December 19, 2010
Why Do we Worship?
So I am going to post twice because I've been aching to put this up for forever and it finally worked...Rethink how you worship God...Do it just because he is...
Washed by the Water
So it's been a while, but I just experienced something that is so worth writing about...and I'll apologize now if this is wordy, but God blew my mind today.
My pastor preached about Mary & Joseph (appropriate considering the season) and their obedience to God. I never thought how many ways they could have gone against God's commandments regarding baby Jesus, but they didn't...not once.
That was bomb, but it got so much better. We had a baptism service today and it literally redefined Christmas for me.
First off, I will openly admit that I have had a negative attitude towards the male gender due to what I see as passive behavior and very few strong male spiritual leaders in my generation....that attitude is gone and even though they probably won't read this, I want to thank the guys who got baptized today.
A little girl who shrieked with excitement when the pastor asked her if she believes in Jesus...she's going to be a spiritual leader.
A dad and son pair got baptized together and the dad credited the son for calling them to make this declaration. An 11 year old knew that he and his dad needed to obey God...a child...already a leader.
A college student who is now a spiritual leader on his basketball team standing in front of a congregation filled with joy because of his deep deep love for his Father. Genuine doesn't even begin to describe his emotion coming out of the water a praising his God...
A 20-something who has already done jail time. But you know what, that does not even matter because God changed his heart in prison and this kid is already using his testimony to win others to the Lord...his baptism was a sign of his new life.
I get it now. I really do. How appropriate at Christmas to see these people receive the only gift that truly matters. Every story is different, but every gift the same...new life. To God be the Glory. Merry Christmas.
Brucie
My pastor preached about Mary & Joseph (appropriate considering the season) and their obedience to God. I never thought how many ways they could have gone against God's commandments regarding baby Jesus, but they didn't...not once.
That was bomb, but it got so much better. We had a baptism service today and it literally redefined Christmas for me.
First off, I will openly admit that I have had a negative attitude towards the male gender due to what I see as passive behavior and very few strong male spiritual leaders in my generation....that attitude is gone and even though they probably won't read this, I want to thank the guys who got baptized today.
A little girl who shrieked with excitement when the pastor asked her if she believes in Jesus...she's going to be a spiritual leader.
A dad and son pair got baptized together and the dad credited the son for calling them to make this declaration. An 11 year old knew that he and his dad needed to obey God...a child...already a leader.
A college student who is now a spiritual leader on his basketball team standing in front of a congregation filled with joy because of his deep deep love for his Father. Genuine doesn't even begin to describe his emotion coming out of the water a praising his God...
A 20-something who has already done jail time. But you know what, that does not even matter because God changed his heart in prison and this kid is already using his testimony to win others to the Lord...his baptism was a sign of his new life.
I get it now. I really do. How appropriate at Christmas to see these people receive the only gift that truly matters. Every story is different, but every gift the same...new life. To God be the Glory. Merry Christmas.
Brucie
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