"Bread: Taken. Blessed. Broken. Given."

Luke 22:14-20
"When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Notes taken from Isaac Hunter's Sermon:

*"Jesus looks forward eagerly."
*"He uses an ordinary vessel (vehicle) for the extraordinary."
*"We are forgetful people- we do this to remember who He is and what He has done for us."
*"We live in a world that is about tomorrow. He doesn't want us to forget how much He loves us."
*"It helps us connect with the family of God."
*"It helps us be in that place where we remember the incredible love of Jesus."
*"Gave thanks- live a life of good response, something we do for the world around us."
I John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
*"We are chosen, not to the exclusion of others but on the behalf of others."
*"Think that I have the opportunity to serve. Make them understand that they are important to God. Serve not from the position of weakness but from the power of humility. Recognize your gifts and bring them to the table."
*"Humility is not thinking less of yourself rather it is thinking of yourself less."
*"Take root in the reality that God loves you, God created you."
*"Power poured out through weakness. The most powerful words are "me too".
*"Need more anguish than anger."

John 15:16
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Romans 11:33-36
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Matthew 11:27-29
"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Ephesians 2:13
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."

Personal Application:
What practices has God affirmed in my life? Taking communion has become a ritual. It has become something that you just do every once in a while. These passages of Scripture has given me the opportunity to realize and live what the Scripture says. I need to take the time to remember what God has done for me because He loves me. He eagerly desires for me to know that He loves me. Once I realize and acknowledge His love for me and remember what He has done for me, I want to share that with others. He has done the same for them.

Where in my life is God challenging me to take the next step? I feel that I need to share this with others. Remember that I am "chosen, not at the exclusion of others but on their behalf". I need to be bold on their behalf because of what God has done for me and for them. I need to remember what He did that day He died on the cross.