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I woke up this morning before three am thinking about this past week end and what it meant.
Sunday April 19th my oldest Grandson Jonathan became seven years old. Two months ago he had told his parents Richard and Cynthia that he wanted to be baptized. I received an E-mail back then letting me know the news. I was very excited for him and my wife Cindy was also. We were invited to be there for his Birthday celebration and his Baptism celebration, which we thought was an honor to be invited. We made plans to go, and with my sister Eileen’s help we were able to go without having to bring two of our youngest grandchildren which we have guardianship. They are only 18 months and three years old. We took with us our son Hunter and our granddaughter Nichole.
We, in my family of Brothers and Sisters having a large family, celebrate birthdays often. We enjoy the time together as we honor the person having the birthday.
But, we did not go to church growing up. Each one of us, some in there teenage years, and some as adults have went to church. God knows each one’s heart and where each one is at, in there relationship with Christ Jesus. I share this to preface this next part.
Jonathan came to the understanding of knowing who Jesus is and invited him into his heart as his Lord and Savior, by going to church, and being taught by his parents, which gave him the opportunity.
Before the Baptism, the pastor said something which, I had heard before, but this time when he said being baptized was like wearing a wedding ring. We openly show to the public that we are married by wearing a wedding ring. And this is what being baptized is (openly showing) to the public, that you have a relationship with Jesus (like being married to Him), you love him, and that you want to live your life for and with him. I truly believe this.
I started thinking about when I got baptized, way back when I was 19 years old. Right after I got married the first time, which was in the fall of 1971. Even though my wife Debbie and I went through a short class before we got married, talking about the importance of marriage, it didn’t sink in. The marriage only lasted two years. The same thing happened when we started going to church shortly after we got married. I remember being emotional, crying, repeating the sinner’s prayer one Sunday morning. Debbie and I were baptized one the same day soon after, but it didn’t sink in. I didn’t have understanding, and I wasn’t reading the bible to help me understand. I only went to church for a few weeks after that, then I started working on Sundays and never thought about it again, until I was almost forty years old.
I took my wedding ring off twice in my life. The first time it was for selfish ambitions, wanting to be what I thought was happy, because I was trying to live without even knowing how. And the second time I took my wedding ring off is not because I wanted to. It was when I chose to live for Christ Jesus first, committed my life to Him, and not for me. I was reading the bible and getting a renewed mind with understanding. Then the next day I put the same ring back on, knowing that I live, and have life, because Jesus lives in me. I put my full trust in him and with in a short time after that day my wife and I started rebuilding our marriage, really living life, as we allow Jesus and his word to change us on the inside.
My wedding ring now represents to me, my commitment to Jesus and to my wife.
We only get one chance at life, and I can’t live my past over. But I will try to make my future count for good and the good of others.
I lived my life as I wanted to for forty years. When I heard the words of others telling me truths like those listed below from proverbs, I never listened. I thought that it’s ok for other people to follow the rules or laws, but I would only do it if I wanted to. I didn’t know then that people perish for lack of knowledge. And let me tell you, I had lack of knowledge. You say; why you didn’t listen? I tell you now, only because of what I have learned. It was selfish ambition and pride. Pride can really keep us from knowing the truth.
Most of you know that I have been using Powered by 4 on the internet, which is part of Back to the Bible Ministry and has been around since 1939.
We have been reading proverbs lately, and yesterday it was proverbs 6. And the part that was brought up first, was verses 27 and 28 (27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? 28 Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?) Then I read. 20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, 24 to preserve you from the evil. And Proverbs 7 says almost the same thing. 1My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend,
Proverbs: to me, like pages of Instructions for Life (Similar to instructions in learning how to use tools for a trade) Like using a hammer and nails, a seemingly simple Task, But, If I were going to learn how to use them, where or whom would I go to learn? How many fingers would I hurt while learning? How many nails would I bend as I practice? How many strokes will it take to drive the nail in, putting two boards together? And how much strength is required? What size of nails is required, and how do we choose? What is the correct amount of force or power required which will drive the nail to the correct depth? Does the hammer head need to be perfectly flat and centered with the top of the nail to get the results we want? Do we need a steady hand and good Perception of what is level and square? So many things to consider for seemingly a simple task, so I ask, how does that apply to me?
Studying Proverbs ( Tools from Gods Tool Box ) and other books from the word of God (our instruction manual for life ) helps me to learn about and how to use “Me” in Life, and in the world that I live in.
Every Day I practice being a Christian, like replacing the old nature with the new.
You think it would be as easy as putting on a pair of new shoes. But, it is a process, and is taking some time. I’ll get there if I stay on the right road.
Romans 12:2
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. ,
