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Madison Square Garden can seat 20,000 people for a concert. This blog was viewed about 67,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Madison Square Garden, it would take about 3 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

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Not long ago, during a time of personal prayer, praise, and meditation, singing songs of surrender and the meaning of the cross, I realized I was overlooking a portion of the truth and reality of Christ’s atonement for me. I suddenly turned and was facing the communion table at Church. In the dark of the Church auditorium, with only the outside street light shining through the frosted windows. I saw the communion table clearly and the words engraved on the front, “This Do in Remembrance of Me.” It struck me, when I am sharing in the Lord’s Supper each week, I am awestruck by the death and resurrection of Jesus, but I’m not sure I was letting the character of awe bleed into every other aspect of my life.

When a person has clogged blood vessels, their heart doesn’t work to full capacity. The blood doesn’t get into every part of the body, or at least not enough blood. When this is the case, sometimes heart attacks, strokes, the loss of extremities and other negative conditions can result and often do. To open blood vessels so that blood flows to all the fingers, toes, and other extremities, often surgery, and or medicine, exercise, change in diet, and lifestyle are absolutely necessary. Otherwise, debilitation and death occur.

So, it is with the meaning of the Lord’s Supper in the believer’s life. In that moment as the auditorium became a sanctuary, I considered how the blood of Christ is to flow into all areas of the Christian’s life. In all relationships; family, friends, business, work, neighbors, and church. In all our financial considerations and activity; choosing government officials, in the meals we eat, in very choice we make, including TV, movies, computer and Internet, video games, our choice of friends, even in the Lord’s supper each Lord’s day.

To let the blood flow into all areas of our life means, total commitment to Jesus Christ, commitment to and participation in the Church, commitment to obedience and service, commitment to Bible study, meditation, and prayer, commitment to obedience and service, humility, forgiveness, and love.

About 20 years ago, at the Christian Church in Welch, Oklahoma, one man gave a communion meditation pointing out that the time we have to prepare for each communion service begins immediately after we have completed the last communion service. In other words, total commitment. Or to state it in modern popular lingo, 24/7. As Christians come to “the Table” each week to share in the breaking of bread and partaking of the cup, we remember the Scriptures tell us this is done to remember what Jesus Christ has done for us. Not just for a few hours a week, or whenever we feel like it, but always. A total commitment of our lives to the cause of Christ for which he died.

Have we let the blood flow into all areas of our life?

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A commercial a few years ago by the GMC truck division showed a truck sitting on a ramp mounted on the side of a bridge over a very deep gorge. All at once, someone pulls a lever and the ramp tilts and the truck rolls off the ramp. The truck is attached to a bungee cord and as it falls, the first thought one might have is, “Will the bungee cord snap?” Of course the truck stretches the cord to its limit and bounces back into the air (see commercial below).

This seemed like a bunch of foolishness to me. I saw the commercial many times and still wondered what the purpose of the commercial was, until, one day as I watched, I also paid attention to the commentator. Before, the only purpose I could imagine the commercial to be about was to show that the bungee cord was capable of holding the weight of the truck and the physical properties of gravity as the truck reached the limits of the cord. As I listened to the commentator, I realized that they were illustrating the strength of the truck’s frame and towing capacities as the forces of gravity worked against the truck.

When we study the Bible, especially prophecy, and in particular the book of Revelation, we see pictures described and wonder, “What is the book really about?” and, “What do these symbols and pictures mean?” Though the pictures are real, the message is given by the author, who is Jesus. That message is one of encouragement, hope, and victory for the Christian. Therefore, instead of focusing all of our attention on the pictures in Revelation, we need to focus on the message presented to avoid the confusion of misunderstanding and misapplying the pictures. It is like seeing the commercial and not understanding the meaning at all.

The key to understanding the book is presented in the first three chapters of Revelation. The one who overcomes by faith and faithfulness, no matter what, will inherit eternal life with God the Father and Christ the Savior. What a picture! What a promise! What a God!!

All scripture quotations are from the New American Standard.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_dXgp4dpAE

Recently, during a junior high weekend at a nearby college, the speaker took a drink of his bottled water and shouted, “Let’s hear it for Agua Fina!” and most of the 250 kids gave a cheer. Then he said, “I love junior high kids, they’re zealous about anything.” That is pretty much true. At that age, discovery is exciting and it’s easy to be excited especially when there is a large group of junior high kids.

However, zeal needs focus as we take on responsibility for ourselves. For instance, patriotism seemed to have been on the wane in the USA until the tragic events of 9/11. Now, patriotism is growing in America again. Sports fans seem to be the most zealous of all. They get totally crazy at times. Going shirtless in Green Bay at 12 degrees and a wind of 20 mph, and painting their faces with their team’s colors. Of course, as the saying goes, it takes all kinds (sic).

