What Jesus did? - for January 23

To Fulfill God's Plan - Matthew 3:15

Jesus answered, "Let it be this way for now. We should do all things that are right." So John agreed to baptize Jesus. (ERV)

Key Thought
Sometimes I am both amazed and ashamed at my audacity before the Sovereign God. I can actually (maybe better described, "arrogantly") think I have a better plan for my life than what I find in God's revealed will in Scripture. Now, I never intentionally think, "God is wrong about this; I have a better way to do it." No, my self-delusion is more sinister and subtle. I just ignore what he has revealed, and say something like, "Surely he doesn't mean..." or "Surely God wouldn't want..." However, any time I replace God's will with my own ideas, I've actually chosen my will over his.John was a humble and true servant. But, John’s conception of the Messiah didn't include baptizing him! God's plan, on the other hand, used John, just like he will use us. We need to ask this question everyday if we are to understand that will: "Father, how can I fulfill your desires and honor your character with my life today?" Our goal must be to please and to honor him by the way we live. We're here to fulfill his righteous plans, not what we think is best or most appropriate.

Today's Prayer
Gracious and all wise heavenly Father, thank you for having John baptize Jesus. This reminds me that baptism is about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom. Thank you for Jesus' example of living only to please you and accomplish your will. Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower it by that same Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I will sing !

Habacuc 3:17 Căci chiar dacă smochinul nu va înflori, viţa nu va da nici un rod, rodul măslinului va lipsi, şi câmpiile nu vor da hrană, oile vor pieri din staule, şi nu vor mai fi boi în grajduri,
Habacuc 3:18 eu tot mă voi bucura în Domnul, mă voi bucura în Dumnezeul mântuirii mele!
Habacuc 3:19 Domnul Dumnezeul este tăria mea; El îmi face picioarele ca ale cerbilor, şi mă face să merg pe înălţimile mele. -

Sing for joy !

What Jesus did? - for January 22

By Me? - Matthew 3:13-14

At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River. Jesus came to John and wanted John to baptize him. But John tried to say that he was not good enough to baptize Jesus. John said, "Why do you come to me to be baptized? I should be baptized by you!" (ERV)

Key Thought
Can you imagine John's surprise when Jesus wanted to be baptized by him? "I'm not worthy..." "I need to be baptized by you..." But, even when God shows us a way that may seem strange to us, He has a plan and it works beautifully if we will all do our part. So often, God's great leaders had to walk much of their journey alone because no one dared to help them. Discipleship is not just about great leaders, but also about loyal followers -- followers of Jesus who do their part when given the opportunity and followers who dare to imagine that God wants to use them in mighty ways for his Kingdom.

Today's Prayer
O Great Giver of Gifts, thank you for giving me a part to play in your work of salvation. Help me to never underestimate the importance of what you have called me to do to serve you, nor devalue the abilities you have given me to use in your service. I want to fulfill your plans for my life and ministry, so please give me the courage and boldness to seize the opportunities to serve you that you place before me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

What Jesus did? - for January 21

Fire! - Matthew 3:11-12

"I baptize you with water to show that you changed your hearts and lives. But there is a person coming later that is greater than I am. I am not good enough to take off his shoes for him. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the straw. He will put the good part of the grain into his barn. And he will burn the part that is not good. He will burn it with a fire that cannot be stopped." (ERV)

Key Thought

So much of the discussion of this passage focuses on whether fire means judgment or purification. All sorts of interpretative clues are examined. Scholarship is divided. So which do you think it is? My answer is "Yes! He both judges and purifies." From this passage and its parallels, I believe John the Baptist probably intended for us to hear both points. We will be judged based on what we decide about Jesus. When we choose to believe Jesus and trust in him, the Holy Spirit will also cleanse us. Jesus calls us to purity, but more than that, he cleanses and purifies us through and through as he pours out his Spirit upon us. (Cf. Titus 3:3-7.)

Today's Prayer
O precious Father, please forgive me of all that I have done wrong, and cleanse me thoroughly by the sanctifying power of your Holy Spirit. In addition, dear Father, I trust in the Spirit's power to help me triumph over the temptation to sin. Thank you for not only cleansing me, but also sustaining me by the power of your Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.