WILL YOU BE MINE?



This month's observations are: Black historical accomplishments and Valentine's Day. Unlike American history, which has shaped the life of every Black American {and not always in positive ways}; Black history should be acknowledged by all White Americans because, many Black men and women, gave their blood, sweat and tears to make this nation what it is today. The products and achievements of ingenious Black men and women have been a benefit to every citizen of this nation, but unfortunately, American history books are deplete of  any mention of  Black {or Negro} citizens, outside of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863. 

As I think about Valentine's Day, I find it ironic that we only celebrate love for one day, when it should be celebrated all year long. One songwriter penned: "Love makes the world go round." I don't believe that love actually causes the world to revolve around the axis of earth, but love does make hearts beat faster and can put pep in the step of those in love. Love feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and makes the lonely feel wanted.  Without love, hatred rules in the hearts of men, women and children. Anger and hatred are the ingredients for murder or genocide., which is what is occurring in our nation today.  We need to not only survive, but to thrive individually and collectively [e.g. our family]. 

  

It’s been many decades, but I do recall the excitement of Valentine’s Day, when I was in elementary school.  My mother would take me and my siblings to the store to purchase packaged Valentine cards.  Do you remember those cute cards?  They came in several varieties and the individual cards in the package had a simple message of affection with pictures of cupids, hearts and cartoon characters.  I took time to meticulously sign my name on each card and then wrote the names of my favorite classmates on the envelopes provided.  On Valentine’s Day, I proudly took my stash of cards to school to give out during the scheduled class party.  It was a fun time exchanging cards and eating treats, to include candy hearts, cookies and punch.  But, the next day, we returned to school and back to our usual class routine, while anticipating the next holiday party and a chance to get a break from classwork {Lol}.

The adult tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day has most often included giving or exchanging  cards—preferably Hallmark; expensive chocolates, personal gifts to include flowers, perfume, jewelry and others items. The evening would not be complete without a movie and/or dinner at an upscale restaurant.  On this day, expressions of love are freely and generously given to family members, spouses, or that ‘special’ someone.  Like other holidays, it is a day to be enjoyed, but is sometimes dreaded by those, who don’t have anyone special with whom to celebrate.  After all the fanfare and romanticism of Valentine’s Day, it seems that people return unaffected to their usual routines of life.  Shouldn’t this popular day of love have some lasting impact on our lives?  I believe that many of us have celebrated this holiday for years without even knowing its’ history.

“The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D.” (Excerpts from www.history.com)

This month many will celebrate Valentine’s Day extravagantly,  others more simply and some will choose not to celebrate at all because, they are alone and/or without God in this world.  I started to think that perhaps, I would have no reason to give attention or observation to this holiday because, I am single and without a significant other.  I started to assume that this year would be just like the last several years. Whenever, I considered the commercial observation of Valentine’s Day, I would fall into the ‘loneliness trap,' but not anymore! Thank God for His Holy Spirit, Who reminded me that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am not alone for the Lord has promised never to leave me or forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5b_KJV)  If you know you will be without that ‘special invite’ this year and have no plans to be your single friends, don’t be discouraged—make a date  to spend your evening with Jesus, the faithful, righteous One, who is full of love.  The Bible declares that God is love (1John 4:16b) and also contains many expressions or Valentines of His love, care and desire for you and me.  His timeless love letters found in the Holy Bible were written for all mankind and He continues to ask: “Will you be mine?”

If you would indulge me, I would like to share paraphrases of familiar Bible verses (or Valentines) that express God’s loving care for us:

·       John 3:16 – God loved the world so much, He gave His Only Son, so those in the world would not perish, but have His everlasting life.  This Valentine is for: Whoever believes in Him

·       Matthew 11:28-30 –An invitation to come unto the Lord; to take His yoke, which is easy with a light burden; to learn of Him and find rest for one’s soul.  Addressed to: All you, who work and are tired and burdened

·       Hebrews 4:16 – We are exhorted to come boldly to God’s throne of grace in prayer in order to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  This Valentine is for: All of us

