Baptism of Jesus 2016 – Matthew 3:16-17

Friday, January 6, 2016

Matthew 3:16-17 – And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

When I was 12, I lived in Upstate New York and attended an American Baptist Church which practiced Believer’s Baptism.  I made a decision to join this church.  This decision, which my Presbyterian parents supported, meant I was baptized a second time, this time by immersion.  While I have never placed this second baptism above the first in importance or necessity, the fact that my parents allowed me to make my own spiritual decision at such an early age still to influences my life today.

Trusting God, however we may publicly show our faith in you, may our efforts be pleasing in your sight.  Amen.

Daily Devotion from the Church Health Center – Matthew 3:16-17

Friday, January 7, 2011 – Baptism of the Lord, Year A

Matthew 3:16-17 – And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

When I was 12, I lived in Upstate New York and attended an American Baptist which practiced Believer’s Baptism. I made a decision to join this church. This decision, which my Presbyterian parents supported, meant I was baptized a second time, this time by immersion. While I have never placed this second baptism above the first in importance or necessity, the fact that my parents allowed me to make my own spiritual decision at such an early age still to influences my life today.

Prayer: Trusting God, however we may publicly show our faith in you, may our efforts be pleasing in your sight. AMEN.

Daily Devotion from the Church Health Center – Matthew 3:16-17

Monday, January 03, 2011- Baptism of the Lord, Year A

We are approaching that Sunday where many liturgical churches will remember the baptism of Jesus. The scriptures for this week include: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17.

Matthew 3:16-17 – And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

Throughout my life, I have been associated with denominations that practice infant baptism. In the infant baptism rituals of which I have been a part, a significant part of the service occurs when the adult members of the congregation agree to assist the parents in raising the child in the faith. In this affirmation of the community of faith, all members of the congregation take responsibility for the faith development of each other, especially the children.

Prayer: Gracious God, keep us mindful that all who pass by us today are your children. AMEN.

Daily Devotion from the Church Health Center – Matthew 3:4

Thursday, December 2, 2010 – Advent 2, Year A

Matthew 3:4 – Now John [the Baptist] wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Most of us have had a person walk by us mumbling or shouting religious “stuff.” If you are like me, you immediately determine that the person is mentally challenged. The scripture today reminds us that as people of faith, we are challenged to see God’s presence and potential in everyone.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to see your light in all the people who cross our path. AMEN.