The psalmist, David, wrote, “My zeal has consumed me” Psalm 119:139. His overwhelming desire was to know and obey God’s law. He even predicted that Jesus would have great zeal for the House of God (Psalm 69:9). John notes this in John 2:17. “His disciples remembered that it is written, ‘ZEAL FOR THY HOUSE HAS CONSUMED ME.’” Jesus had just driven out the money changers in the temple because they were making it impossible for God’s people to worship God properly because they were robbing and cheating the people. In other words, his zeal was for the things of God and that God be honored by holiness, not unrighteousness.

We have been encouraged to ask WWJD? Before we do anything, ask what would Jesus do if he were presented with the situation we are in? Jesus is always the perfect example for us, therefore, he is our example for zeal, a zeal that even surpasses that of junior high kids (sic). The answer to WWJD is to have the same type of and level of zeal for the things of God as Jesus had, that is, loving and knowing God’s word and will, living holy and righteous lives, exercising discipline and faithfulness throughout our life, and so much more. It is the desire (zeal) that Jesus had, that should be ours too.

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When I was 3 1/2 years old, my parents, my Grandma Dillman, and I took a trip out east.  We went to Gettysburg, Niagra Falls, and other special places of interest. The next year we went to the Rockie Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Knotts Berry Farm as well as other places of interest of interest to us.  I remember blotches of these moments. For instance, the only thing I remember at Knotts Berry Farm was riding the train. I sat in a seat by myself (remember I am 4 1/2 years old) and two guys dressed as western bandits sit behind me and tell me to “stick-em-up.” My parents told me I told them “NO!”

Most of what I’ve told you I barely remember. In fact, the details of what I could tell you about each situation have been filled in by my parents, especially by the pictures they took of these two trips.

Every Sunday, when God’s church gathers in each church building, the church shares together in the Lord’s Supper (i.e., Communion). The Lord’s Supper is a sharing in remembering what God has done in Christ on the cross. We were not there when he nailed and died and taken down and laid in a tomb (John 19:17-20:10). We were not there when he bore our sins on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). But, when we came in faith to Christ in baptism, we participated in Jesus’ death for our sins (Romans 6:3-8) and the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the depth of love God has for us, and the forgiveness we’ve received in Christ through our faith and obedience.

Just like the pictures of my family’s trips fill in the blanks of my memory, reminding me of what happened in Gettysburg, and Colorado, etc., the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the work of the cross in our lives. The cross brings forgiveness of sins to those who have faith. For the Christian, participating in the Lord’s supper is as if we are participating in the cross, because Jesus experienced our sin in his suffering.

All Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Version.

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In 1977, Becky Conway of Urbana, Illinois, learned she had cancer in her knee. The cancer was bad enough that the doctors saw the need to amputate the leg. She was homecoming queen, a cheerleader, and an outstanding track athlete with a promising future and she was a PK (Preacher’s Kid). Everyone, even her parents, were down about her loss, but she never once lost her faith, never complained, and remained filled with joy because she knew God had something greater in store for her other than track. She had the opportunity to witness to schoolmates that wouldn’t have listened to her before because she was a PK and it was expected of her to be a witness. Several did come to faith in Christ because of her character and witness following the amputation (Moody Monthly article “…why is she smiling?” by Kay Oliver, Volume 79, #10, June 1979, pages 17-19).

Too many people see difficult and tragic events as unjust and unfair. Usually the question that is thrown around is “Why would a loving God allow or cause such terrible things to happen, especially to good people?” A lot of people have a pessimistic outlook and are actually looking for bad things to happen or to come out in people. They usually find it and then blame God, not knowing nor understanding all the details involved. So they ask “why” or “how?” These are the wrong questions. The proper question is what does God have in store?

Job is often called the most patient man in the Bible. To some extent this is true, but he asked the wrong questions when he lost everything and kept wondering what he had done that would cause God to allow or even bring such calamity upon him. God spoke with Job and asked, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” Job 38:4. God’s emphasis was that HE IS IN CONTROL. Nothing is beyond his knowledge and understanding is beyond his grasp or power. God’s plan may allow calamity simply to bring you to faith. Job, you, and I are just people. God (sic) on the other hand is Almighty God, the creator and sustainer of all life. When bad happens, God still has something outstanding in store, or as Peter wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold-may be found to result in the praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:6-7

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What will be the number one innovation in the twenty-first century? Voice activated computers; cars that drive themselves or air travel like on the cartoon The Jetsons; cures for disease or something else? Who really cares? Stuff happens and things change. Who would have believed that the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903 would have led to air travel being such a major source of transportation, or that the first computer (which was as big as a house and had millions of parts) would lead to computers being so important.