In preparation for your personal Valentine’s Day celebration, remember to imitate Christ before others.  As you willingly show love to those, who love you; also show love to one another and any strangers in your midst as the Lord commanded. (John 15:12)  When the holiday is over, let love can continue because, God’s love is everlasting. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Remember to set aside some quality time this Valentine’s Day to extol and bless the Lover of your soul. (Psalm 103:1-5)  The Lord always desires to be in fellowship with us and when we get too busy, He woos us by His Holy Spirit.  Remember, Jesus will not force Himself on you but, because of a desire to commune with you, He is standing at the door (of your life) and knocking.  Don’t you hear Him as He softly asks again: “Will you be mine?”  He wants to be your Valentine above all others; to come in to you (your abode) so; He can sup with you and you with Him. (Revelation 3:20_KJV) “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  To-day if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart . . .” (Psalm 95:7-8 _KJV) If you don’t get the invite or box of gourmet chocolates you expect for Valentine’s Day, Jesus awaits you with something sweeter and calorie-free: eat God’s Words, which are sweeter than honey; Oh taste and see! (Psalm 119:103; Psalm 34:8_KJV)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

A NEW YEAR AND NEW POSSIBILITIES!

 

Thank you for visiting and reading my first post for 2014. It is my prayer that you, your family and loved ones will experience unexpected blessings from God, who blesses us all with new mercies each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). I count it a blessing for us see another year and have an opportunity to fulfill personal dreams and goals.
 
I apologize for being remiss about having a post ready for the 1st; but I just realized this morning during my prayer time that I hadn't done a thing and needed to write a new blog to share with you.

Each new year brings the need for some to make resolutions. Did you make any for the new year--like most people; or have you finally realized that resolutions end up being short lived? Because, they're not the best way to make positive changes, I consider them good intentions (that don't get very far); so I stopped making resolutions many years ago. What I thought about this morning in lieu of making resolutions was the option of making 'definitive choices' for personal improvement. One definition of definitive is:

Fully differentiated or developed; serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation.

Having a final solution for indecision is always a good thing. Resolution is the act of determining; but many are not able to determine (for sure) if they will follow through with their desire to make the necessary changes in their lives.

Here are a few things you can consider and initiate to prepare you for the new possibilities in 2014:

• List your goals for each month, six months or the entire year. This can be helpful and serve as a guideline for your activities or essential obligations. With some structure, you can be focused instead of being all over the place in an attempt to accomplish your goals. It's the same as having a map to help you from getting lost and going out of the way to your destination.
• With every year, it is needful (and helpful) to do a personal assessment of every area of your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. Although, it's healthy to forget the past, we must assess our past choices, mistakes and mishaps to help us tweak our future decision-making. 
• A new year is a good time to consider associations: personal and professional. Some associations are necessary (in the workplace, family, business) and others are optional. Are there associations that you need to terminate this year? Knowing, who needs to go on this year's journey with you is important and can make a difference between relational success and failure. Always respect the Law of Association, because one will become like the company he keeps.

"If you lay down with dogs: you will get up with fleas." Colloquial quote

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” ~ Proverbs 13:20_NLT 

Being human, there are some things we can't do, because they exceed our human abilities.

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." ~ Luke 18:27

What do you do, when there is something outside of your human ability? I don't know about you; but when I have challenges too great for me, I go to my heavenly Father in prayer. Prayer is something many people consider as a last resort effort, when things go bad or in the event of an emergency; but it is not and shouldn't be considered a 'quick fix.' 

"PRAYER is a holy occupation;" and the way believers in Jesus Christ communicate and fellowship with God their heavenly Father. Prayer requires practice to be perfected; and God's Word to be free of vain repetitions. Prayers prayed according to God's will requires His Word or His Holy Spirit, who always makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). Prayers can be long or short; but they must be specific to the need. God knows our thoughts and also hears the meditation of our very hearts (Psalm 5:1-2).

Scripture says that we should pray without ceasing; but it doesn't mean we have to try to pray for 24 hours per day. To pray without ceasing is maintaining an attitude of pray. The one, who is in continual fellowship with God--will always be ready to pray at any time and for any petition.

