January 3, 2020

January 3
Running with Jesus

Luke 3:21” Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,"

     I remember hearing a story of a lady who kept going forward at invitation time and could never go on in peace in her walk with Christ. Finely one day the pastor ask if there was anything God had ask her to do she had not done. She told him she had never been baptized, she was and then her walk began to move forward and she found the peace she needed. The next step in our race after we ask Christ into our hearts is to follow Him by being baptized for identification. Jesus was sinless and didn't need to be baptized however this shows His fully human side and His identification with man. He is our living example and the descending of the dove showed God's approval!
      If you have accepted Christ but was never baptized you must walk in obedience to be baptized. You will never grow in Christ until you learn to be obedient to His will. Don't let fear rob you of the joy of following Christ. Baptism doesn't save us, placing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ brings salvation. Baptism identifies us with Christ and is the next step in your walk. Jesus was baptized, if you run with Him this is what He is asking you to do!
               

Father, help those who may be afraid to be baptized. Help them make that first step because I know the Spirit will carry them through the next. Help this runner begin fresh with this New Year!
 

Led by the Spirit, in the morning!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015