Tag: Holy Spirit

Communion

A friend asked me to write down some thoughts on communion. I thought I would share them with you. ~OC

Time seems to stand still. The moment is quite as I hear God whisper, “Come before me and empty your heart. Pour your sins, frustrations, and needs at My feet. And I will fill you with My light, My glory, and presence.” These are the words I hear God share as I prepare my heart for communion. It makes the moment even more special. Even more holy. It makes the moment even more sacred.

As we prepare ourselves for communion, allow God to speak to your heart. Let His worship flow over and through you. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal all He has for you in this moment.

Why do we take communion?
Communion is a soul stirring experiences that cause us to reflect on the holiness of Christ embodied in the gift of salvation. To remember and give thanks that Jesus took our place on the Cross. Stop and think about that for a moment. Jesus took our place.

Jesus established communion on the night he was betrayed as he ate a meal with His disciples. The Sacraments symbolize and guarantee God’s promises to us via the bread and juice which symbolize Jesus’s body and blood. These are tangible reminders of Christ’s love and sacrifice on the cross.
In the early church, it was known as the “eucharist,” or as the giving of thanks found in Matthew 26:27.
The entire account of the first Lord’s Supper is found in the Gospels of
Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-25 and a portion of the account is also found in
1 Corinthians 11:24-26.

Jesus told us to “Do this… in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthian 11:25). Just as we depend on food and drink to physically sustain us, we can only live spiritually through Christ. We take communion because we believe Jesus is really, truly, spiritually present in the bread and the juice. Meaning that when we eat and drink these things, we are receiving the promises Jesus makes to us in faith. Those promises help us come face to face with our humanity. It also reminds us that Christ promises to forgive our sins (Matt 26:28). Jesus will strengthen us, grow us, and help us persevere as we continue to follow Him (John 6:53-58). It also reminds us just how precious the gift of salvation is.

A Prayer after Communion:
Dear God, we praise you for the sacrifice of your one and only Son that you so lovingly and freely gave us. Lord Jesus, what a privilege it is to be able to come before your throne of grace and partake of the precious sacraments of bread and juice in remembrance of your atoning sacrifice on the Cross. You lovingly feed us at your holy table through your body and blood. By your Word and Supper, we are set free. We rejoice that we get to call you Father. Thank you for taking our place. Thank you for covering us with your love, grace, and the enormous price of taking away our sins so that we can experience your freedom. May we never forget the price you paid on our behalf. As we continue to run this race called life, may this moment be on our minds, and may we hold your heavenly presence in our hearts. May we live in remembrance of how your body was broken and how your blood was spilled for us. Dear Jesus, thank you for the ability to carry in our hearts the riches of your eternal goodness. May we be a living vessel and light to others you allow us to come in contact with, lighting up the darkness with your truths. What a joy and a privilege it is to fellowship with you Dear Jesus and to commune with you. No matter where we are or who we are with, we know that You are with us, indwelling us. Help us to live in a way that glorifies you and reflects the work of how you broke your body for us and how you took our place on the Cross. We rejoice in the blanket of your grace as we rest in the arms of your sacrificial love. Amen.

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Be Still

Today’s a new day! Do you ever just sit still, with no distractions except your thoughts?

I believe this is one way to truly know God and experience His true peace.

In those quiet times with God, we experience the stress of the world fade away and feel the hopeful peace only He can provide. You may also discover that God uses that time to provide answers to those difficult situations in life.

What a joy it is to just rest in the peace of God. It reminds me of the beautiful scripture Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

I believe that it’s vital for us to rest in the presence of God. Life is crazy with family, careers, phones that never stop buzzing , a world filled with constant distractions and countless decisions to make on a daily basis.

These are not necessarily bad things, and they are all a part of the world in which we live today. But, it can be difficult to tap the brakes and slow down when we try to spend quiet time with God. So many times we rush through a short passage of scripture and our list of prayer requests, keeping one eye on our phone to make sure we don’t miss that text or social media post.

I think it’s awesome if you’re spending time in the Bible and lifting your prayers up to God, but I would encourage you to spend more time being still and truly listening to the voice of God.

I believe God wants us to share our praises, struggles and victories in life with Him, but I also believe God wants us to move beyond that and into a place where we simply sit with Him, resting in His presence. In His peace.

As we begin to do this, I believe we will find the stress and distractions of the world diminishing in the hopeful peace of God who saves, and we might just discover that He uses that quite time to provide answers to the difficult moments in our lives. ~OC

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Three Steps

Today’s a new day! As I walk through this crazy beautiful journey, I continue to notice so many people making a simple relationship with God much too difficult. In my personal experience, I have discovered if I do these three things daily everything else seems to flow properly.

1). Pray. Each morning I wake up giving God thanks for another day. I thank Him for the many blessings in my life. I pray for others. Then I listen. Each day I want to improve on making sure my prayer time is centered more and more on gratefulness and listening.