This year, I encourage you not to worry about anything; but to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6-7). If you were to share a problem with a friend, it would be a relief knowing that you didn't have to carry the concern alone. Friends are good for some things; but their human ability and power is limited just as yours. It's good to have a relationship with a loving, Omnipotent God just as you do with your closest friend; because He calls those, who love and obey His commands--friend (James 2:23).

We've all heard the quote: "Doing the same things and expecting different results is insanity." Some people might find it funny, but it is really good advice to consider. Consider the things you need to do, when setting your goals and planning your calendar for the year. If some of the things you did last year didn't fly or caused you frustration or failure; this is a sure indication that you need not repeat those things for this year. What's not broke can be kept for future use; and what's not working should be discarded.

Don't be a pack rat of unproductive habits and negative expectations. It you truly expect the best this year; you will take the steps necessary to create positive results. Get excited about taking on new challenges and spread your wings in confidence as you take flight to accomplish them in excellence. Be bold, courageous and rise to each new challenge that comes your way in the days, weeks and months ahead. May God continue to make His face shine upon you and grant you new possibilities this year that are beyond your wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20-21).

 SHALOM TO ALL!

JOY TO THE WORLD

 

 

 








Joy to the world! The Lord has come:
let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing
and heaven and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns:
let men their songs employ
while fields and floods
rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy
repeat, repeat the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love
and wonders of his love
and wonders and wonders of his love

Joy to the world! The Lord has come:
let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing
and heaven and heaven and nature sing.

Most everyone is familiar with the Christmas carol above, which says joy is coming to the world and the reason is because of the birth of the Savior.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let earth receive her king. Earth’s king is the One, Who created heaven and earth: Jesus Christ.

During this season, people are scurrying about in preparation for Christmas day with much shopping for gifts, food, trees, decorations, and other things that will enhance their homes and lawns. Preparing their hearts and making room for the Lord is not a priority. Many people look at Christmas as another holiday, while others (including me) consider this special day a holy day of worship and celebration.  When we prepare Him room, we can sing with heaven and nature of His majesty.

The Savior reigns in the hearts of many, who have become born again Christians. Christmas is the time for us to sing praises to our Savior along with His creations: fields, floods, rocks, hills, plains repeat their sound of joy!

Satan, the prince of this world, rules the world with deception, wickedness and lies {John 14:30}. The Savior rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations show proof of His righteousness and the wonders of His love.

Another song sung during this season says that Santa Claus is coming to town. Well, we know that Santa isn’t really coming, although, many parents have their children anticipating his arrival to leave presents under their Christmas tree. The Lord came as a newborn babe-- born of a young virgin named Mary over 2,000 years ago. The message of this carol rings loud and clear. It heralds the Lord’s arrival into the world; after His birth in a lowly manger.

CHRISTMAS is a season of joy and the wonders of the love of God, Who gave His only begotten Son to redeem the world (John 3:16).

 

Harmonious Relationships

Today, the news is filled with stories about people being assaulted or killed because of dysfunction in a personal life or with couples and families. What causes people to have disharmony that would lead someone to hurt or kill a loved one? There are probably many contributing factors; but I would like to provide one answer for your consideration and that is: a lack of love and not knowing Love. In case you didn't know, love is really a Person. Hold on and let me explain with a passage from my guide for life: the Holy Bible [all Scriptures passages have been taken from the New Living Translation-NLT]:

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." ~ 1John 4:7-8_NLT

Over 2,000 years ago, God showed His great love for mankind (the world) and gave His only begotten Son Jesus, who loved His Father so much that He was willing to make that supreme sacrifice. He left His home in glory (heaven) to come to earth for three (3) years to fulfill His Father's plan of redemption. After an act of high treason and betrayal by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, man was found doomed forever; but God had a plan to save mankind, so we would be redeemed from our sin debt and reconciled back to Him.  

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him (Jesus)." ~ John 3:16-17_NLT

When love is absent, it is replaced by a counterfeit of love, anger, hatred, fear and other unhealthy emotions that cause dysfunction in any relationship. Relationships are important and contribute to family life. A healthy family begins with a healthy relationship and marriage between a man and a woman.
 
