40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. Luke 2:40
As you come up from the waters of baptism, you rise cleansed, refreshed and renewed. No more sin, difficulties, temptations, sadness, anger, harsh words or unclean hearts, right? All is good, the flesh is dead and the Holy Spirit awakened. True; but, the world did not make the same decision that day. The world will bring trial and tribulation upon flesh. The flesh will fail; but, take heart God is strength. The Holy Spirit activated within provides guidance, sustenance and joy.
Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing. Scripture tells of His growing time in order to become strong, filled with wisdom and receiving the grace of His Father. Why would the situation be any different for us? Arising from the waters of baptism, life here on Earth continues. We must grow in wisdom in order to be strong and courageous Christians. God’s grace is present and offered to each of us; but, we must persevere in a relationship with our Father.
52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing. Scripture tells of His growing time in order to receive more wisdom, respect, a voice amongst man and recognition as Son of God. Why would the situation be any different for us? We must continue growing daily in His Word to receive more wisdom. Learning to shine His Light to others by becoming a vessel requires gentle boldness. We need not beat others over the head with Scriptures; yet, walk as Jesus did in love for all. It is then, we will be heard, respected and the recognition will reveal as being a child of God.
21 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.”
23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.
Luke 3:21-23a
Did you catch that? Jesus was baptized. Why would Jesus require baptism? He is the Son of God, directly from Him. My dear friends, the account of Jesus sets the example for our lives. He knew no sin; yet, received every temptation, grew in wisdom, drew strength from God, went to the waters of baptism, received the Holy Spirit and found favor with God and man. It took Jesus thirty years to begin His ministry. He understands patience, difficulty, rejection, perseverance, pain, sadness, etc. He understands what YOU are going through right now. So, why not turn to Him for guidance, love, support, comfort and joy?
My dear friends, take this time of year as opportunity to learn about Him. Watch throughout the Bible as His story unfolds, from birth on that cold, scary night until death on the cross. He began life in rejection and left the same way; yet, remained focused on His mission. He kept His eyes pointing to our Father. He lived daily with the Scripture ringing loudly in His mind: 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Emmanuel! Emmanuel! Emmanuel!
If God is for and with us daily, who can be against us?
Keep praying harder than the devil can work. Sheree Craig
As you come up from the waters of baptism, you rise cleansed, refreshed and renewed. No more sin, difficulties, temptations, sadness, anger, harsh words or unclean hearts, right? All is good, the flesh is dead and the Holy Spirit awakened. True; but, the world did not make the same decision that day. The world will bring trial and tribulation upon flesh. The flesh will fail; but, take heart God is strength. The Holy Spirit activated within provides guidance, sustenance and joy.
Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing. Scripture tells of His growing time in order to become strong, filled with wisdom and receiving the grace of His Father. Why would the situation be any different for us? Arising from the waters of baptism, life here on Earth continues. We must grow in wisdom in order to be strong and courageous Christians. God’s grace is present and offered to each of us; but, we must persevere in a relationship with our Father.
52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing. Scripture tells of His growing time in order to receive more wisdom, respect, a voice amongst man and recognition as Son of God. Why would the situation be any different for us? We must continue growing daily in His Word to receive more wisdom. Learning to shine His Light to others by becoming a vessel requires gentle boldness. We need not beat others over the head with Scriptures; yet, walk as Jesus did in love for all. It is then, we will be heard, respected and the recognition will reveal as being a child of God.
21 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.”
23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.
Luke 3:21-23a
Did you catch that? Jesus was baptized. Why would Jesus require baptism? He is the Son of God, directly from Him. My dear friends, the account of Jesus sets the example for our lives. He knew no sin; yet, received every temptation, grew in wisdom, drew strength from God, went to the waters of baptism, received the Holy Spirit and found favor with God and man. It took Jesus thirty years to begin His ministry. He understands patience, difficulty, rejection, perseverance, pain, sadness, etc. He understands what YOU are going through right now. So, why not turn to Him for guidance, love, support, comfort and joy?
My dear friends, take this time of year as opportunity to learn about Him. Watch throughout the Bible as His story unfolds, from birth on that cold, scary night until death on the cross. He began life in rejection and left the same way; yet, remained focused on His mission. He kept His eyes pointing to our Father. He lived daily with the Scripture ringing loudly in His mind: 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Emmanuel! Emmanuel! Emmanuel!
If God is for and with us daily, who can be against us?
Keep praying harder than the devil can work. Sheree Craig
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