2). Time in my Bible. As I pray, I seek guidance on what book and chapter I should read in the Bible for that day. Sometimes, God has me reading through a certain book of the Bible, but I always seek His guidance as I spend time in the Word. Then I reflect on what I have read that morning. Sometimes it leads me to journal and sometimes it leads me to just listen.

3). Do what God says. As I finish my time of prayer and reading, I do not rush off to complete the days agenda. No, I spend more time just listening to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then I simply do what God wants me to do for that day. When I choose to live this way, I am able to be part of the bigger God story. That is the most amazing gift in life.

This three-step approach is as complicated as my faith gets. The hardest part of this faith journey is learning to slow down. We tend to have this false narrative, that if something is going to happen, then we must make it happen. But as I slow down in life and try to live out this three-step approach, God continues to teach me that’s not how our faith works at all. ~OC

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Comfort Zone

Today’s a new day! Dear Church and Christian Community, as we walk through this crazy beautiful journey called life do we really see the bruised and hurting?

The American Church does a wonderful job buying up a lot of properties, but I fear many miss out on so many life changing opportunities. Unfortunately, I believe some churches and Christians have walled themselves into a nice and safe comfort zone.

Too many Christians spend their time at church sipping a premium latte, discussing the problems of the world and passing judgement. They wonder how the world got to this point. But sadly, instead of stepping up and doing something too many Christians are comfortable hiding behind the safe walls of the church.

Don’t get me wrong here. The Church is important. I have been part of the church for over half of my life. I love the Church. But the lost and hurting are not spending their time and money at a church with a cool name and cafe.

No, hurting people are sitting in the corner of a McDonald’s because they feel unworthy of love and forgiveness. The hurting are eating lunch by themselves at work or school. The bent and bruised are walking through the grocery store trying to decide if they buy food or medications. The bent and hurting are sitting in chemo rooms trying to make it through another day. The bent and hurting are standing on the side of the road with a sign asking for help, as many speed by them and look away.

So many hurting people walking through life feeling alone. These hurting people are not looking for someone to just invite them to church. No, a hurting world is waiting for Christians to step outside the comforts of the Church and actually be the hands and feet of Jesus. To really care. ~OC

When asked by the Pharisees, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” ~Mark 2:17

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Love

Today’s a new day! The issue of love for Christians is not optional; God demands that we not only love one another, but that we show His love to a broken world. As believers, we are not just the salt of the church, but the salt of the earth and the light of the world. If you can only show love to your family, friends, those that think like you and your inner circle, how is that showing the love of God?
 
Remember, the love of God we’re walking in today is not earned. We did nothing to deserve it. God loved us while we were totally unlovable, yet He loved us so much that He gave his life for each and every one of us. Why then do we wait for others to earn our love before we reach out to them?
 
My friends, love is from God and for us to claim to have God in our lives, then love must naturally flow through us. The love of God is not the love that reaches out to us because we have earned it; it is love that reaches out despite our errors and shortcomings. Yes, each of us were unlovable, but God chose to love us and has called us to be His ambassadors to the world. Who have you shown His love to?
 
It is so easy to profess love. Many Christians are simply professors; but God does not want us to just profess love. No, God wants His love to radiate through us. He wants us to reach out to those around us in love. Not everyone can give money, but we can give a smile, we can give a word of encouragement, we can give love and a helping hand. Love is not just a bunch of words, actions as they say, speak louder than words. The world is watching and waiting to see God in us; what will they see? ~OC

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ~1 John 4:7

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Resurrection Sunday

Happy Resurrection Sunday! I pray this day brings you encouragement. The grave could not hold Jesus. He has risen! Nothing is impossible with God. That’s Good News!

Easter, is a time to be reminded that Jesus sits on the throne. Death could not hold him down. The grave could not deter God’s plan. It moved forward. In fact, it was God’s plan all along that Jesus would die for humanity. His death on that old rugged cross was factored into the plan to save us before the foundation of the world.

I do not know what storms you’re facing today. The challenges may seem overwhelming for you at times. The joy of the Lord may be absent. Maybe you have no idea what the future holds for you. How can the resurrection of Jesus give you hope today?

As I run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have learned that in the depth of despair, trial and uncertainty, the resurrection of Jesus gives us hope. If God can raise Jesus Christ from the dead, certainly He can take care of whatever problems we’re facing today.

As I have run my crazy beautiful journey, I have spent many days in the hospital. In the midst of tremendous suffering, I have seen angels from Heaven surrounding my room. Those special moments have reminded me of the two angels that were at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.

Those moments in the hospital have given me tremendous encouragement. Sometimes we have to go through the storms we face, even though we would rather not. Jesus had to go through death and hell to come out victorious on the other side and ascend to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. Sometimes our own journey takes us through the valley of the shadow of death.