I have a loved one, who was in a dysfunctional relationship that eventually fell apart. Unfortunately, it wasn't a friendly breakup, but thank God there was no loss of life. During that relationship my best recourse was prayer [God was the only, Who would listen]. After the breakup, I thought about what had transpired in that dysfunctional, co-dependent relationship and how things should or could have been. As a result of that reflection, I wrote the following poem.  

RELATIONSHIPS come and relationships go; and where they go: only loves knows. Sometimes, it is weak love or a counterfeit; maybe an abuse of love-with someone getting hit.

LOVE doesn’t misbehave; but sometimes it’s mishandled by those, not trained. Handle love with care: not carelessly- or it won’t bring you joy- only misery.  

O, my friend, LOVE doesn’t live to hurt; nor does it throw someone down in the dirt. It forgives and doesn’t keep any score. Every failure must be thrown out the door. Love knows how to be right and admits, when it’s wrong. When you build it on good things—your love will be strong!

You can’t build love on selfishness; that just won’t endure. Love that lasts is giving and has a heart that’s pure.

No secret motives to manipulate; but honesty that chooses to communicate. Love doesn’t yell and is all ears. Love’s not insecure and has no fears.

Perfect love casts out all fear; if you work at love- it will bless you for years.

When it comes to relationships: if you seek God's wisdom or the counsel of a wise friend, you won't have to get clarity about an unsuitable mate and situation from hindsight. Always be mindful of the following Don'ts: 

• Don't rush into any relationship, because love is patient and will wait if it's meant to be.
• Don't be pressured. If you're not sure about entering into a relationship: BE STILL and pray for evidence to justify your reservation.

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged...Three things will last forever--faith, hope and LOVE-- and the greatest of these is LOVE." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1,4-5,13 {I recommend reading the entire chapter.}  

It is my prayer that you will choose to walk in love and be prayerful about all your relationships. Let God guide you, because He knows what you can't see. Sometimes, we choose to learn the hard way; when prevention is better than cure. Remember: everything that looks good is not good for you! If you're a wise person, choose to walk with those, who are wise-- lest you become a fool.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6_NLT  

May God grant you healthy emotions that contribute to healthy relationships as you walk in Him (love). Selah [Pause and calmly think on that]!

#Shalom to you; and thank you for taking time to read this post! (*,*) 

 

 

 

 

 

Proverbs Make One Wise

PROVERBS: a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture.

Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel, wrote the Proverbs so that people would know skillful and godly wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice and integrity [Proverbs 1:2-3_Amp]. 

The Book of Proverbs contains 31 chapters, so you can read one every day [and read the last two on the 30th day of any calendar month (e.g. September)]. We will always need wisdom for our lives; but seeking the wrong kind of advice will bring the wrong results. The best place to look for wisdom is in God's Word, which is the Holy Bible. God is omniscient and therefore the best source of wisdom in heaven and on this earth. He longs for us to seek Him and His holy counsel; but sadly many reject it. Scripture encourages us to go to God if (and when) we need wisdom.

"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind...[James 1:5-6_Amp]."

Scripture says we must go to God in faith and without doubting, when we seek wisdom; and I will explain the reason. If you went to a friend you considered a sage; you would expect to receive the right advice that would help you in making an immediate decision or give you insight for a future plan. You wouldn't go with a negative or pessimistic attitude; but you would have a sense of expectancy and believe the advice offered would be the best for you. This is how you should go to God: expecting by faith to receive His best counsel for your life.

There's great benefit in seeking out and heeding the Proverbs. A wise person will seek to gain more wisdom; but the foolish despise skillful and godly wisdom [Proverbs 1:7b_KJV]. Having a reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Because I revere and worship the Lord, I am always ready to receive His wisdom for my day to day life. It becomes the norm for me to seek Him at all times and under various situations. I have free access to His wisdom 24/7 and so can you.

Parents, who trust God have access to His wisdom, which they should teach their children. Wise children will never shame their parents; and as they mature; they will learn the benefits of heeding godly counsel or the detriment of rejecting it and following foolish friends. Sometimes, friends can entice others to do things that are not moral and/or will cause a loss to their victims.

