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Jesus Christ the same yesterday,
and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Surrendering to the Lord is not always easy at first, but to make a sacrifice unto him - in whichever form - is always worth it. We may be tempted to be caught up in worldly games and tactics, but if we shun from this and honor our God, it is doubly worth it, as he has promised, “For them that honor me I will honor.” The Lord is even gracious enough to provide us with all that we need to serve him honourably. For us to be perfected in service, he has given us the church, his Word, and the gift of holy Spirit. This enables us to get closer to his fullness, while we trust in his Lordship. He is our source of life and fulfillment, and there is not greater seat of learning than at the Master's feet. A Master who, out of his perfect love, gave his life for us so that we could be spared from certain death and receive eternal life. Every time we take Communion we give him the glory and honor he deserves, as long as we do it in faith. We pray that we can grasp the great victory which was won by his sacrifice on the cross. When we soberly think on these things, we should be compelled to have a truly repentant heart - a heart that has been examined in the light of God's eternal truth, a heart that acknowledges that we can eat and drink worthily because our righteousness is in Christ. All praise, glory, and honor to his name because he is worthy to be praised. Amen.

For this child I prayed; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshiped the LORD there. (1 Sam. 1:27-28)

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the innocent. (Rom. 16:18)

Therefore the LORD God of Israel says, I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me forever: but now the LORD says, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Sam. 2:30)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

(2 Cor. 5:17)

And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Rom. 12:2-3)

Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling fragrance. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not fitting: but rather giving of thanks. (Eph. 5:1-4)

Teach me to do your will; for you are my God: your Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Revive me, O LORD, for your name's sake: for your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. (Ps. 143:10-11)

But you, when you pray, enter into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.(Mat. 6:6)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Prov. 3:5-7)

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it; For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Mat. 26:26-28)

[A Psalm of David.] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; (Ps. 103:1-3)

Whosoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. As the living Father has sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live forever. (John 6:54-58)