Communion Message
(Blessed)
April 14, 2002
Pastor Leighton Sheley

We find these words written by David as recorded for us in Psalm 32. And it begins; Blessed is he. That word blessed means joyous, happy, contented, at peace.

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in this heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Rejoice in the Lord and be glad.

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him. At times like these Scriptures tell us we should examine ourselves, and so this morning I would like to invite you to join with me as we kneel in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Lord, there are many among us this day who have tried to hide their sin from You. They have tried to remain silent. But all they've accomplished, Lord, is to have their strength dried up as the heat of a hot summer day. Lord this day we have chosen to come into Your presence, to be honest about our sin, to ask You for forgiveness and cleansing. Your word says if we confess our sins You're faithful and just to forgiveness are sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The elements that we hold remind us of the surety of Your promise. They remind us of the price that was paid for our forgiveness and salvation. Lord as we partake we now do so in remembrance of You. Let's partake of the bread and also the cup.

Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name, and all God's people said, amen. Let's stand and greet our neighbors this morning.