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Holy Communion: A Daily Walk with God

ablaze — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:36:19 +0000

Good morning, saints of God. It is a joy to be with you all this morning as we gather around the Lord’s table to partake in Holy Communion. This sacred ritual is a beautiful reminder of our relationship with God and His love for us.
As we prepare to partake in this communion, I want to reflect on its meaning. The term “Holy” signifies our submission to God’s supremacy, while “Communion” refers to our communication with Him.
When we pray by His will and live by His guidance, we engage in daily Holy Communion. The Last Supper, often recognized as Holy Communion, symbolizes our communication in remembrance of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Living in light of that sacrifice is a continuation of this Holy Communion.
Today’s Last Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifices and represents the new covenant of Open Heaven for this year.
Body:
* The Importance of Holy Communion:
Holy Communion is vital to our spiritual growth and development. It is a time to connect with God profoundly and receive His grace and blessings. As we partake in this sacrament, we are reminded of our identity as children of God and our hope for eternal life.
In John 6:53-58, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
These words emphasize the importance of partaking in Holy Communion. It is a symbolic act and a spiritual nourishment that sustains our life in Christ.
* The Elements of Holy Communion:
The elements of Holy Communion are bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Jesus Christ. As we partake of these elements, we are reminded of Jesus’s sacrifice for our salvation.
In Matthew 26:26-28, Jesus says, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.'”
The bread and wine are not mere symbols but a physical representation of Jesus’ sacrifice. As we partake of them, we are united with Christ and receive the benefits of His death and resurrection.
* The New Covenant:
Today’s Last Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifices and represents the new covenant of Open Heaven for this year. The new covenant is a covenant of grace and mercy, made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 9:15-16, the author says, “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance since a death has occurred that redeems those who were under the first covenant from the transgressions they committed.”
The new covenant is a covenant of hope and restoration. It offers us forgiveness, healing, and the promise of eternal life. As we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of this new covenant and its blessings.
Conclusion:
Holy Communion is a sacred ritual that connects us with God and His love for us. It is a time for us to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and receive the benefits of His death and resurrection.
As we partake in this communion today, let us do so with gratitude and reverence. Let us remember the importance of daily Holy Communion, which involves praying according to God’s will and living according to His guidance.
May this communion be a source of strength, hope, and renewal for us all. May we continue to walk in fellowship with God throughout the year, knowing He is always with us.
Amen.

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DISCERNING HIS WILL AMIDST THE NOISE

ablaze — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 11:54:39 +0000

Ablaze Fellowship 16/03/24.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to explore the profound topic of discerning God’s voice amidst the myriad of thoughts that flood our minds. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, how can we distinguish the gentle whisper of God from the clamour of our own desires and the world around us? Let us turn to the Word of God for guidance and wisdom as we seek to deepen our understanding of hearing and discerning His voice.

I. God’s Desire to Communicate

- Scripture Foundation: In the beginning, God spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1:3). Throughout the Bible, we see God communicating with His people—through prophets, visions, dreams, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ.

- God desires a personal relationship with each of us, and communication is vital in nurturing this relationship. Just as a loving parent speaks to their child, our Heavenly Father longs to speak to us and guide our steps.

II. The Importance of Discernment

- Biblical Guidance: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Discernment is essential in distinguishing between God’s voice, our own thoughts, and the influences of the world.

- Our human nature is prone to selfish desires, fears, and doubts that can cloud our perception of God’s voice. By cultivating discernment through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking godly counsel, we can better recognize when God is speaking to us.

III. Ways God Speaks to Us

- The Still, Small Voice: Just as God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12), sometimes His voice comes quietly, prompting us in our hearts and minds. Being attuned to these subtle nudges requires a posture of listening and surrender.

- Through Scripture: The Bible is the primary means through which God reveals His will and character. When we align our thoughts with Scripture’s teachings, we position ourselves to hear God’s voice more clearly and accurately.

- Prayer and Meditation: By spending time in prayer and meditation, we open our hearts to commune with God, allowing Him to speak to us through impressions, thoughts, and a sense of His presence.

IV. Distinguishing God’s Voice

- Peace and Confirmation: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). When God speaks, His voice brings a sense of peace, assurance, and alignment with His Word.

- Consistency with Scripture: God’s voice will never contradict His Word. As we grow in knowledge and understanding of the Bible, we gain a solid foundation for discerning whether a thought aligns with God’s truth.

- Seeking Wise Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” When faced with uncertainty about a thought or direction we believe is from God, seeking counsel from mature believers can provide valuable perspective and confirmation.

V. The Practice of Discernment

- Cultivating a Listening Heart: In the busyness of life, it can be challenging to quiet our minds and listen to God’s voice. However, by prioritizing moments of stillness, reflection, and solitude, we create space for God to speak to us.

- Testing and Waiting: Patience is key in discerning God’s voice. Instead of rushing into decisions based on a fleeting thought, test them against Scripture, pray for clarity, and wait for confirmation before taking action.

- Surrendering to God’s Will: Discerning God’s voice requires a heart that is surrendered to His will. When we lay aside our own agendas and desires, we make room for God to lead and guide us in paths of righteousness.

- Through Circumstances: God often uses circumstances in our lives to guide and teach us. What may seem like a coincidence or random event could be God orchestrating His will for our benefit. By staying attentive and prayerful, we can discern His hand at work in our circumstances.

- Through Prayer and Reflection: Prayer and meditation allow us to quiet our hearts and minds, creating space for God to speak to us. As we pour out our thoughts, fears, and desires before Him, we open ourselves to receiving His guidance and wisdom.

- IV. Obstacles to Hearing God’s Voice

- Distractions: In a world filled with noise and busyness, it can be challenging to find moments of stillness to listen to God’s voice. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer, meditation, and silence is crucial in overcoming distractions.

- Doubt and Fear: Doubt and fear can hinder our ability to discern God’s voice, leading us to second-guess the promptings we receive. Cultivating trust in God’s faithfulness and seeking assurance through His Word can help us overcome these obstacles.

- V. Growing in Discernment

- Community: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and sound counsel is invaluable in our journey of discernment. Together, we can sharpen each other and confirm God’s leading in our lives.

- Practice and Persistence: Hearing God’s voice is a skill that develops over time through practice and persistence. As we engage in regular spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking quiet moments of reflection, we become more attuned to God’s voice and His leading.

Dear friends, we navigate the complexities of life and seek to discern God’s will; let us remember that He is always speaking to us, desiring to guide, comfort, and lead us in His perfect ways. May we approach the task of discerning His voice with humility, faith, and a willingness to surrender our own desires for the sake of His greater plan, In doing so, we will experience the joy and peace that come from walking in step with our loving and faithful God. May we approach the task of discerning God’s voice with humility, prayerfulness, and a deep longing to know and obey Him. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, cultivate discernment, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may we grow in our ability to differentiate between our own thoughts and the voice of God. Let us commit ourselves to the practice of listening, testing, and waiting on the Lord, trusting that He is faithful to lead us in ways that bring glory to His name and blessings to our lives. Amen.

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Cultivating and grooming spiritual gifts

ablaze — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:15:41 +0000

Believers are encouraged to actively cultivate and develop their spiritual gifts through various practices, as outlined in the teachings of the Bible:

1. Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7): Regular communication with God through prayer is essential for seeking His guidance and wisdom. Pray specifically for developing and manifesting your spiritual gifts, asking for clarity on how to best utilize them for God’s glory.

2. Studying the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17): The Bible serves as a comprehensive guidebook for believers, providing insight into spiritual gifts and their applications. Study relevant passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13 to deepen your understanding of your gifts.

3. Seeking Spiritual Mentors (Proverbs 27:17): Connect with mature believers who can offer guidance, mentorship, and encouragement in developing your spiritual gifts. Their insights and support can help you navigate challenges and doubts on your journey.

4. Serving Others (1 Peter 4:10): Use your spiritual gifts to serve others within your church or local community. By sharing and utilizing your gifts, you bless others and grow in your own gifting.

5. Being Open to God’s Leading (Proverbs 3:5-6): Remain open to God’s guidance in your life. He may lead you to step out of your comfort zone or try new things to further develop your gifts.

6. Practice and Experimentation (Hebrews 5:14): Once you identify your spiritual gifts, practice using them and explore different ways to express and enhance them. Through experimentation, you can grow and refine your abilities over time.

Remember, developing spiritual gifts is a lifelong journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a continual relationship with God. Stay connected to Him through prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers, trusting that He will guide and use your gifts for His divine purposes.

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