"My son, if sinners (those not following and obeying God) entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us; let us lie in wait [to shed] blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause [and show that his piety is in vain] (Proverbs 1:11_Amp)..."

Wisdom instructs us to associate with wise people; because we become like the company we keep. "He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart [suffer] for it (Proverbs 13:20_Amp)."  Foolishness will always be at your heels and enticing you to yield to its ways; but wisdom cries out for us to heed her call and disregard the invitation of foolishness.

"WISDOM cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets; She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 'How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge? If you will turn [repent] and give heed to my reproof, behold I [Wisdom} will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you [Proverbs 1:22-23_Amp].'"

TUNE your ear to Wisdom; and you will be able to heed her call; and will be made wise. If you ignore wisdom, go your own way--only to fail and come back crying and calling; she will not answer you. 

"Because I have called and you have refused [to answer], have stretched out my hand and no man heeded it, And you treated as nothing all my counsel and would accept none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when the thing comes that shall cause you terror and panic--- When panic comes as a storm and desolation and your calamity comes on as whirl wind, when distress and anguish come upon you, Then will they call upon me [Wisdom] but I will not answer; they will seek me early and diligently but they will not find me [Proverbs 1:24-28_Amp]..."

Wisdom is time-sensitive, which means we must be ready to hear and heed it [her] quickly. Keep your ears open for godly counsel and you will avoid disaster. Reading the Proverbs will increase your understanding about yourself and others. The wisdom of the Proverbs will help you to stay in a safe place and away the wrong people, who prey on others as sport. We also learn by wisdom that, although we think and make our plans, a wise answer [about the plan] will always come from the Lord. Wisdom knows that it is better to commit personal works unto the Lord and rest in His peace about things [Proverbs 16:1,3_KJV].   

Wisdom is discreet and knows how to behave in sensitive situations with volatile people. A wise person knows how to treat others regardless of their status and will never mock the poor or be glad at other's calamity; therefore he will avoid punishment [Proverbs 17:5_KJV]. "Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you [Proverbs 2:11_Amp]." Through wisdom, your life can be prolonged. "For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased (Proverbs 9:11_Amp)."

Wisdom benefits us in every area of our lives to include family. It will enable a
woman to build her house and not tear it down. "EVERY WISE woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands [Proverbs 14:1_Amp]."

There is so much you can learn from the Proverbs; so I invite you to read one each day to gain wisdom and/or increase your understanding of what you have already learned. Your life won't be free of problems; but it will full of godly counsel that will instruct you through the rough places in your life. 

"WISDOM is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding [Proverbs. 4:7_KJV]." 

Communion...

COMMUNION: 1. an act or instance of sharing; 2. a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ.

All the gospels but John give an account of Jesus and the Passover meal he had with His disciples in anticipation of His time to depart this world unto the Father. Only the gospel of John gives an account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples [John 13:4-10]. All the gospels give an account of Jesus dipping in the same dish with the disciple, who would betray Him.

 At that same meal, Jesus instituted the Communion table, which is an emblem of His sacrifice for mankind. "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and praising God, gave thanks and asked Him to bless it to their use, and when He had broken it, He gave it to His disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took a  cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you; For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." -

Those who believe in Jesus and partake of what is called the 'Lord's Supper,' should have full understanding before taking it. Communion has become only a religious observance to many people; but it has a much deeper meaning [Kenneth Copeland: How to Receive Communion]

 That deeper meaning of Communion is found in Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. It is at Calvary that Jesus became the supreme sacrifice for the sins and curses of mankind [Isaiah 53; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24]. He took our transgressions and iniquities upon Himself after enduring 39 stripes at the hands of  Roman soldiers and having to carry His own cross to the top of Mount Calvary. He was mocked, spit on, crowned with thorns, beaten to a bloody pulp, nailed to a cross and had His side pierced with a sword.  "Crucifixion was one of the most disgraceful forms of death; and one of the most painful and dreaded forms of execution." Jesus took our shame and literally became a curse for us.

