Not Forever

We've been having some great discussions in the Wednesday night Bible study. I find myself learning something new every week, seeing scripture and people -- including me -- from new perspectives.

One of the gold nuggets I found this week is in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The devil came to tempt Jesus, misusing the promises of scripture in attempt to get him to compromise into doing wrong. Jesus responded each time by standing his ground and doing what was right. "Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him" (Matthew 4:11).

It was a good reminder that difficult times do not last forever. Grief, temptation, anger -- all of these wax and wane. Standing firm just a little longer, especially when it seems too much, provides space for victory.

It reminds me, too, of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

"Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything,

to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).

-- Debi

Communion

Mark and I went to church in Portland this past Sunday.  Before Pastor Bill served Communion there, he talked about that word.  "Communion" speaks of sharing and relationship.  When we take the bread and juice together in this symbolism-rich meal, it is a powerful reminder of relationships with God and with each other, made possible through Jesus Christ. And it was not just those of us in that room of that church building at that time.  On that morning, I was struck by how the act of receiving Communion connected us with our home church, others with whom we have worshiped throughout our lives, and even people we've never met.  I am grateful for this gift of relationship, and want to honor it.

-- Debi