed Blood of Jesus causes us to have every need met. In that abiding with Jesus, we have nothing missing, nothing lacking, and nothing broken in our lives. We have favor and wear it as a shield when we line up with God! (Psalm 5:12)  Hallelujah! He has risen and given us life abundantly. Let's obey the instruction to abide, that DOING THE WILL OF GOD! SO when something goes terribly wrong, you will "your real brothers, sisters' and mothers! They will be those who will come to gather in word and in prayer............abiding giving glory to God for safety and wisdom to go forward in life without hindrances or distractions!

If your church does not have Communion, you find out how to do it and you and your family take Communion together. Take it with those who will gather to hear the Word and pray. To God be all the Glory. Amen!

Father, our prayer, to be the discerning. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. YOUR Words spoken to us by Jesus in John 6 are spirit and they are life. Our desire is to keep "fellowship" in communion around the Word and in prayer and to participate in the holy communion: that real food and real drink for us. That which has come from heaven. It is the love expressed on the Cross and we should really see that in the body of Christ. That fellowship is to be what YOU Father planned from the foundation of the world. May we be found to be the faithful who will keep persevering and looking for Jesus return. We today, make a commitment and anticipation to renew our dedication to YOU our Lord through Communion with the elements representing Your body and blood. And we make the commitment to have fellowship around Your Word and in prayer. Because of the reconciliation, we see Your power, goodness and Majesty. To God be all the glory! Thank You Father for Jesus and it is in His name we pray and commit. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at (http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV)