Standing Firm

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.                                                                                                     - Revelation 20:6

There are a number of thoughts on the meaning of the 'first resurrection'. For some, the first resurrection is the rapture of the church. But not all share in this idea. Other believers think of the first resurrection as their baptism. This is where this writer falls. That doesn't mean other beliefs are wrong, only that my baptism saved me from death; hence a resurrection.

I read that the first resurrection is the heavenly life of souls who have died in Christ before His second coming. That's you and me when we die; it is our loved ones who believed and lived their lives as Children of God.

Luke 21:19 "Stand firm and you will win life."  To me, standing firm is daily living up to my baptism, my resurrection from darkness into light. Recently I have been reading through my journals from the past 20 years. They are quite eye-opening.

At the beginning of this adventure, I was trying to learn more about myself and my faith journey. I can say that this reading material has blessed me with the realization that God has been chasing me down for years. Initially I was under the impression that my relationship with Jesus began to grow in 2008, but in fact it was bubbling way back in 2001.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

                                                                                                                            (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Rise and Shine!

We all have morning routines, those things we do as we begin our day. Some of us get up slowly, hitting the snooze numerous times. Others, don't even need/use and alarm clock, but we are programmed to wake around the same time each day. Some of us will head to the kitchen to press the button which will brew the coffee before even letting the dog outside for a moment.

Those of us who have waited at the bedside of a loved one, knowing time was short, recognize just how miraculous it is just to great each morning by opening our eyes. Waking up each day is a big thing!  But it is one of those happenings we take for granted…until the routine changes. 

Every morning, when my eyes open for the first time, and I breathe in the first breath of the day I have an opportunity to wake up Spiritually as well. I know of some folks who immediately thank God for their new day, the fresh chance to do good, to change bad habits for loving practices; to make right, yesterday’s wrongs. We have a moment when the day is alive with opportunity to do the 'next best thing.'

I was baptized as an infant, just a couple weeks after my birth. I never considered that event, my baptism, as an awakening. But truly, that is just what it is. No matter what age you are when baptized, it is the day the Holy Spirit is awakened in us. The day the Spirit of God begins His work in us and through us.

John 3:5-8

First Words

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27

Do you remember the first words you spoke as a baby? Probably not, but odds are your parents do. According to a recent survey, 87% of you began speaking with some variation of “dada” or “mama.” The third most common word was some variation of “Hiya!” 

First words are important. They establish relationship. They greet and welcome. They set the course for what is to follow.

And so it continues into adulthood. “Good morning, mom!” “Welcome home, honey!” “Glad to see you, brother!” “How can I help you, sir?” “What do you want?!!!” “Where have you been?!!!” “Excuse me, in what aisle can I find the aspirin?” 

Every time you see someone, you exchange first words, for better or for worse, and the course of your interaction is set. When we pray to our God, it is no different.

My first prayer each day always begins with these words: “Heavenly Father, Sovereign Lord, Holy Spirit ... Thank you for this new day of your creation. Your grace and your mercy are fresh every morning.”

I love these words. They identify my God as triune: my father, my lord, and my guiding spirit. When I give thanks, my heart opens to receive what God has prepared for me on this new day. In recalling his grace and his mercy, I am freed from my past sins and clothed again with the light of Christ. As a shower cleans the body, so these words clean my soul. 

What are your first words for God when you wake up in the morning?

Baptism by Fire

1 Corinthians 6:11

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A11&version=NIV;NLT

 

Have you ever felt like you’ve been baptized by fire? When I started in insurance sixteen years ago, I didn’t know anything. Limits of liability, med pay, and uninsured motorist bodily injury were terms that made my eyes glaze over. Probably not too different from what your eyes are doing right now.

 

Baptism by fire is when you are learning something the hard way. It might be because you’ve been thrown into a situation that you aren’t prepared for; or you’re just facing a very difficult circumstance in life. But here’s how John the Baptist spoke of  it.

 

¹¹ “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.            Matthew 3 NLT

 

Baptism by fire includes the death of our old nature. It doesn’t matter what sinful behavior we acted out in the past, or will do in the present or future; we are forgiven.