Innovation and invention are the result of God-given abilities (thinking, creativity, and ability to produce ideas). The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8.* Things and times change, Jesus doesn’t. The Hebrew writer continues with a warning to not be carried away by many and strange doctrines (verse 9). Beliefs change and deceive many people. There are many gods, materialism, sexual addictions, drugs, alcohol, and more. Innovations come and go. Religious beliefs come and go and many are rehashed. However, Jesus never changes. Christianity under Jesus’ rule is never altered. Whatever comes, whatever goes, there is one we can trust who does not come and go, who never changes, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

* Scripture reference is from the New International Version of the Bible

This first appeared in the July 31, 2002 LaPlata Home Press

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She had difficulty pronouncing my name correctly. One day on the way to school, she asked, “Jeff Jord you goin’ pick up me?” She was really concerned that someone other than myself would be picking her up that day.

“Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwellings-for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself. That where I am, there you may be also” John 14:1-3. Jesus and his disciples were in the upper room when he spoke these words to them. He had washed their feet (John 13:1-20). He identified who would betray him, which baffled them (John 13:21-30). Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed (John 13:31-38). He even gave them the Lord’s Supper which represents his death (Matthew 26:26-29). Before all this happened, Jesus predicted his own terrible death (John 12:27-50).

All of this troubled and confused the apostles. Jesus’ words had dashed all of their kingdom hopes. He was going away and was going to die. They didn’t like what he said as well as not understanding what he was telling them either. In their troubled hearts they were in essence asking the same thing little Julia asked that one day. “Are you goin’ a pick up me?”

Jesus reassured them that in fact, he was coming back for them. They were even going to stay with him in his Father’s place. How like children we are with questions and doubts, seeking reassurance from Jesus that he didn’t just leave us but will for those become children of the Father through faith in Jesus.

This first appeared the August 10th, 2002 LaPlata Home Press

(Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Version of the Bible)

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Have you ever noticed how silly some of the road signs are that we see on highways around the country?

For instance: FRESH OIL; LOOSE GRAVEL. The street or highway department sprays oil and tar on the road or shoulder, than they cover it with chat which sticks to the tar like flies on a no-pest strip. When this is done in town* (see explanation below), it seems everyone is upset and grumbles and gripes about it because it messes up our cars. On the highways in particular, in the right circumstances, it can be dangerous and wrecks can happen as cars slide around on the loose chat. The sign is warning us of a possible hazard ahead.

Or, DON’T DRIVE INTO SMOKE. January 1978 was my first experience on the Will Rogers Turnpike as I drove into Oklahoma. As I was heading toward Vinita, Oklahoma, I see these signs with a peculiar warning, “Don’t Drive Into Smoke.”  I’m think, “What? What a stupid sign. This is a highway. Where would smoke be coming from on a highway?” My limited intelligence, experience, and imagination could not figure a good reason for the warning. When it was explained to me by an Okie, I finally understood. Sometimes, people burn off their fields near the highway and the highway department burns off the shoulders of the road and the smoke may roll onto the highway obscuring your vision. It could hide the danger of a slower or stopped truck or car. The sign is warning us of a possible hazard ahead.

Or my favorite, BRIDGE MAY ICE WHEN COLD. I’ve seen these signs mostly in Arkansas and Louisiana. The first time I saw one of these signs I began to imagine the bridge with a mind of its own and the highway department is warning drivers to beware. I could see someone driving across a bridge in the winter when the bridge decides to ice over and cars begin spinning.

In Louisiana, I saw a couple of bridges with the signs on the exit side of the bridge, as if some demented highway employee is playing a joke on drivers. The bridge ices and you start spinning. As you spin past the bridge and see the sign, you yell out, “O yeah. . .thanks. . .for the. . .warning!!!!!” But, ice on bridges when the road is clear is a very real danger. The sign is warning of a possible hazard ahead.

The Apostle Paul says, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes“  Ephesians 6:11. The devil is a liar and a deceiver. He plots and schemes ways in which to trap you in sin. The Bible warns us about the devil and his tricks. Beware, the devil has a trap ahead, around most every turn in life, just over the rise each day may be one of his tricks.

• He may trip us up, and cause us to stumble: FRESH OIL; LOOSE GRAVEL.
• He may hide behind a smoke screen of grumbling of some sort: DON’T DRIVE INTO SMOKE.
• He may change the conditions quickly to cause you to slip up: BRIDGE MAY ICE WHEN COLD.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/26925-deleting-scripture