Communion. A somber ceremony filled with dignity and gravity.

What do you think about when you take part in the Christian service known as Communion? What do you remember, what is your focus? What is your spirit?

I am positive that the Lord wishes Communion to be a time of sobriety and reflection, yes, but also of rejoicing, exultation and victory.

Communion reminds us of the Lord and the agony He went through for us.

In a more symbolic way, partaking of this emblem should remind us that we are now the body of Christ. Individually and corporately we now have the mission of living the life of the Lord on this planet.

Communion reminds us of the Lord and the blood He shed for our redemption.

One of the concepts to remember in this part of the service is that blood is life. By drinking the fruit of the vine we in a sense recognize that without His blood we cannot live. Continue reading

Isaiah 56:6,7; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:15-19

God among His people then:

God wanted to meet with His people, not just on a once-in-a-while basis but often, frequently. In fact, He wanted to dwell among them. He wanted to have His own place in their midst. So He began by living in the tabernacle. Once their journeyings were done and they had become established in the Promised Land within secure borders and under a strong king, He allowed Solomon to build the magnificent temple.

Alas, His people ceased from following after Him with their whole hearts. Before long, they indulged in a life that disregarded their covenant with God. God’s people “transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 36:14).

I wonder if we at all pause to consider the temple of God among His present-day people. Is it possible that we too are guilty of transgressing after the abominations of the heathen, of polluting the house of God which He has made holy?

Read the rest: Building a House for God

Now, God is within His people. Let’s not pollute His temple! Continue reading