Our Best Friend

As I write this on the eve of Christmas Eve, I remember my childhood dog. I also had her when I was an adult. One night — on the eve of Christmas Eve — my dog was let outside, as usual, but she never came back. She had always come back before. Why didn’t she come back this time?

Did someone steal her? Did she go into the woods to die? She was getting quite old. No one knows. It’s a mystery to this day. But I’m sure God knows.

It was very difficult to lose my childhood dog, especially without ever knowing what happened to her. I was very sad.

They say that a dog is man’s best friend. Even though having a dog can be wonderful, and losing a dog can be horrible, we need to know who it is that can truly be our best friend.

It’s Jesus! Jesus Christ came into the flesh (born of a virgin) to become our Savior and our best friend.

I’m recalling the lyrics to a Christian song called, “Friend of God” by the artist Israel Houghton. Part of the song goes like this:

“Who I am that you are mindful of me? That you hear me when I call. Is it true that you are thinking of me? How you love me. It’s amazing. I am a friend of God. You call me friend.”

Considering just how much God loves us, His desire is for us to be His friend — His best friend.

We all want to be close to someone. We all want to be loved. We all want a best friend. These are normal human desires.

Yet, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

Jesus Christ tells us in this scripture that He died for us and provides us with forgiveness of our sins. He is our friend. He wants us to do His will.

In the Bible it says that: “…there is a real friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 — NLT)

This is our best friend who is “the way, the truth, and the life” —  Jesus Christ, our Savior!

“The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” (Psalm 25:14 — NLT)

“… the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.” (James 2:23 — NKJV)

“And the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do.’ ” (Genesis 18:17).

Of course not. Instead God made Abraham “the father of many nations.”

A Christian man by the name of Henry Walker states: “Friends confide in one another. Abraham was called God’s ‘friend’.” (See Isaiah 41:8 and James 2:23).

Walker adds, “Now, because of Jesus’ atonement [for our sins], we are called friends of God. Jesus was crucified so that the blessing of Abraham, part of which was friendship with God, would come upon [us]:

So “That we might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:14).

Another man who was greatly blessed by God, and who was also a close friend was Solomon.

In a commentary by Charles Spurgeon, it is written that when Solomon refers to “his friend” in scripture, he means “the Most High, the secret dwelling-place of God, in the person of Jesus, the Son of God, the Friend of sinners.”

Is Jesus your friend? He can be your best friend. He wants to be your friend and your Savior. I pray you will open your heart to Him today.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends [Jesus said].” (John 15:15)

Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word).

Love

We all desire it... we all want it... we can’t live without it... We are ALL made to LOVE!

So why is it so hard to “find” love and keep it, at least for many? Based on the high rate of divorce, the love that a couple has for one another, dare I say, “grows cold.”

I would dare to say that because so many people don’t seem to take their commitment seriously anymore.

The word “many” seems to fit perfectly with the Bible scripture that tells us: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12 — my emphasis in bold and underline)

So what do we take serious? Do we take love seriously at all?

Sure we do! There are many kinds of love. The love of our parents to us and ours for them! The love of children. But what about the most important love of all? 

From the Holy Bible, we learn that an expert of religious law, who also taught the law, asked Jesus: “What is the most important commandment of all?”

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Matthew 22:25-27, and see: Matthew 12, Luke 10)

You see, “God is love!” (1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16)

And loving God is the most important love we can have — forever!

But how do we show God that we love Him? Or do we even love Him? Have we attempted to show God how much we love Him? Here’s a list of various ways we can show God that we love Him by:

 

— reading the Word of God, which is the Holy Bible

— praying to God

— spending quiet time with God

— listening to God

— praying with others and praying for others

— following God

— serving God and others

— seeking God

— going to church and having fellowship with other believers

— serving our church

— using the gifts God has talented us with for Him and ministries for Him

— volunteering to help others in various ways

— submitting to God’s will
— tithing money and donating time and things (such as clothing, food, etc.)
— comforting others
— encouraging others (or giving affirmations of God’s Word (The Bible)
— having hope and displaying it to others
— evangelizing to spread the Gospel
— loving our neighbors with God’s love
— receiving affirmations of God’s Word (The Bible)
— forgiving others
— praising God
— worshipping God
— staying on God’s path
— being obedient to God
— giving God our heart, mind, soul, spirit, and strength
— pleasing God
 

This list is not exhaustive. There are so many ways we can show God that we love Him! Why don’t you try adding to this list?

