30: 50 Days of 3:16

On day 28 we talked about Jesus receiving the baptism from John, how John did not feel worthy to provide this task, feeling it should be the other way around. Today we see how John felt about the coming Messiah and why he felt humbled in Jesus presence. John was a man like us, he had his doubts as well, even after making a strong statement like the one today or recognizing Jesus and baptising him we see that after he was imprisoned only months later, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah. 

 

John answered them all, “I baptize you with^[a] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with^[b] the Holy Spirit and fire.

Luke 3:16

 

The baptism in water is an important step in any believer’s life. But John here tells the reader of another important baptism that is available through the Messiah. This part of being a Christ follower is often ignored because people do not take the time to understand the role of the Holy Spirit. Some groups of believers have taken this to far and place a higher importance on it to the point where those who do not agree are ostracized.  The Holy Spirit is God. Just the same as Jesus is God, the Holy Spirit has been given to meet with us where we are. Many put the Holy Spirit on another level just a little lower than Jesus, all because Jesus promised to send another to help us. The Holy Spirit is not like a worker who has been sent but as an ally sent to assist. He was there with Jesus empowering Him in miracles, giving Him strength on earth.

 

If we were already baptised in water why would Jesus come and there be a promise to baptize with fire? Fire consumes us, fire is used to refine us. Just like gold when found is unpure, refinement with fire removes impurities and creates something beautiful. This process is not always a fast one as we resist the process, afraid that we will lose who we are and become something else. God created you the way you are for a reason, your personality and talents are what He wants to use. Refinement will not destroy who you are but enhance you for the better removing the bad traits and solidify the positive ones. Holding on to the past and things of this world keep us from refinement. Many have been attributed to the statement ‘Let go and let God’, it is what we need to do to allow God through the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

 

Maybe today you feel like I have in the past, a stale Christian faith that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Church on Sundays, maybe a study during the week, casual prayer and devotions. But life is just blah, you want to feel excited about your faith but you just don’t. When was the last time you let the Holy Spirit work in your life? When have you asked Him to baptise you with fire revealing things that need to be removed?  This can be done alone or in church. Many a Sunday I see the altar empty and people rushing out of the church as soon as the pastor says his closing prayer. What if the church was to take time praying for the Holy Spirit to refine them? Give them purpose? Praying for more than being a seat warmer, holding a place for entrance to heaven? We are called for so much more, but until we are ready to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire we wander through life. We can’t expect change to just happen, most times we have to make the first step, it may be that first step that carries you into a new chapter in your faith.

 

Father, I pray today that everyone who takes the time to read this knows you, if they don’t I ask that today you will show them the relationship you have for them and the forgiveness that Jesus has for them.  Use us to reach our families, neighbours, coworkers and our world. Holy Spirit refines us in your fire, not to burn us up but to remove impurities that hinder us from growing with God. Use our personalities and abilities to be effective in the mission of sharing the love of Jesus to this world. We need strength and wisdom to be effective, Holy Spirit we ask for these things. Use us. Amen

Day 1: 50 Days of Passion

I wonder if you have ever experienced a season in your Christian walk where your personal passion just doesn’t seem to be there. At least not like it used to be. That where I am right now, I feel a malaise, whereas I am just not motivated as I want to be. I think I am on the right track as I have identified this pattern and am working to change directions. But I would assume I am not alone, so I invite you to join me for the next 50 days as we look into reigniting our passion in our relationship with God. If you have any experiences where you would like to share please, those times can help others.  If you don’t want to miss out on any of this series please follow me at 50DaysofPray.wordpress.com.

 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

 

Can you remember when you first received Jesus as your savior? Were you a church kid who almost slid into your faith like me or where you outside of the church and the truth was revealed to you? I see a difference in these two types of people. Those who grow up in church and remain in church can, but not always, have a foundation from the start but lose the passion as they continue in their faith. Others that grow up in the church seemingly “grow out” of the church and move on seemingly dropping what they once held as truth. They may or may not return to their faith, but we keep praying that one day they will come back to a relationship with God.

Now there are those who find Jesus, either outside of church, or for the first time in church and they are passionate about their faith. Many of these young Christians want to jump out and change the hearts of everyone around them with this newfound love they are experiencing. I find that they hit a wall and the passion fades away, maybe they weren’t discipled and they eventually move into a pattern of complacency.

What kind of passion am I looking for, or should we be looking for in our faith? I have some ideas, but as we go through this series I am asking God to reveal true passion in my life. A passion to reach the lost. A passion to study my bible. A passion to pray for others. A passion to love my neighbor. A passion to bring my family to church. A passion to fellowship with other believers. I want my passion for my relationship to overflow my life so others will see a difference in me that can’t be explained.

Many associate fire with passion, so you may read about lighting a fire so that will be where I am heading with that.

 

Father, many times we go through seasons of malaise.  I wish I knew why. But I am asking you to ignite our hearts. All to often we see others comfortable in their faith and just want to join them. Holy Spirit light a fire in my heart, let it burn bright and ignite those around me. I don’t want to be apathetic to what your doing, I want to be involved. Help me to be a light to the world. Amen