I think the devil hates people getting baptized. In fact, I know it. I have had relationships with numerous people (probably hundreds) that have planned on getting baptized at RFC over the years. Most get baptized as planned. Repeatedly I have seen people feel distressed and discouraged as the day approaches. Several have told me that the week previous was one of the hardest they have ever had. Why would that be the case? I think there is something so invisibly powerful that takes place when a person follows Jesus into, under, and out of the water.
Someone told me recently that they didn't know if they were spiritually ready to get baptized. I asked them if they believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. "Of course", they said. I responded, "Then you are ready. We are told to 'believe and be baptized.' True belief is the only criteria."
About 12:30 on Sunday morning I felt like The Lord told me that He is actively working in the lives of "prodigals" to help them choose to come back home. That gave me great hope as there are many that I am eager to see restored.
At the GodWorks meal the other night I saw a man that had been homeless for many years. He has lived under bridges and out in the woods. He is also an alcoholic. Once when asked if he would like to be set free from alcoholism he responded in his typical good-natured way, "What would I do then? Be the guy who lives under the bridge drinking water?" I was thrilled to find out that he has recently moved into an apartment and is enjoying the peace and safety of it. Now that God has rescued this man from homelessness, I am praying that deliverance from alcohol will soon follow. Ultimately, my desire is to see Jesus make His home in my friend for eternity.
Beth, Ash and I went to Toys"R"Us today. I feel like an alien that was just dropped on this planet. The toys themselves do not faze me. However, some of the prices blow my mind. Things that I am sure would cost $20 instead are priced at $85. Twenty year old movies that are being sold in a jumbled bin at truck stops for $6 apiece are stickered at $26. My personal goal is to not buy anyone anything for Christmas that will be in their garage sale within three years.
Speaking of garage sales… There are things in each era that seem to be a guarantee to on sale at a garage/yard sale. For example, do you remember when there were breadmakers galore at every garage sale? Fifteen years ago you could find great deals on a boombox that had a cassette player. Remember the VHS rewinder? It is currently a buyer's market for anyone interested in purchasing a entertainment center. The advent of the thin flat screen TV has driven the oak entertainment center from the living room to the garage. What will be the thing that will be for sale at every garage sale 5 years from now?
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