God explains His love for us:

“God demonstrated His great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

“… The Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid, but will have boldness on the day of judgment, and we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.” (1 John 4:15-18 — my emphasis in bold)

God truly loved us first. “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

The enemy (that is, satan or the devil, who is very real) has tried several times to make me doubt that God loves me. Yet, God has proven to me in so many amazing ways (beyond a shadow of a doubt) that He truly does love me.

© Photo by: Patricia Shehan

He will do this for you, too. Simply ask Him to show you, if you doubt His love for you. God will show you in many unexpected ways just how much He loves you!

I say: God, I love you! God says: I love you, too, and I loved you first!

He will say that to you, too. I pray that you will open your heart to God in love.

With my daughter, when she says: I love you! Then I'll say, I love you more! :-)

God loves us more than anyone else can possibly love us. His love is unconditional.

I pray you will open your heart today to the greatest love of all: God’s love, which is fulfilling and eternal!

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “… He [God] lavishes his unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set in italics.

Sanctification

I was at a Bible study when we were reading the scriptures and came across the word “sanctification.” I had to admit that I didn’t know what the word meant.

No one could explain it clearly, so we stopped and looked up the word in one of those old, huge dictionaries. Now that’s my kind of dictionary!

Sanctification is described as follows: to grow and change by a process of holiness; the stripping of self while being filled by God with godliness; a changing process; gaining freedom from sin; being set apart, renewed, and purified; and being converted into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Yes, this sums it all up. But how does it happen?

If we believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us, we must ask our self if we have truly given our heart to Him. If we haven’t done so, then we are still behind the driver’s seat of our own life. We need to allow Him to steer our life’s path for our conversion (or sanctification) to take place.

This change is different than anything else you’ve ever experienced. I know because it happened to me!

I could almost feel the changes. For example, I began caring for others more than ever before! In the past, when someone would ask me to help them, I was usually reluctant and maybe even unwilling. Now, when I think there is a need, and I know that I can help, I will offer, even before being asked! Now that was a big change in me!

To be truly saved, we must surrender to God and allow Him to sanctify us by renewing our mind and changing our heart for Him. We have to be willing to follow God and allow Him to change us through the sanctification process.

This process begins with our obedience to our Heavenly Father. He changes us to grow in godliness. He shows us how to follow Him by guiding our path. As we our changed, our focus will be on God.

We will see things differently when we have God’s perspective rather than our own selfish view. I can testify to the outstanding beauty from His view! Nothing looks the same anymore. Everything is so outstanding and beautiful, and even miraculous! The details are more intense. Can you see it yet?

When we accept the grace of God through our repentance of sin, a divine growth begins to take place within us. Now we avoid sin and turn away from temptation.

We were all created in God’s image, and sanctification is what purifies us to be Christ-like.

We must read the Bible to know God. We must spend time with Him in prayer. He fills us up with His joy, His love, and His peace, and He creates in us a “newness of life” (see Romans 6:4).

I remember so many times attempting to read The Bible and so many times, I would stop. It was one excuse after another. But when I stuck with it and made it into a habit, I could understand God more and desired to serve Him.

This new way of life is satisfying, unlike the fleeting happiness we may find in things and sometimes even in people.

You will find great joy in the Lord if you simply say “yes” to him.

When we allow God to sanctify us, we let Him guide our future plans. He will work them out for His glory by setting us apart in holiness. Patience is required!

