So remember

Ann Voskamp said it this way, "remembering with thanks is what causes us to trust--to really believe."

Theses words rang in my ears as I slipped into my worn plastic chair yesterday in the chapel--chairs filled with people--brothers & sisters in Christ ringed the room. Centered around one thing: the remembrance table that held the bread and wine.

Jesus instituted this on the night He was betrayed--it was His final instruction before He went to the cross. "And He took bread and when He had given thanks,broke it and gave it to them saying, "This is My body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me." 

Remembering with thanks. This is the call of the communion table.

Every week we gather to remember--because we are a forgetful people. 

I forget my need for Him. I look to myself and when I do I watch my world crumble. 

Like the Israelites of old I need to hear again "look & live!"

Like the 3 on the Mount--open my eyes that I may see Jesus only!!

153

“You count every single grace that He gave through the long dark night, and you see that there are more than 153."

The past 6 months have been for me the long dark night. I have struggled, and I have wrestled, I have sinned, and I have repented, but I have wallowed in guilt.

But He giveth more grace--
He never gives up on me
I am surrounded by His people
He speaks His truth into my life even when I am not always listening or obeying
He relentlessly pursues me
He reveals His truth to me
He walks between the sacrifices alone--resting the full weight of the covenant on Himself
He breaks open the sky
He is my Peace
He reminds me of His faithfulness
He still loves me
He is good to me 
He gives strength
He gives grace
He is LORD
He rescued me from my sin
He redeems my life
He crowns me with loving-kindness and tender mercies
He restores my soul
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake
He changes me
He will not leave me as I am
He is always good and all His gifts are good

"looking unto Jesus!"