The Heart of Communion with God

 The word communion calls to mind an array of images specifically as it relates to my religious experiences. In my tradition the Lord Supper is periodically served in remembrance of the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Those who participate in this sacrament acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to reach out to us.

At the heart of communion is faith which makes us acceptable to God. By faith and trust in Christ Jesus, each person is made worthy to be a participant in this sacrament. Therefore we consciously, earnestly, and  willingly examine ourselves to discover, confess, and repent of sin so we can approach God with a clean heart.

Accompanying faith in participation of communion are hope and courage to seek a satisfying and deep, intimate, loving relationship with the Lord God. We also offer our thanksgiving to him for sending Christ Jesus to lay down his life - to give his life to redeem and save us from the power of sin.

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During the meal Jesus took some bread in his hands. He blessed the bread and broke it. Then he gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and eat it. This is my body.” Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and drink it. This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven.”

~Matthew 26:26-28 Contemporary English Version

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Restoring Reverence and a Clean Heart

 At different stages of adult life, we seek out new beginnings for our personal life and relationships. We make commitments to become the person we're most capable of being by saying goodbye to an unproductive and unhealthily lifestyle. You can leave behind attitudes that prevent possessing an attitude of reverence for God.  

Going forward may offer challenges to renew neglected areas like worship and Bible study. You may have lost the willingness to express reverence for the Lord God, but the good news is, reverence can be restored or reclaimed even if it has been lost a long time or never even existed.

God makes it possible to develop an attitude of reverence from scratch. First, God will create in you a clean heart through confession and turning from sin in your life. You can read and meditate on God's word until it becomes alive for you. Be thankful for what God has given you. Gradually an attitude of reverence for God will spring forth.

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I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts, because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my law and teachings.

~Ezekiel 36:26-27 Contemporary English Version 

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Hero or Failure? Riding the Roller Coaster - Part 3

Living a good life depends on your personal values, which supply meaning and purpose to your life. They are the heart and soul of your existence. Values that are enhanced by the presence of Christ Jesus provide energy and power for staying focused when life becomes too difficult or too easy. It's during these times when your values may be discounted or suppressed, implying they are outdated and insignificant for what you now want to be and do. 

God's presence in our lives gives values the strength to endure. If you were asked, "What do you value most," what would you say?  David, described as a man after God's own heart, begged God to create in him a clean heart.

In this context, the word heart describes David’s conscience that yearned to be unshackled from failures in thoughts and deeds. God's word makes it clear that anyone who seeks him with a repentant heart will find him, regardless how deep into sin that person may have plunged. It's a significant choice and is necessary for reclaiming your faith and lost values.