 

A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list (of sinful behavior). Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.         1 Corinthians 6:11 MSG

 

Baptism by fire for you may have come as the result of the death of a loved one; the loss of a friend; being let go or looked over at work; diagnosis of a deadly disease; or dealing with an addiction. You don’t feel prepared; nobody educated you on how to deal with something like this. Yet here it is.

 

Just know that through Jesus’ Baptism by Fire he has made it possible for you to live a new life, free from the power of sin; free to love and to serve him. He gives you hope; gives you a fresh start; gives you renewed purpose.

 

We’re not perfect… just forgiven.

 

 

 

Water and the Word

Titus 3:3-7

Who knew baptism was such a controversial topic?  Well, lots of people, but I figured baptism is baptism, no matter when, where or how.  I've come to learn that the means and meaning of baptism have embroiled the church since the 16^th Century.  

My own baptism story is a little different.  In the Catholic church, a baby is typically baptized within a few months of birth.  I, on the other hand, can remember my baptism because I was several years old.  I don’t recall consciously deciding to say “Yes” to God, but I did know something special was happening inside St. Mary's that day.

As I got older, I learned I had taken part in a sacred sacrament that washed away sin and offered salvation.  Then in the 8^th grade, during my Confirmation, I renewed my baptismal promises, this time wholly acknowledging what I was saying “Yes” to. 

Fast forward to my children’s baptism.  Again, things happened a little bit different because my son was eight and my daughter, five.  They too have vivid memories of the day the benefits of baptism were bestowed upon them.

Preparation for today’s reading lead me to do some digging and learning about the history of baptism.  It also pointed me to Luther’s Small Catechism, which I didn’t have growing up.  Luther uses Titus to answer the question, How can water do such great things?

…For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)

For me, the bottom line is… through baptism we are saved, “not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (v.5).  And whether we’re six weeks or 60 years, when water and the word combine, we are renewed in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for the blessings of baptism!

      

Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” -Luke 3:21-22

Do you remember the day you were baptized?  It was September 19, 1981 I was 9 years old and my father stood next to me getting baptized as well.  I remember being so excited.  I wanted God to have control of my life.  I saw him as my protector, someone I could go to with anything. 

It's funny, I still feel that way today, but those feelings really stand out in my memory on that day.  Our scripture passage today tells us that, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”  Why?  Jesus was perfect.  He did not need to repent.  He did not need his sins forgiven.  He was living a perfect life without need of a Savior.  He was the Savior!

So why was he baptized?  I believe it was an act of obedience.  The father wanted him to be baptized to show us what to do and to be introduced from Heaven.  Scripture says, “heaven opened up and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well please.’”

Did you know, the Holy Spirit did not fill many people in the Old Testament the way he does today. When we read the Old Testament, we see a few people such as Joshua, Saul, David and limited others who God said the Spirit was in.

The Holy Spirit was sent after Jesus resurrection, to help us communicate with God. Now when we accept Christ into our heart, it is the Holy Spirit who takes up residence.  When you pray, it’s the Holy Spirit who takes those prayers to the throne of the Father. 

It is the Holy Spirit who we feel moving in us comforting us, directing us, and convicting us of sin; leading us to repentance.  Just as the Holy Spirit came down and rested on Jesus, he has come down to all who believe in Christ and confess him as Lord.  

We can trust that God will be there for us.  He knows what is happening in our lives and we have a counselor guiding us everyday.

Good Job Joe Boy

Matthew 3:13-17

The last football game that my Dad ever saw me play I wanted to make him proud. It was my senior year of high school, but my parents were moving to Kentucky while I stayed in Michigan. This was it; my final chance to win his approval; to make him proud. My last chance to hear him say, “Good job Joe Boy”.

With those four words he could have sent me on my way ready to tear down walls. After all, this was going to be a big change for me. I wouldn’t be living with my parents anymore. The people who had raised me, provided for me and made my life secure were moving, leaving me behind. Fear, insecurity and the anxiety of the unknown all waited for me like a dark closet in my bedroom.