But do not be afraid. Do not be not discouraged. If you’re like me today and cannot actually attend church due to health issues or for some other reason know this: Jesus is victorious! Death could not hold Him! Nothing can hold Him back! Nothing is impossible with God!

Do not dwell on your circumstances today. Focus on Jesus who has risen!
Dwell not on the size of your storm today. Instead, place everything in the hands of the Miracle Worker. Focus on the One that even the grave could not hold. Walk in that victory today.

Yes, all God’s promises are Yes and Amen in Jesus Christ! ~OC

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Testimonies

Today’s a new day! Our testimonies are proof of God’s amazing work in us. When we share our testimonies we’re making a declaration of what God has done and why our faith and trust is in Him. It builds up our own strength and faith by recalling the ways He has changed our lives. Speaking it cultivates a sense of belief and anticipation in us for the future. ~OC

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Truths

Today’s a new day! I want to share some truths with you today.

You are not your successes nor failures.

You are not your abilities nor disabilities.

You are not your looks, popularity, bank account, intelligence or how many followers you have on social media.

As a Christian, you are who God says you are, which is:

His child (John 1:12).
Justified (Romans 5:1).
Christ’s friend (John 15:15).
A member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Assured all things work together for good(Romans 8:28).
Established, anointed and sealed by God(2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
A citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
Blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians
1:3).
Chosen before the creation of the world(Ephesians 1:4, 11).
Holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4).
Adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5).
Given God’s glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians
1:5,8).
Redeemed (Ephesians 1:8).
Forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14).
The salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14).
A personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).
God’s co-worker (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
Raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12).
God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
Secure (Ephesians 2:20).
A holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
A dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).
Completed by God (Ephesians 3:19).
Not alone (Hebrews 13:5).
Growing (Colossians 2:7).
Victorious (I John 5:4).
Set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32).
A light in the world (Matthew 5:14).
Safe (I John 5:18).
Part of God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6).
Healed from sin (I Peter 2:24).
No longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2).
Protected (John 10:28).
Born again (I Peter 1:23).
A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God gives each of us spiritual riches the world can never offer us. Our identity in God is one of eternal security. We have value simply because God, in perfect love, sent his son Jesus to die for us and cleanse us from the sin that beat us down. True freedom is found in a relationship with God. And this relationship shapes all we say and do. Our life choices flow out of our relationship with God. And as hard as life might get, we have the promise of eternal life with God when we put our trust in him. We are made in God’s image, and we are HIS forevermore, protected, in his loving arms. When we are in Christ, we are truly free. May God bless you as you renew your trust in him today. ~OC

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God’s Word

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I cling to the promises of God’s word. One of those promises is found in Isaiah 40:29, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Even when our bodies are struggling to find strength, God lifts our hearts with hope and comfort. He gives strength to the weary and weak. If you have ever felt weary and weak you qualify.

The astonishing thing is the way He chose to do it. It does not take the mending or healing of our bodies. We do not have to be propped up with the comforts of this world. God did it all with the power of his word. It is true, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). If your soul is starving today, find nourishment in the reading of God’s powerful words and promises.

Today, if you find yourself weary, worn, and ready to throw in the towel, I want to remind you that He gives strength to the weary. My prayer is that you’re experiencing God’s strength and peace this very hour. Know this, one day, you will look back on your troubles, whether in this life or on the beautiful shores of eternity, and you will say, “God pulled me through. He gave me the strength I needed.” The One in whom you trust does not faint or grow weary, and his understanding is unsearchable. ~OC

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Joy

Today’s a new day! Is there such a thing as joy in the midst of trials? Especially when life is beating you down. Wow! What a way to start a new day. Thanks Todd.

This question came to me after reading these words in James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

A number of years ago, as I was reading James 1:2-4, God raised the following question. “Todd, when you fall into trials, and difficult times, do you truly consider all of it joy, as you are being tested for your faith?” Ouch!

It was a question, I could not fully answer at that moment. That question cut me deep. And I bled. I bled from the wound of the Holy Spirit, who engraved this question deep into my innermost being in order to awaken my sleeping heart-fire for God.

The more I thought about this question and prayed, the more I wanted this amazing joy. As I pondered this question for days, I began to crave for this type of joy. No matter the situation. No matter the trial. But I realized I would never be able to do it on my own.

But neither could Job, Esther, Ruth, David or Mary. Pretty good company.

At that moment, I just wanted to fall at Jesus feet and wash them with my tears.

I am not writing this post to complain about my troubles, my trials, or my problems. No, I am sharing this post to encourage you as you walk through your own storm. To say yes, joy is possible during the storm. But not on our own.

God is the only one who can give us lasting, satisfying, unwavering joy in the middle of our storm.

I believe sometimes we think that happiness is the most important thing in life. But it’s not. You see, happiness is only a fleeting emotion. But true joy come from God. It sustains us. Even in the hard times. ~OC

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