Let us Break Bread...

There is just something about good food and good conversation that go together nicely! I had a great weekend doing both a lot of talking and a lot of eating. I truly believe there is something special about gathering around a dinner table that lends itself to good conversation--no television, no ringing cell phones, no interuptions, just good ole fashion conversing! As a poor seminarian, it is also a blessing when people invite me to dinner. I not only see that as an opportunity to fellowship, but as God's provision for a meal! Amen!

I started thinking about the Biblical and spiritual implications of eating and fellowship and immediately I see images of Christ and the Last Supper and the Great Wedding Banquet that will take place in the eschaton. Just think, when Christ comes back for His Bride (the Church), we are going to have one large pot-luck (Isaiah 25:6-7)!

The first century Christians in the book of Acts left us a great example. These Christians were devoted to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and one other important element: prayer. Take a look at this account of the Christians in the book of Acts:

They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.
Acts 2:42, 46-47

How often do we 21st century Christians experience all three of these: fellowship, food, and prayer? I think probably not too often, but we sure do need it. This weekend when I experienced this, it truly warmed my heart and ministered to my soul because I experienced all three. Before leaving my friends Chawn and Julie's house after a great meal and fellowship, they offered to pray before we concluded our night together. What a blessing!

This just reminded me that the next time I get together to break bread with friends or family to remember fellowship and prayer as a part of that time. As we all eagerly approach Thanksgiving next month, let us consider how we can minister to others even before that day by fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Images from New Orleans

A Silent Prayer

Remember images like these from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005? Seems just like yesterday the catastrophe hit New Orleans. However, if I were one of these people in the picture, I imagine it would feel like one of the longest years of my life.

I remember watching the news for weeks after the hurricane hit and having a deep desire to want to go and do something to help. I wanted so badly to do my part as an American, as a human being, and as a Christian for the victims of Katrina.

Well, I had no idea one year later that silent prayer would be answered. I leave for a mini-mission trip to New Orleans tomorrow! I'm so excited, and so humbled to be a part of the reorganization and clean-up of New Orleans. We're going to be working with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, and going down the the French Quarters District to do some street evangelism!

Should be a weekend of fun, serving, and good fellowship. Please pray for God to be glorified, safe travels, and for lives to be touched by the outpouring of people who desire to minister as Christ's hands and feet in New Orleans.

I promise to update on Monday when I return!