Mold Me, Shape Me, Anyway You Want.

Acts 19:1-7

The Message (MSG)

Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?”

The Message version of this text helps me understand these words better.  The difference between the baptism of John and a baptism in the name of Jesus is the Holy Spirit. I love the description used above; "John preached a baptism of radical life-change." Then declaring, "You are now ready for the real thing, for Jesus."

Thinking back many years I know I experienced a radical life-change.  When I first began to understand what having a personal relationship with Jesus meant, the change was radical.  Then, years later, as Jesus continued to mold and shape me there was another radical change.

I suspect these changes will continue as long as I take in new breaths each day. Every experience in life causes change and many of these changes are adjustments to my heart.  Major course corrections in my life, all drawing me closer to God.

Can you pinpoint your radical life-change? Is there a before and after picture somewhere?  What about now?  Is there more molding and shaping currently happening in your life?  If so, it is a good thing.  God has a new plan for you and he just needs to tweak things a bit to prepare you for an incredible ride.

 Acts 19:1-7