Primarily, the Church has centered  its attention on the wine as an emblem of Jesus' blood that was shed for sin. We take the emblem of blood and say, 'Thank God, we are delivered from sin,' and that is true!...But the blood is only half of Communion. The bread is an emblem of Jesus' body that was broken for us. The emblem for His body is just as important as the emblem for His blood [Kenneth Copeland: How to Receive Communion]

 When we receive Communion today, we are receiving the body and the blood of Jesus. We must be sure not to eat "the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in a way that is unworthy [of Him] (1 Corinthians 11;27_Amp)." We must not be guilty of His body and blood and should take them in reverence and with thanksgiving.

"Let a man [thoroughly] examine himself, and [only when he has done] so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eat and drinks without discriminating and recognizing with due appreciation that [it is Christ's] body eats, and drinks a sentence (a verdict of judgment) upon himself." - 1 Corinthians 11:28-29_Amp

 To receive Communion means receiving everything Jesus' sacrifice provided for us:

• Salvation
• Peace of mind
• Healing
• Total prosperity

In the past, we have missed the full meaning of Communion by not completely judging ourselves when we partake of it. We have been ready to receive His blood and quick to judge ourselves where sin is concerned. We judge ourselves of sin and repent of it. But what about His body? It was broken for us. It was bruised for us. The stripes laid on Jesus' back were for our healing. At Communion, we should judge ourselves where sickness is concerned as well. Jesus purchased our healing at Calvary just as He purchased our salvation. [Kenneth Copeland: How to Receive Communion]

Because of all that Jesus purchased for us; we should always be ready to receive what He provided, when partaking of Communion. Just as we received salvation by faith; we must [be ready to] to receive the peace, healing and total prosperity. Total prosperity includes complete wholeness [spiritual, physical, emotional, and material]; because 'the body and blood of Jesus covered every area of our existence.'

The thing I appreciate about Communion is that, when you truly understand the meaning of it; you can no longer look at it as just a religious observance that is reserved only for the first Sunday of the month [at church]. As believers in Christ, we have the liberty to take Communion as often as we choose; but when we do so, we are to remember Jesus.

"For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until he comes [again]." - 1 Corinthians 11:26_Amp

Communion can be taken at home alone and included in one's daily devotional time or in the evening. It can also be taken with a small group at a home Bible study. Once you have partaken of the body and blood of Jesus say this confession [which is written in first person]:

"Father, I give You thanks for all You have provided for me in Christ Jesus. I confess this day, I am the blessed of the Lord. This covenant I entered into at the new birth is a covenant filled with Your exceeding great and precious promises; and I am a partaker of those promises now! I am healed. I am redeemed. I am delivered from the authority of darkness. I am translated into the kingdom of Your dear Son. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not beneath. I come behind in no good thing. All that I set my hands to prospers, and I praise You Father, for the newness of life I now enjoy. In Jesus' Name, Amen." [Kenneth Copeland: How to Receive Communion]

A WAY OUT

It had been a busy year, and although school had closed for the summer, there would be no fun in the sun for Nancy, because she needed a summer job. Next year she would be a high school senior. Being a senior meant many activities, and activities required MONEY!

Nancy was 17 years old and lived in a quiet neighborhood located in Rancho Cucamonga with her mother, Chloe, and two brothers, Sidney and Marcus, who were ages 15 and 13 respectively. They were “almost” a middle-class family, except her mother had to work two jobs just to make ends meet.  Nancy often dreamed of a better life for herself and her family, but it seemed like things would never get any better.

After seeing a job announcement advertising summer positions for teens 15-18 years of age, Nancy finalized an existing resume she wanted have for an interview the next day at the Alta Loma Sheraton.  A company outside of Cucamonga was seeking youth to work as tour guides for special summer events and all hires were also to attend training in Alta Loma. This training requirement could possibly lessen the chance of her mother giving Nancy permission. If her mother said “yes,” she would need to arrive to the hotel early as only the first 50 teens would be granted an interview.

