“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation; BUT be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33

Recently I was asked what I liked about our church and I replied that not only was it the Gospel being preached but our coming around the Lord ’s Table every week in our Sunday service.

The Lord’s table as it is written in the bible Matt 26:20 Luke 22 Mark 14 “The Lord was reclining at the table on the Feast of Unleavened bread {Passover}
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant.

Jesus commanded His disciples, He did not suggest, request or implore; He commanded them to “Take and eat the bread” and “drink from the cup”. But why did Jesus command them? Because of what was about to take place; what must take place, what was known to Father God and required of Jesus and what was prophesied. His body and blood would be poured out {sacrificed} for many {all of mankind} for the forgiveness of sins {ours}.

Luke 21:22: For this is the time of punishment in fulfilment of all that has been written, 26. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken 35. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

It is hard to imagine the significance of this predicted future, especially when the sun is shining, the bills are paid and the children are healthy; how grateful we are when someone shows us a kindness, or we are given an unexpected gift. Picture a child with a hastily plucked flower running to give to you how your heart would melt, but Jesus’s sacrifice of Himself is very different – immensely important to us. He who knew no sin became sin for us – He saved our lives - He rescued our souls - He offered us eternal life!

His commanding us to remember His sacrifice and why it had to be done; to remember who He is and what He has done for each of us. I am so grateful for His enduring the pain and torture on the cross in exchange for my sinful nature. So enormous was this sacrifice that I willingly obey Him and remember His love for me and the future He has promised me – why would I not want to place myself at His feet and honour Him by doing as He asks of me?

From time to time I like to look at video shorts of animals on social media. In one such video I watched a large herd of deer leap over a section of barbed wire fence which looked like they had all bounded over before. However one deer somehow misjudged and the barbed wire caught its rear leg. The deer was desperate, alone and entangled. An Exceptional Man gently approaches but the deer in an attempt to flee, tried several times to leap high with its front legs which caused a deeper dilemma.

The Exceptional Man patiently waited until the exhausted deer lay on the ground succumbing to its fate. It was through that surrender that the Exceptional Man was able to free the entanglement of the deer.

Throughout our lives, we too may find ourselves to be like that deer; perhaps through circumstance, feeling desperate, alone or entangled. But rest assured the Exceptional Man that patiently waited over the panting deer is also patiently waiting for our call of help and He is Jesus Christ. It is written “the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” and as if that was the most comforting words you could ever hear in your time of need He also says “do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut.31:8 Also Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It is through the surrender (of the deer) and our surrender that our Lord also promises in Psalm 121:3 “He will not let your foot slip-” v5: “The Lord watches over you-“. The most uplifting and comforting and encouraging promise that could ever be made to us in our moments of desperation or aloneness is in v7: “The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” That promise deserves a huge shout Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!!

If you are skeptical and think those words [promises] are too good to be true I add proof in a statement/declaration found in Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie……Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

If you don’t know Jesus He promises in Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him

Who am I?

As it is for many, I am sure, when on a bright and sunny day it feels just the thing for a walk to the park— to rest, seek solace, or pray under the shade of a maple tree.
Branches gangly, broad, and wide, with leaves of green that, when soaked in sun, bring harmony to all who come. Cheer or woe, such a tranquil, gentle sway— how beautiful that maple tree.