Imagine how Jesus might have felt as he approached his cousin John about baptizing him. He was about to set out on his earthly ministry. We don’t know how much of the specifics Jesus knew of what awaited him, but for sure he had at least an inclination that a painful, sacrificial death would end his life. That by itself, would be more than enough for fear, insecurity and anxiety to stop him in his tracks.

 ^16-17 “The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”                       MSG

With these words, God affirmed His son. He gave Jesus the strength and courage to go forward. He gave him the love and affirmation to face an unknown future that promised to hold both miraculous events and painful ones. He lifted Jesus up to prepare him for three years of high-intensity spiritual battles.

I never heard my Dad say those words to me: “Good job Joe Boy”. But every time that I read God’s word, He says them to me. Every year when I celebrate the birth of His son, He says them to me. Every Easter when I remember the risen Christ, He says them to me. Every worship song that I sing, He says them to me.

 He says the same message to you. “You are my Son, my daughter, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” By saying this, He gives you the courage and strength to face your fears, insecurities and anxiety of an unknown future.

What Will Be Your Next Step?

“Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”

 

This comes from today’s reading, Romans 5:1-11.

 

What a great privilege it is to be justified, that is, to be right before God. To know that because of Jesus’ death our sins no longer count in God’s eyes. To know that we will spend eternity in heaven. What a blessing it is indeed.

 

Take a second and recall how you came to be justified.

 

Typical of the time, for me it was at my baptism. My parents had me baptized a few weeks after my birth, and my parents also ensured I attended Confirmation classes 12 years later.

 

God justified me through the church my parents attended at the time.

 

The percentage of the population attending church is down compared to a half century ago when I was baptized. Some have opined that with the breakdown of the American family comes a reduction in church attendance. Others have said that there are too many competing activities and many times these activities win out over church attendance.

 

Whatever the reason, the church still has the job of proclaiming the Gospel and finding God’s souls.

 

And since fewer people are coming to church, the church must go where the people are!

 

In the past, we thought of mission as being overseas. Many would give money to fund a missionary’s work in a foreign land. Mission was done by paid professionals. But now, the mission field is also here at home, in our community.

 

The church consists of people, mostly justified people. It is up to these people, including you and I, to find God’s souls. 

 

As justified souls, we know Jesus. We need to go with Jesus and share the Good News in our neighborhoods.

 

You are justified.

 

What will be your next step?

 

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Tuesday post by Diane Ward

Daily Scripture Reading Matthew 3:1-12 (NIV)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

(Matthew 3:1-3) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah. A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (Matthew 3:17)"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The traditional Mediterranean culture of Jesus’ time stressed honor and shame. In baptism, Jesus

relinquished his rightful honor to embrace our shame. After Jesus' public act of humility, God publicly identified Jesus as his own son. Matthew 3:17 (NIV) “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”

Baptism is not a means to repentance but rather an act of obedience that follows our choice to turn our lives toward Jesus in repentance. Baptism declares our faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection symbolizing death to our old life. Baptism announces and celebrates our new life in Christ, and our inclusion in God’s family.

Imprinted on my heart forever is the morning I was baptized. The pastor asked me if I had given my heart to Jesus and repented of my sin. As I said “yes” he covered my nose and mouth and dipped me into the water. Although I was a bit scared at age 7 of being lowered into the water, my heart simply knew that I wanted to belong to Jesus. The pastor shook my hand and welcomed me as an “ageless and equal member” into the family of God.

Is baptism optional for the believer? Let’s look at Matthew 28:19. “ Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Come on in, the water’s just fine!

Are You A Servant-Leader?

Recently Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of the Popeyes, wrote a book on servant-leadership. Dare to Serve: How to Drive Superior Results While Serving Others is a case study of the turn-around of the restaurant chain. Cheryl gives credit to her team, which instilled a culture of focusing on franchise owners, and serving them.

