Post by Woody Williams on Feb 4, 2013 9:15:20 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Mark 1:4-11
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John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed,"The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the HolySpirit."
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotional
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The appearance of John the Baptist on the scene was a sign of a new beginning about to appear. Many responded to John's call forrepentance and came forward for baptism as a sign of that repentance.In the midst of John's ministry Jesus appears and receives baptism from John. John is clear about who Jesus is and who he is. There is no competition here. There is preparation and fulfillment. John baptizes with water as a sign of repentance. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus' baptism, with the sign of the dove and the Father's voice, is a sign of what follows in Christian baptism. God will claim those baptized in Jesus' name as God's own children.Celebrate your baptism. It is a marvelous gift.
Prayer
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It is with joy that I give thanks to you, O Lord, for claiming me asyour child. Amen
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John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed,"The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the HolySpirit."
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotional
----------
The appearance of John the Baptist on the scene was a sign of a new beginning about to appear. Many responded to John's call forrepentance and came forward for baptism as a sign of that repentance.In the midst of John's ministry Jesus appears and receives baptism from John. John is clear about who Jesus is and who he is. There is no competition here. There is preparation and fulfillment. John baptizes with water as a sign of repentance. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus' baptism, with the sign of the dove and the Father's voice, is a sign of what follows in Christian baptism. God will claim those baptized in Jesus' name as God's own children.Celebrate your baptism. It is a marvelous gift.
Prayer
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It is with joy that I give thanks to you, O Lord, for claiming me asyour child. Amen