“You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for Himself…” (Psalm 4:3)

God has created us for “good works” in advance (see Ephesians 2:10). God’s sanctification process creates a desire in us to accomplish these good works.

Living life set apart from the world is still living in the world, but it’s living with Godly goals and Godly obedience. It’s living with love and peace. The life of Jesus Christ, whose life in the flesh here among mankind, is our example.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21. — Please read more of this chapter for further understanding.)

Changes begin from the inside out. A true Christian’s life will not merely display something on the outside that does not reflect the “inner man.” Only hypocrites display an act on the outside that is not reflective of the inside. (See Matthew 23:25-28 and Matthew 7:20-23).

We must love and forgive. God opens our hearts to His love, and His sanctification process causes us to want to share the Good News of the Gospel (The Bible) and God’s love through His free gift of salvation.

The path is not always easy. Yet, God’s sanctification (change, growth, filling, renewing, and purifying) process is the only way. Only He can transform us. He imparts His strength in us to be holy, to think His way, to respect life, to desire goodness and truth to prevail, and most of all, to truly love Him and one another. God does require our willingness and our obedience.

Amazingly, from God’s sanctification process, we can, in turn, sanctify Him!

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Once you are saved and sanctified, sharing the hope of glory (Christ in us) will become easy, and you will have the answers to be able to share God’s love for mankind!

“… God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

I realized I was being sanctified when I no longer had the same desires or thoughts for my life. Think of how most everything in life has a place, for example: first place, second place, third place, and so forth. With me, God is #1 now. He has first place in my life, and everyone and everything else is in second place, third, ... Make God #1 in your life and He will sanctify you by changing you into becoming His follower, and He will cause you to live a full and satisfying eternal life!

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Copyright © 2013 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word).

Faith

I used to have this scripture written on a piece of paper hanging near the computer in my office, so I’d often see it:

"Faith* comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17 – NKJV)

The problem was that it never made much sense to me. Why? Because I was blind to the truth, even though at that time I wanted to convince my self otherwise.

The lack of reading or hearing the Word of God was like a dry field with no rain. How could anything grow if there was no seed and no rain?

My understanding came after I received my salvation. The springs of the well of my heart were overflowing with living waters.

I had begun reading the Bible and listening to preachers speak. No longer would I be hindered by only hearing a few repeated scriptures year after year. That lack of knowledge had left me numb and unfufilled.

Now my eyes had begun to open to see the truth, and my ears were opened to hear the truth, too. My heart was now being filled with the love of God, and I wanted to give Him all my praise. Now, I wanted to honor Him with my life.

The Bible tells us that “…the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7 – NKJV)

I began to understand what it meant to have faith in God. I realized how much God truly loved me, and that I could completely trust Him.

In Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) of the Bible we find that: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

God allows us to find Him when we truly seek Him. Once we accept God’s free gift of salvation, our faith grows through a confident trust, and we want to please Him.

“Jesus said to them, ‘… for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ ” (Matthew 17:20 – NKJV)

I believe the miracle of moving mountains by faith, which was proven to me again in my life in July 2012. I had prayed with faith for God to sell my house and be able to simultaneously buy another, less expensive house at a new location. I told others that I believed God would do this for me. I knew that He would because of this confident faith I have in Him. All this occurred in an economy when most houses were not selling. In an economy in America comparable to the Great Depression, God answered my prayer of faith. Although doubt would arise, trust would be released to God with greater faith restored, as the mountains moved.

As children of God (saved believers), we can move these mountains with confident trust and faith in Him: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 – NKJV)

*All words emphasized in bold are my addition to make the word(s) more noticeable.

Copyright © 2012 by Patricia Shehan

Salvation

Salvation? What is it? I didn’t really understand what it meant when I was growing up inside “ritualized religion.” No one ever talked about it.

The definition of salvation from a combination of dictionaries describes this word as being delivered from the consequences of sin and preserved from destruction.

