"Not in Control Anymore..."

A mother in our local church recently shared this story with me about a conversation she had with her young son about the meaning of public baptism:

Nicholas has been talking about baptism a lot lately and I think he has a good understanding. A few months ago when we were camping we tubed down a river. Nicholas and I were floating together and we were talking about being washed clean. I told him about baptism and what it means to let others know about the decision you have made to be a follower of Jesus with your whole heart, body, and soul. I guess I probably used some big words. When I asked him to tell me in his own words what he thought it meant – he said, “I can’t remember those big words you used Mom, but I think it means that I tell everyone that Nicholas is not in control of Nicholas anymore, but God is in control of Nicholas”.

Out of the mouths of babes…

Click here: Twila Paris - God Is In Control - YouTube

The words of this hymn, "My Wonderful Lord," also come to mind:

"I have found a deep peace that I never had known,
And a joy this world could not afford.
Since I yielded control of my body and soul,
To my wonderful, wonderful Lord."

I am so glad we can "yield control' to God.
Grateful

"Happy Anniversary" -- Cord of Three Strands

This morning I called to say "Happy Anniversary" to my dad and mom. "Happy Anniversary Captain Billy and Lady Melba." Today marks 52 years of marriage for them. I am so grateful for their passionate love for God and for one another and for the model of perseverance in their "til-death-do-us-part" real romantic, love-relationship.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
-- Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV 1984)

Grateful for three-stranded longevity -- God, husband, and wife.
Billy and Melba's oldest son I am

Absolutely Necessary

(43) "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. (45) In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust. (46) If you love those who love you, do you deserve a reward? Even the tax collectors do that! (47) Are you doing anything remarkable if you welcome only your friends? Everyone does that! (48) That is why you must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.
-- Words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 5:43-48 (GWT)

The Holy Spirit must dwell in the Christian, bringing us to the full experience of the life of God.
-- Andrew Murray

Because Holy God calls us to inward holiness, a continuous work of the Holy Spirit of God within us is absolutely necessary.
-- William Law paraphrased

Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee!
Grateful

Totally Carefree Yet Very Sincerely

Yesterday, as I was exiting the Church of the Nazarene open-air tabernacle where I have been teaching our Lord's "Sermon on the Mount" for this past week near Pittsburgh, PA., a darling, five-year-old little girl skipped joyfully past me singing totally carefree yet very sincerely and loud enough for all to hear these words:

"Today, is the day, YOU have made.
I will rejoice, I'm glad in it.!"

My soul began to leap within me.

Unless we become as little children...
Grateful

Let Us Not Lack Large-Hearted Love

In many cases our prayers are limited to the work that we take interest in. There is a lack of large-hearted love that takes all the saints (of the world) in its embrace. The strength of unity is something inconceivable. Nothing can help us to an ever-larger faith as much as the awareness of being one body in Christ Jesus.
-- Andrew Murray

(1) When Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover, came, all the believers were together in one place. (4a) All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit...
-- Acts 2:1&4a (GWT)

Let's be one in the Spirit of God's Love.
Grateful

Holiness Shall Whisper

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God’s approval.
They will be satisfied.
-- Matthew 5:6 (GWT)

Are you hungry for holiness today? More than just working for the kingdom are you worshipping the King? As we live in a right relationship with Holy God, let's be encouraged by this line from a great old hymn of the church:

Lead on, O King Eternal, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
-- “Lead On, O King Eternal” by Ernest W. Shurtleff

Holiness unto The LORD!
Grateful

Never Grow "So" Weary...

As true believers of Christ we must never grow so weary of a self-centered society that we cease to live selflessly as Christ did. Too often it is easy for true believers to forget that living exclusively for the Audience of One, Holy God, really is the only life that brings fulfillment for forever.

(16) We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. (17) These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. (18) Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.
-- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (CEV)

By Faith! In Faith! (Hebrews 11)
Grateful