I’m sitting here thinking about my brother, Jack’s, baptism. I am also reflecting back on David Brunson’s as well. It was such an honor to be the one to baptize these men. I have been in the tank many times and God still humbles and amazes me every time someone is baptized. This brings me to a question I want to try and answer this week: “Why do people get baptized?”

For one, baptism is something the Lord expects of all His genuine followers. The Bible declares,

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)

Being baptized is just synonymous with being a disciple of Jesus Christ. God never imagined that His children would balk at being baptized.

Secondly, Jesus Himself was baptized and we should want to follow His example. Jesus’ life is not just something to write about and admire; His life is one that we should emulate. In fact that is part of what spiritual growth is about…becoming more like Jesus.

Finally, baptism is a public testimony. It is public because everybody should know that we mean business about fully following Jesus. We are not a secret society that does things behind closed doors; we are open about what we do. The church needs to see believers who are not ashamed of being identified with the One who gave His life publicly!

If you have not been baptized what are you waiting for? Give me a call so we can talk about it. I would love to be the one who baptizes you for the honor of God and the encouragement of others.

Calvary Is Awesome!

Scott

Relationships trump rules! Now I like things in their place and everybody operating on a “let’s cooperate” basis, but in real life it doesn’t happen that way. You see, “let’s cooperate” is code for “do it my way…or else!” I wish this was a lesson I learned a long time ago, but I admit that I am slow. Let me translate…

I like my schedules, my online calendar rules my day, my routine helps my day to run smoothly, my MapQuest on my phone gets me to my destinations in the shortest amount of time, etc. Do you see the common denominator? It’s all about me when it should be all about HIM and YOU. What I have allowed in my life (that is so very dangerous) is for rules to rule, while relationships have fallen on tough times. Yes, I am the proverbial guy who keeps running his bumper car into the corner thinking I’ll get turned around pretty soon. Well, pretty soon is now!

The life of Jesus is a great example of how relationships trump rules. John writes about an account in John 9:1,

And as he passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.

Do you see it? What astounds me about this verse is that in the middle of a busy day going here and doing that Jesus noticed someone’s hurt. Too many times I have passed by someone hurting and not even noticed. I justify this by saying that I am a busy man or that somebody else will take care of that. What God is saying to me is, “Scott, I want you to stop and insert my grace and love.”

This digs deep into the core of my being…how about you? I know I’m not the only one out here suffering from relationship atrophy. No matter what gets stacked on your plate or how busy your day is make sure you notice people around you. Don’t ignore their hurts. Do something about it. Just walk across the room and insert grace and love into their lives. Our lives are meant to impact people right now for eternity!

I Love You,

Scott

When I consider what others have faced this last week it begins to help me put some of my life into correct perspective. Too often I sit back in isolation and have a pity party for one reason or another. Usually the reason is not good…it’s just plain selfishness and “stinkin thinkin.” Let me explain, two families have faced funerals this week and two others are going through hospitalizations. These issues make any problems I face very miniscule. I have observed and noticed that in each case faith is what is getting these families through. Yes, faith…not luck…not money…not good planning…just plain, deep-rooted, white-knuckled, trust God faith.

I am still learning that faith is the absolutely non-negotiable ingredient we must all have in order to make it through everyday life. I think it is awesome how the writer of Hebrews defines faith:

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Dr. Ron Allchin defines faith as believing God’s Word and acting on it no matter how I feel, knowing that God promises a good result!

When we line things up and make plans A, B, C and D and then have an escape plan just in case everything falls apart, we are operating in our own strength and ingenuity. If things work out then we get the credit. But, if we just trust God and the promises He makes to us in His Word and then do something, then when things happen (no matter what) He gets the credit. By operating our life according to faith others will take note of an awesome God and how He got us through any and every circumstance we face.

So, those who are facing the difficulties walk in God’s promises today. Allow Him to take your hand and lead you through. Wherever He leads it will be just fine!

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love you all. You are precious to God and to me.

Love,

Scott