When Chloe came home from work, Nancy did not waste any time in telling her mother about her resume, the summer job interview and the required training in Alta Loma. Her mother didn't really want to say “yes,” but knew she needed Nancy’s help with earning extra funds for next year’s senior high school activities.  After remembering that her cousin, who lived in Alta Loma could check on Nancy while she was in the city, Chloe finally approved and shifted her attention to fixing dinner.

Nancy’s excitement caused her to sleep light that night.  She arose early the next morning before the alarm clock buzzed.  After a quick shower, she fixed a cute hairdo, and found an appropriate outfit all before 7:00 a.m.  Since she was early, Chloe had time to drop Nancy off at the Sheraton on her way to her workplace in the surrounding area.

Once at the interview site, Nancy greeted a few classmates who had already arrived. The first 50 applicants were taken by elevator to an underground interview room.  She made sure her cell phone was in her purse so she could call her mother after the interview. Once in the interview room, which was furnished with tables and chairs, the applicants were told to find a seat. With eagerness, one of the teen boys blurted out, “When are you going to start the interviews?” A dark burly man with a strange accent stepped forward and told the teen to shut up, and without notice he felt the man’s back hand across his face—causing his lower lip to bleed. It quickly became evident that things were not going as anticipated. Here were 50 helpless teens trapped underground with no way out and their fate in the hands of total strangers. Each was subjected to a body frisk, which resulted in all identification cards, check cards, money, jewelry and cell phones being confiscated. Afterwards, Nancy and the other girls were led by a female, who looked American, to a different room while the teen boys remained in the interview room with the dark burly man. Suddenly, they heard a loud voice over the intercom say the following, “We would like to acknowledge the new employees added to our company today. Welcome aboard.  You are now our property!” 

For some unknown reason, Nancy was separated from the other girls, blindfolded, drugged and transported to a location outside of the state. When the drugs wore off, she was told she was in New York City and introduced to a woman who gave her a bag of skimpy outfits for her first job that night. She had been sold to a well-known slave lord in NYC, and one of “his girls,” Kat [a nickname for Kathryn], was to show her the ropes and tell her what she had to do each night to make money. They were unthinkable things and a virgin’s worst nightmare. Night after night, Nancy’s thoughts about home, her mother and brothers grew stronger and she wondered what they must be thinking. She had just vanished from the interview in Alta Loma and had no way to contact her family or friends. 

One fateful night, unbeknownst to Nancy, the silent prayers she had been offering in her heart since her kidnapping were going to be answered.  Her client, dressed in extraordinary attire, was unlike the other men, who considered her a sex toy. It turned out that this man actually wanted to help free her from her slavery and get her home safely. He introduced himself as Mr. Barnaba. After giving her his business card along with some important instructions, he told her he would meet with her again after arrangements for her departure were finalized.  Now full of hope, Nancy couldn’t wait to see Mr. Barnaba a second time because she would soon be free again and home with her family.

THIS IS ONLY A SHORT STORY, but there are many men, women and children, who are not as fortunate as Nancy to be freed from this Modern-day Slavery. Unfortunately, the stories of most present-day victims have a different and not so happy ending.  

Trafficking in Persons Report 2013

Secretary Kerry (June 19): "When we help countries to prosecute traffickers, we are strengthening the rule of law. When we bring victims out of exploitation, we are helping to create more stable and productive communities. When we stop this crime from happening in the first place, we are preventing the abuse of those who are victimized as well as the ripple effect that caused damage throughout communities into our broader environment and which corrupt our global supply chains. We all have an interest in stopping this crime. That’s why President Obama is so focused on this issue. And that’s why, as Secretary of State, I will continue to make the fight against modern-day slavery a priority for this Department and for the country." 

  

You're probably asking: "What can I do to help stop the atrocity of ‘Modern-day Slavery’?  You can lend your support by doing the following: educating ourselves and sharing information with others, offering fervent and consistent prayers, and giving financial gifts.  Please visit the websites below for more information:

www.NotForSaleCampaign.org, www.BarnabaInstitute.org, www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/33109.htm

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

http://gvnet.com/humantrafficking/

Freedom is something we all hold dear, but it becomes more precious as the threat of it draws near. #VES