 

Cheryl gives her definition of a servant-leader and even defines their characteristics and values. Their overarching mission is to demonstrates great humility, while having the will to do the “right things”.

 

Today’s reading is John 13:1-17. It is Maundy Thursday and Jesus is about to celebrate the Passover Feast with his disciples. This is an important event, and his disciples had just bathed. Arriving at the feast wearing sandals, their feet and ankles were dusty.  Customarily, a servant would wash the guests’ feet before the meal.

 

Jesus, no ordinary servant, washed his disciples’ feet!

 

This great story is meaningful at many different levels. Jesus came to wash our sin-soiled souls, not our bodies. Jesus washed our sins away on our baptism. The disciples’ pre-feast bath is analogous to baptism.

 

As baptized saints, we still walk in a sinful world. We need spiritual refreshment – the Lord’s Supper, introduced during the Passover Feast. The foot washing is analogous to Holy Communion.

 

Jesus was the leader of the disciples, and continues in that role today for the entire church. Demonstrating humility, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. He served them.

 

Jesus served his church by dying on the cross, the greatest humiliation known in the Roman Empire. Jesus could have used his authority to save himself and to remove our sin in some other manner, but this was not his Father’s Will. Rather, Jesus humbled himself and served us by suffering death.  Jesus, the world’s greatest servant-leader, did the "right thing”.

 

What should our response be? To be a servant-leader, of course.

 

There will be times when we need to put our own wills aside and focus on the needs of others. We need to carry out Jesus’ Will, not our own. We need to serve others so that we can do the “right thing” and spread the Good News of Eternal Life.

 

Are you a servant-leader?

 

Matthew 28:19

     

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Like last Sunday, and the Sunday after this one, we will remain in Matthew 28. The message is so significant, one day is not nearly enough to communicate its power and intensity. So again, we are reminded of....................................... "The Great Commission." 

                                

Matthew 27 tells of the torment Jesus endured before and during His crucifixion. According to “The Journey” bible: The instant Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was miraculously torn. This curtain had separated the innermost part of the temple from all people except the high priest, and he could enter only once a year. In tearing the curtain, God signified that Jesus’ sacrificial death removed the barrier and opened the way to give people direct access to Him. Anyone can come into the presence of God.

We are all His children, yet many on this earth are not aware of His mercy and grace. Multitudes are still oblivious of what baptism means, and the promise that is ours when we turn our lives over to God. This relationship with The Father may be ours, and it may be wonderful, yet offering this opportunity to others is what makes this gift complete.

Jesus was drawn to the corrupt. He would seek out the lost and abandon. The son of God was in search of sinners who often were oblivious to their sin until they met Him. The love and peace of our Lord that lies within a relationship with Him awaits every person on this earth, but how will they know if we don’t tell them?

Read/Listen to Matthew 28:19

Team Jesus

I have been a member of many teams throughout my life. Some were sports teams while others were associated with my occupation.  I always had a reason to be on a team; sometimes it was enjoyment, sometimes it was to develop new skills and other times it was because my boss told me to be on a team. (Continued employment is a strong motivator!)

In my years of studying teams, I have learned that successful teams have members with the right skills and the team has specific goals.

Today’s reading is from Acts 2:36-47. It is just after Pentecost and St. Peter is encouraging people to join Team Jesus.  He reminds them that even though the human race has rejected God, God, because he abounds in love, still wants them to be on the team. Being a benefactor of this great love is but one of the many benefits of being on Team Jesus.

We join Team Jesus when we are baptized. The Holy Spirit enters us and provides us with faith, which in turn makes us “acceptable to God.” The Holy Spirit also gives us spiritual gifts and skills that equip us to do the work of Team Jesus.

We also know that Team Jesus continues to learn God’s Word. Through study, members better understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit which enables them to develop them further.  Reading God’s Word also helps members to understand the goals of the team.

So what are these goals? Today’s reading alludes to three, though there are others. Love and serve the Lord (Matt 22:37), care for each other (Matt 22:39), and share the Good News of Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18).

