Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 23; Galatians 3; Ezekiel 30; Psalm 78:38–72
26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28
I happen to have the TV on in the background and hear about the latest shooting that happens at a mall. A news feed comes across my phone of protests and people getting hurt elsewhere. I read an email about a child who is making bad choices and needs to be spoken to on Monday. It’s upsetting and I reflect on, ” How can I make more of a difference with others? How can we make a positive impact on our young adults and children? I read back over these verses and know I need to share God more with others. I know He will come like a thief in the night. Beyond this breath of life, I want us all to be together for eternity by our relationship with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
I heard a statement that was made by Baltimore Ravens players Benjamin Watson that says, ” Our current president or whoever is elected in the future can’t save us. The only one who can change the heart of man is the Lord!” I find comfort in this statement, I find faith, I find truth. Today, as I reflect on the last few verses of Galatians 3. I know that we need to all work together to change our hearts. God wants us to be prepared, there’s no time to fall asleep. Matthew 24:42
Trying to connect some dots I reflect on our small group study for last week on Baptism by Marcus Bieschke. It was a great reminder of the Almighty who is on our side how we can respond when we see everything unfolding around us. In reflecting on baptism it was the acknowledgment that we need to be washed and put our trust in Christ. For me it wasn’t baptism meant I had finally figured it out, but willing to make it a starting point to make a change my life. This change for you and for me will connect all people no matter our backgrounds.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4.
In times of uncertainty, know that God is our stronghold and any fear can be brought to Him. He has given us the duty to adhere to and share His commandments. Matthew 28:19-20. I know sharing our faith can be hard but I was hit with a gut check reminder Sunday when Pastor Mike Baker said to “Follow the Lord today like it’s your last…, because it could be! Joshua 1:9
So my prayer is to “put on” Christ all the days he gives me. If there are those who don’t know Him, I need to better to share his Love through my words and actions. We are in need of a lot of love. It’s a matter of us all sharing, doing, acting in a way that impacts everyone that you contact. Amen
We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. Psalm 78:4
For We Are ALL One in Christ.
(Watch this link on Baptism or on our last sermon on Unveiled)