I knew I had sinned (and we have all sinned, because we were born into sin), but I didn’t know that I would need to be “saved.” For the first time, as an adult, I was once asked, “Are you saved?” Yet, I didn’t know what this meant. I was ignorant!

I believed that if you didn’t go to Heaven, then you would certainly go to Hell. For awhile, I believed if you were on your way to Heaven, but needed to still get rid of some sin, then you would go to a holding place called Purgatory. However, I was very disturbed by this teaching that someone had to pray for you to get out of there. I questioned my mom by asking her what would happen if no one prayed for you? Then you’d be stuck in this limbo forever? This is not Biblical at all!

I certainly wanted to go to Heaven, but I never had any assurance that I would get there when I died. I certainly did not want to go to Purgatory or to Hell!

How about you? When you were growing up, did you have a confidence that you would go to Heaven when you died? Did you have this in adulthood? Or do you have the confidence of salvation now?

God knew that someday I would come to a point in my life where I would call out to Him and He would save me. He knew that I would fully surrender myself and my life to Him. My faith would grow and I would come to understand that I could have this confidence of salvation and Heaven. I grew to love God with all my heart. I had a yearning to know Him.

“For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 – NLT)

God accepts our repentance when we ask for forgiveness. He helps us to be able to turn away from sin. He has mercy on us, and we can receive His grace. Salvation becomes available to us because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 10:10 (NKJV) of the Bible, we learn that “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [My emphasis in bold]

The Bible tells us that: “…every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in My presence only, but now much more in My absence, work out your own salvation [my emphasis] with fear and trembling. For it is God that works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:11-13 – NJKV)

"For by grace you have been saved [my emphasis] through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, we are saved by faith." (Ephesians 2:8 – NKJV)

I came to learn that some Christians even have a saying that they believe. They say, “once saved, always saved.” In many scriptures, this can hold truth for the follower of Jesus Christ. However, this statement also proves false, because I believe that it is possible to lose our salvation. Many are conflicted on this particular determination.

The scriptures explain that there is a way to either never gain salvation or to lose it altogether. Read these Bible scriptures as follows:

"When people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life." (2 Peter 2:20-21 – NLT)

"For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened — those who have experienced the good things of Heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come — and who then turn away from God. It is impossible [my emphasis] to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing Him to the cross again and holding Him up to public shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6 – NLT) – [My emphasis in bold.]

When we receive this beautiful gift of salvation; we can choose to keep it or not. We can continue to accept God and live our lives with Him and for Him, or we can decide to reject Him. This is our choice. Salvation is a choice. Have you chosen salvation? Only God can give us salvation through our faith. It is a free gift through grace from God. I pray (if you haven’t already) that you will be saved today!

“Show us your mercy, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” – (Psalm 85:7 – NKJV) [My emphasis in bold.]

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation [my emphasis in bold] from day to day. (1 Chronicles 16:23 – NKJV)

Copyright © 2012 by Patricia Shehan

Don't Look Back!

We just recently moved. Most would consider it to be a major move, although we are still living in the same state. It’s a journey to where the Lord was leading us.

In the Word of God, we learn that Lot and his family were living in the midst of Sodom. They were led by the Lord’s angels to make a major move, too, or they would have been destroyed with everyone living in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, "Run for your lives! And don't look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:17 — NLT) — [My emphasis in bold.]

                                                           

The Bible continues to inform us that “Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon. Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur [brimstone] from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation. But Lot's wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:23-26 — NLT) — [My emphasis in bold.]

This story is so amazing, not only because God completely destroyed everything in these cites (due to the horrible sins being committed by the people living there), but also because Lot’s wife decided to look back after they had escaped, and she turned into a pillar of salt. She was warned not to look back, but she did it anyway. 

Many times in the past, I’ve looked back at my life, and wondered and questioned so much of it. I feel quite blessed that I am still alive!

Why do we dwell on the past? Does it do us any good in the present or for our future? Even if our past has taught us a lesson, we don’t need to look back anymore.