If you are not yet a member of Team Jesus, I encourage you to learn more about the team. If you are already a member of the team, tell someone about the blessings of God through Jesus Christ.

I can think of no better way to spend eternity than with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Faith in the Son - 1 John 5:1-12

Do you know your Baptism date?  The pastor at a church I once attended encouraged his congregation to make a big deal of this date.  He went so far as to say this date was more important to celebrate than our birthday.  At the time I thought this an interesting idea, but never totally bought into it.  

As I get older (maybe wiser too), I recognize the value of this practice for certainly the day we become truly alive - alive in Christ - is a day to party.  Yesterday was my daughter Katie and husband Dave's baptism day.  As I was journaling that point I was struck by the fact that were it not for Dave's baptism I would not have the hope and joy in the knowledge we will be together again.

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)

Who are you rejoicing about today?  Who do you know that has gone to be with Jesus and you will see again?  Is there someone in your life now who needs this gift?  Let's Build Up God's Community by sharing Jesus' story and His love.

Read the 1 John 5:1-12 text here.

Acts 19:1-22

I am trying to share a point with to help you relate what these verses mean and make them more clear, but I am drawing a blank.  The only thing I am thinking at this point is the time when I knew who Jesus was, I understood Him to be my Savior.  I knew all the things taught to me in catechism classes, but I didn't really care; it made no difference to me.  It is difficult to admit that and write the words here.

But, (thankfully there is a but), at some point I began to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus and that changed everything for me.  My baptism became important to me and I learned to call upon the Holy Spirit for clarity when reading the Word of God.


While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
   They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts 19:1-2)


This appears to be another lesson on the importance of The Holy Spirit to our salvation.  The baptism so many had received was from John when he was preparing the way for Jesus; a baptism of repentance--turning from sin and embracing clean living.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a sign of new life in Christ.  Like Apollos, these people needed more instruction into the life and ministry of Jesus.  Just like me and probably like you too.

Read Acts 19:1-22 here.

Do As I Say AND As I Do. Matthew 3:11-17

Have you had people in your life who have set a good example for you? As I think about the people in my life who have made the greatest impact, I keep going back to the ones who taught me through their actions.

My mother is one of those people.

I don’t think I have ever heard her say, “I am who I am, and I’m not going to change.” No, she has constantly set a good example for me. Whether it was when she quit smoking, lost weight or started to pursue a new passion, she taught me that there’s no excuse if I want to change something in my life.

She sets a wonderful example for me today in how she is caring for my sick father. I know she has rough days, but she told me the other day that this is her life and she is going to live it. Wow!

Our scripture verse today has Jesus setting the example for us by being baptized. He didn’t need to be baptized in order to receive the Holy Spirit, but he was. Jesus wants us to be imitators of him. We not only see and try to duplicate the impact he had while serving others, we also see the importance of being baptized through his baptism.

I hope you have people in your life that set great examples for you. Remember that you too should be setting an example for those in your life, just as Jesus set the example for us.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway Matthew 3:11-17

Apollos to Corinth - Acts 18:17-28

For years, Paul Harvey hosted a popular radio program called "The Rest of the Story."  This broadcast was famous for searching out people or situations many were familiar with and digging even deeper for more information.  The broadcaster would present an account to the audience that was familiar to most listeners.  He would build up the tension, laying out facts widely known. Then, just before delivering the punch, there would be a commercial break preceded by the words, "In a moment...the rest of the story."

It is this type of situation we find ourselves in today, as we journey to Ephesus with Paul and his missionary team consisting of Aquila and Priscilla.  While in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila heard a young Jewish man named Apollos, speak in the synagogue. They invited the man to their home and instructed him more fully about Jesus.

It seems Apollos knew of John the Baptist and the repentance he preached so boldly, but did fully understand everything about Baptism.  Once his mentors taught him about Jesus Christ's death, resurrection and our resulting salvation, he was fully equipped.  He knew the rest of the story and could share it with others. And he did.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would put someone in my path to share Your wisdom with me.  I pray too that I be equipped to mentor disciples for You as well.   Amen.


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