More
Do this in remembrance of Me.
I love those words. They remind me that I have something important to remember.
There was a point in my life last October when I realized that even though I thought I was living a life connected with God...I really wasn't. My words told people and even myself that I was. My heart was far from Him. My days were quickly diverted with tasks. My beliefs were easily taken over by internal fears. My authenticity was sometimes a masquerade that I hid behind, afraid that who I really was might not be accepted. My center, my core-where I desired to focus on God's intimate presence-was so easily thrown off balance by everyday "stuff." Something was missing. There had to be more. I remember asking God time and time again last year, "God, please show me a new way. A new way of doing this life."
It was right around that time that a friend of mine introduced me to a song by Shane & Shane. I love lyrics so I contemplated the lyrics and how they fit with my current life experience.
"I Miss You" (Shane & Shane)
Put down your paper plate
Come to the table made
Deep blue china
Found on the table by the wine
So fine
It brings out flavor
Like You bring out color in life
Oh, I miss You so
The feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know
It hurts to remember
Unfortunately high
Ironically dissatisfied
I miss You
I miss You
Oh, I miss You so
The feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know
It hurts to remember
I had a fleeting thought this morning
And I mentioned you today
It breaks my heart just to know You in part
And not to be with You where You are
**********************************************************************
A change has happened. God has answered my prayer and has revealed His "new way of living" to me. I have learned to open myself to Him in honesty and to receive from Him all that He is. A healing has taken place...and His work in me continues. This is not always easy or comfortable...but I am committed to all that He wants to do with my life...so I have no choice but to go "there." Something has been built in me. I now intentionally give myself to the Lord each morning in prayer [an assignment from one of my classes on discipline]. The focus that is coming out of that daily regimen and "laying down" of my life has been amazing. Some of the words from the prayer are, "Here I am, Lord. I present myself to You...just as I am. I just want to be with you. I know that I am your child." There is a lot behind those words...if they are more than words to you.
So, today I was thinking about this all as I took some time away. I've started to do that at least once a week...it's so good. During that time I was reminded to go back to a poem that I wrote during a 48-hour solitude retreat last year that was required for a class. As I went back through the words that the Lord spoke to me, I saw how He "joined" with me last year in a powerful way...and continues that act each day. It's evidence that He desires our hearts and our deepest parts. It's true that He wants to offer us life to the fullest. We just have to choose Him before the rest of life gets in the way. Some of you have asked to read some of the poems that I wrote last spring and summer. Here is one that was written on the shores of Hume Lake while sharing a time of communion with My Father. May it remind you of His love and commitment to you. I hope it compels you to choose Him first.
“This Is The More” (from a personal solitude retreat at Hume Lake Bible Camp)
By: Charity M. Bolden
inspired by Luke 22
do this in remembrance of Me
accept this holy invitation
to bring yourself to My table
to dine with Me
just as you are
you may not know the nourishment
that I have to offer
this meal is more than food
a feast; a fullness awaits
prepared in advance for all who want to commune
and live free
a memorial of a deep love that was given;
one life exchanged for a whole world
otherwise condemned
there is a fine wine
waiting to quench your thirst
aged and sacrificed for your years
take this cup
the bread has been broken
a symbol of a body bruised and beaten
now, these pieces offer you life
let us break bread together
thirst no more
this is the more
savor the wine on your lips
blood shed at a cost
tears wept above
hunger no more
this is the more
taste the bread on your tongue
a hero’s flesh pierced in service
now united forever in enduring pain
today, in this moment
come and join with Me
kneel by the rock, My table
I want you to know
I want to offer you life anew
again
let Me feed you
let Me fill you
let Me renew you
let Me cleanse you
let Me love you
as a Father does…
let Me carry you to My table
this dinner is different
it’s Me
offering all I am
if you choose to partake
take time to reflect
let my love resonate throughout your being
look across the lake
in this moment, our own upper room
my love looms around you
as you take me in
tears stain your cheeks
for you know you are Mine
never a stranger, but cherished family
only the best for you
only the finest
beauty breaks forth as
the broken receive
what I know they need
forever freedom
countless covenants
life changing victories
lift your head-
let me look in your eyes, child
I am here
I knew that you’d need Me daily
just come and be
just sit and eat
taste and enjoy
all of Me
is
now
all
yours
Reflection:
In what ways do you practice daily remembrance of what God has done for you?
What parts of the song and poem resonated with you the most? Do you know why?
What does communion mean to you?
What is “the more” that God has for you?
Have you received it fully?
Journeying Together,
C