Day of Obedience
I’ve just baptized my daughter today. It was all go, go, go, to finish preparations for hosting a small group of biological and church family. A much anticipated day came upon us so fast and is already fading to give way to the next moments we must live in faithfulness to the baptism we’ve received. Praise Yahweh for his mercy and grace upon this family. Baptism is a sacred sign and seal to us. It is a sign not of my daughter’s expected perfect living henceforth, but of the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. This does not seal her as having become worthy to receive his perfections in place of her own imperfections. It signifies and seals the goodness of Almighty God making covenant with us by his own free pleasure. He has made us a people for his Name’s sake.
We had much joy and laughter with some tears. The LORD is good to us. He is faithfully bringing us along, not taking us from where we ought to be, but where we are. I am thankful.
The Sound of Silence: Discussion between me and brother Avery brought some clarity to my lack of still-peace in the midst of daily activities. And I need to get a word or two of this down before I forget and it becomes murky again. I pursue learning to grow more in the LORD. It’s rare to find me without headphones attached to my ears, incessantly piping in voices of influence while muffling the silence outside. All this learning the things of God without ever practicing listening to God cannot be what is best. I have to admit at times I’m hiding behind the noise. I feel incomplete without it. But if He approached me through a still small voice, would I hear Him? He would definitely have to arrest my attention first. And maybe that’s what the torrent of wind, the quake and the fire is for. Prepare the way for my heart to listen in fear at the kindness and severity of Almighty I AM.
LORD, intervene in my hustle and bustle. There's much angst within me. I want to Learn at your feet. I draw near in the Spirit of Christ Jesus. You have cast all my sins behind your back.
Christmas Decorations: Christmas comes with or without—but usually with—ribbons and tags, packages, boxes, and bags. Once a year isn’t enough lights and decorations for my liking. I want the festivities to remain, always. I want to walk in a perpetual hype over the glorious array. But the decorations are not the day. The wrappings are not the gift. And the gift represents One above all gifts—one gift to rule them all, one gift to remind them; one gift to call us all, and, in hope, bind them! Now the Day is not made for the decorations, but the decorations for the Day. And the Day is eternal. Therefore, let us always keep Christmas in our heart—daily and year upon year—Yes, with decorations, but most emphatically with MUSIC! For, as my nephew pointed out to me: “Christmas songs that praise God don’t have a season. You can praise Him all year ‘round.” (H.D.R.M.). That’s right…we can! Will you join me?
“Are you listening to plenty of Christmas music?
You need it to keep up your strength.” —L.N.M.
