Baptizm, What's the big deal?...

I would like to talk a little bit about the fact that I am being baptized on Sunday at church.  Baptism is not something that I have given much thought before the last couple of weeks.  I was baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Church as part of the initiation rites.  While it was a lovely ceremony, I don’t think I quite grasped the importance of it at that point.  Even now I think I am struggling a little as to what the importance of it is.  I am saved, something I have no doubt of, God is actively working in my life, I am inhabited by the holy spirit who leads me daily and I have given over my life to the Lord and strive to be completely obedient to His direction for my life.  So, what is the big deal with baptism?

 

I have dug in a little bit and found a couple of verses and some interesting points of view that have helped me understand a little bit better why I need to take this step.

1.       In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit ….”

 

2.       “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”  Romans 6:3-6

 

3.       “God’s people should be baptized because God commanded it, not because some church requires it.” ~ John R. Rice

So here is why I am being baptized.

             I am being baptized because Jesus commissioned it and God commands it. I am being baptized as an act of humility and submission to God.  I am obeying His command and showing those around me a symbol of my faithfulness and desire to be Christ-like in all that I do.

             As you well know I am a bit hard headed and it usually takes a little nudging at the very least for me to pay attention to what God is directing me to do.  Well I have been working on this and truly feel that I am improving in that area.  As an act of obedience and in an effort to do the right thing before I am “made” to, I am getting baptized on Sunday.

 
And now why are you waiting?

Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,

calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 22:16

Blessings, Blessings, and More Blessings!

Well I know I have been missing for a couple of weeks, so I thought I would stop in to let everyone know that I am doing great. :)  I have had so many amazing things happen to me over the last few weeks. 

I was totally blessed to be involved with the planning of my church's fall banquet for women, "Bless Your Heart".  It was such a great event and the guest speaker gave some awesome words on being astounded by God!  I love serving and seeing others blessed by my obedience.

I was also used to bless a young woman who works at my son's daycare center. She hasn't been able to get her driver's license renewed and so has to take a taxi to and from work everyday.  The spirit urged me to offer her a ride last week and was able to bless her by giving her a ride home! 

God is allowing my faith to be tested as well this month.  My ex-husband finally obtained an attorney after my divorce was finalized and they have filed a "Motion to Vacate", which basically means that they are trying to get the judge to take back his decision to grant my request for divorce so that we have to go through all the arguing and fighting and stuff.  The only reason I can think that they have done this is because it was the only avenue open to them at this point for a chance to have the visitation changed in regard to my son without having to complete the things the judge ordered in the Divorce Judgement.  I am not at all worried about it.  I know that my God is in control and if a fight is what is required so be it. He has a plan and I am not about to try and second guess him.  I am not nearly smart enough to figure this out!

Finally, I have started following the teachings of Dave Ramsey! I am so excited about this part of my new journey.  I am making some big changes to my living situation in order to pay off the debt that will not be included in my bankruptcy.  It will be a drastic change, but if I can stick it out then I will hopefully be debt free within the next 2 1/2 to 3 years! I will then be able to work towards finding a home big enough for Deuce and I.  I cannot tell you how excited I get to do my budget every week and fund my envelope system. It is such a blessing to be able to do this and know that I am blessed with enough that I don't have to make the difficult decisions some families are faced with every month when they budget thier income.

Over all my life is supremely blessed and I am so thankful for all that God has done and continues to do in my life to not only bring me closer to him but also to guide me down the path he has for my life.  As we begin this holiday season over the next several weeks I hope you will be aware of God's presence around you and remember that as he has blessed you so greatly that you are to bless those who you come into contact with as well.

But those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

                                    Isaiah  40:31 (NIV)