When I began to read the Bible, I realized that I really needed to stop thinking about all that had happened in my past. I needed to forgive others and move on. God was leading me in a new direction, a better direction, because now I was following Him.

God teaches us that the “renewing of your mind” is how we should live (see Romans 12:2).

To realize that the Lord does not want us to look back, is to see that He wants us to stay focused on Him and on the present. We are in the palm of God’s hand when we allow Him to be in control of our lives. We have free will, but our will can be His will when we choose to follow Him.

Don’t look back; you’re not going that way! Look in front of you! Look forward with hope.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11 — NIV) — [My emphasis in bold.]

Copyright © 2012 by Patricia Shehan

Baptism

Have you been baptized? When? If not, why?

For me, I was originally baptized as an infant (just a tiny baby!) and I was certainly not aware of what was taking place. This is the tradition of the Catholic church. Their belief is that this “sacrament” cleanses the original sin of Adam, so that if you were to die, you’d be forgiven and ready for eternal life with God.

I believe baptism is very important. However, it wasn’t until much later in my life that I would come to understand why I should be the one to make this decision to be baptized, and why no one else could really make it for me!

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” (Mark 1:4 — KJV)

Initially, after accepting Jesus Christ into my heart and following Him, I didn’t think I needed to be baptized again! Yet, we are given choices. If we have been given a sound mind, we need to choose to follow God’s way.

"Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16 — NLT)

How is that possible if you’re a baby? Someone else decides for you. I found that this did not "line up" with the Word of God (the Bible).

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' " (Acts 2:38 — NLT)

You cannot repent of your own sins when you are merely a baby. You must be old enough to have a sound mind to make this decision for yourself. You cannot turn to God for salvation, which is also required unless you can understand and that can't be so when you are baby either. You must be old enough to understand.

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, Jesus Christ. "He went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God to receive forgiveness for their sins" [bold my emphasis]. (Luke 3:3 NLT,

God showed me another bit of wisdom through the symbolism in my dream (see entry entitled: “I Surrender All”), which was the fact that water can drown out or destroy fire. The symbolism of water can be seen as washing away our past sin. The way to wash away sin is to repent (ask God for forgiveness, receive it, and change your ways), and to be baptized in water.

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God" [bold my emphasis]. "It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21 — NIV)

This scripture indicates that we must have “a good conscience toward God” and that water symbolizes baptism, which also saves, as it cleanses from sin.

The Bible also tells us that: “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with [Him] through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” (Colossians 2:11-13 — NKJV)

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38-41 — KJV)

The Bible tells us: “Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, [here is] water. What hinders me from being baptized?" When Philip preached the gospel to the eunuch, that man's heart was ravished by the Word. Immediately, he begged to be baptized. Philip said to him, ‘...If thou believe with all thy heart, thou may...’ ” (Acts 8:36-37 — NKJV)

Wow! You see, when God places the call on your life, you will follow. You will be baptized!

The act of being baptized cleanses our lives of ALL prior sin. Baptism provides us with a way to show others our commitment of dedicating ourselves to following God and becoming Christlike, leaving our old sinful ways and habits behind.

God helps us to change. We cannot do it on our own. We do, however, have to make the choice to allow Him to change us. We have to be willing.

Some teach that baptism is not required. They say that the man on the cross next to Jesus was told he’d be in paradise with Jesus that very same day, and he was never baptized. Well, I say there was an exception, but that was before Jesus had been resurrected. Jesus' own words after His resurrection were recorded in the Bible, and He tells us that we must be baptized. According to the Bible, baptism is required to be saved.

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16 — NJKV)

My daughter and I both were baptized (again) as Christians, no longer unaware of what we were doing, as it was when we were baptized as babies! This time we had a clear conscience to make our own decision to be baptized, as the eunuch in the story mentioned earlier. If you haven’t been baptized yet, or if you were baptized as an infant without making the decision yourself, please consider the great reward of this action to follow God.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4 — NKJV)

*All words in bold are my own added emphasis.

Copyright © 2012 by Patricia Shehan