On hiatus

 Hi everyone,

I'm posting today to let you know that I am intentionally taking a hiatus from blogging for now and that I am doing ok.

After all:

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4, NKJV

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37, NKJV

What's going on is I've entered a season of an increased need for prayer and reflection, and there are some changes that are already here as well as some changes that are likely looming on the horizon. I do not know how long I expect this current break from blogging to last. I will admit that the way this came about was sudden and unexpected, especially considering that I had been posting almost daily yet again for the last few months.

If anyone is reading this, just know that I definitely desire your prayers, and that you pray for God's will to be done in my life, through and through. 

Also know that Jesus loves you far more than you can ever imagine. He wants you to be part of His kingdom, in heaven, with Him for all eternity. All you need to do is personally receive Him as your King, Lord, and Savior, and that you surrender every area of your life to Him, and repeat this step every day. He will take care of the rest.

Be blessed,

The writer for "For Everything There Is A Season."

Devotionals from my Bible app: Strength in Every Season (Philippians 4:13)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV

Note before sharing the devotional: this is pretty close to what I’ve been trying to say. Thank you!

Strength in Every Season


Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on signs, social media, stickers, or cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.


Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a sports game or having the courage to do something daring.


Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.


In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with a lot of food and resources.


Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.


Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.


So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He has given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.


If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.

https://bible.com/bible/114/php.4.13.NKJV

Note after sharing the devotional: A lot of good stuff has been happening lately in my personal devotional time with God, to the point that I am not able to share much of it here. And that’s ok. What I can say is that, despite my struggles the last few years with today’s focus verse, it has become among the chief verses that act as pillars in my life (I’ve been collecting and writing down Scripture that God has been using to set up all sorts of corners of my life). Two other verses I want to share that I do believe Philippians 4:13 on its own can also stand with, despite my insistence that it otherwise cannot be taken out of context with Philippians 4:11-12:

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5, NKJV

Commit your works to the Lord,

And your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3, NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV

I’ll stop here, as this note can start to get away from the main theme of the day. But the factor that ties everything together is that, ultimately, God provides the strength and the sustenance, and that because of it, we can endure, whether we’re in the middle of a trial or in the middle of an endeavor.

Prayer: God, thank You for providing me with strength in every situation. Despite my efforts, I can do nothing on my own. Sometimes I let stress get the best of me and forget that You are in control. Fill me with Your strength and guide me one day at a time through this season. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Devotionals from my Bible app: The Urgent Call (Matthew 9:37-38)

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38, NKJV

Note before sharing the devotional: I’ve been thinking and praying more and more about "my life’s work" and what all that includes. Especially at the age (and stage) of life I am now, this question is growing further in importance. What is unmistakable so far is this: the Great Commission absolutely must be a part of it, and a key one at that. Still working on making myself pliable in this respect. One major way this will be is walking in the Spirit of God and keeping in step with His Spirit - the same Spirit that is received only when one also receives Jesus Christ as their Lord, King, and Savior.

The Urgent Call


Have you ever shared the good news of Jesus with someone in your life?


When Jesus was teaching and training the twelve disciples, he often used imagery and metaphors that were part of their culture to communicate important truths to them. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus relates the work that He is doing to a farmer’s work in the field.


Jesus says that the people who do not know Jesus are like a field of grain that is ready to be harvested. But, there are not enough workers to go and harvest among the fields. Jesus says to pray that God would send more workers to gather the harvest.


Essentially, there are people that are ready and willing to hear and respond to the gospel message, the hope that Jesus brings for every person. But when Jesus says "the workers are few" (Matthew 9:38), what He really means is: there are not enough people sharing the good news with others.


As Christians, we are entrusted with the free gift of eternal life, and we’re tasked with sharing that message with others. However, many Christians keep their faith to themselves.


We are to be bold in sharing the message of the cross with other people so that they can experience new life in Jesus, too.


Take a few minutes today to consider what small step you can take to begin sharing Jesus with other people. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, or friends what their spiritual background is so that you can begin having spiritual conversations. Pray for God to give you courage, and then step out and begin sharing with others.

Prayer: God, send more people into the harvest! Use me to make Your name known. Give me courage to have conversations with others as I share about You and Your Son and the way You have changed my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Sermons from Good News: Don't stop praying.

Note before sharing the sermon: sometimes I don’t have anything to share because the message alone is enough. (Spoiler - there is a surprise at the end of this post but it’s not about any thoughts or reflections that I have. Basically, I liked the sermon. And now I’ll let it speak for itself.)

Church 4/6/2025


Sermon message:


Announcement: water baptisms next week.


Thesis: Don’t stop praying.


Don’t give up if you’ve been disappointed or discouraged. Don’t cave to pressure if others are trying to dissuade you from praying.


Consider Daniel. He willingly put up with being in a lion’s den.


A quote from Billy Graham:

Morning prayer opens up God’s blessings and mercy and treasures.

Evening prayer shuts us under God’s protection for the night.

Luke 18:1 (all translations NKJV unless otherwise denoted)

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Even worldly studies confirm prayer works: people seem to have a comfort that others who don’t pray don’t have. They confirm that people who pray also seem to be people of strength.


Don’t stop praying.


Point #1: prayer changes our focus and releases God’s power.


Consider Peter in the boat when Jesus Jesus was walking on the water. Peter walked on water so long as he focused on Jesus, but began to sink as he focused on the storm over Jesus. Then Jesus helped him shift his focus back to Him.


Acts 4:24

So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

The believers refocused after having received bad news.


Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Another case: Paul and Silas were in prison.


Acts 16:24-26

Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Jesus directly taught us how to pray as well.


Matthew 6:9

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Refocus on God.


Point #2: prayer draws us closer to God.


Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,

To all who call upon Him in truth.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Don’t stop praying.


Point #3: God has given us different kinds of prayer.


Ephesians 6:18

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Petition prayer


James 4:2

You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Giving God thanks


Philippians 4:6 again

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

2 Timothy 1:3

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

Intercessory prayer


1 Timothy 2:1-3

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Criticism is easy to do; but rising above the temptation to criticize is not easy to do but important for following Jesus.


Prayer of submission.


Father God, let Your will be done, not mine.


Praying in known tongues.


i.e. English, French, German, etc.


Praying in unknown tongues.


Like the day of Pentecost.


Consider Paul’s delineation:

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, NKJV

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, AMP

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive [because it does not understand what my spirit is praying]. Then what am I to do? I will pray with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will pray with the mind [using words I understand]; I will sing with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will sing with the mind [using words I understand].

Don’t stop praying.


Point #4: You can change from prayer of petition to the prayer of thanks.


If you believe in your heart that it is done, then as you keep praying, switch over to prayer of thanks. But don’t stop praying. Don’t fall for the lie that says repeating petitions equates to lack of faith. It can but God will speak to your spirit and let you know it’s time to switch over to thanksgiving.


1 Kings 17:21-22

And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.

1 Kings 18:42-43

So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.”

So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.”

But don’t let anyone stop you from praying. Don’t feel condemned by anyone for praying.


James 5:17-18

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

2 Thessalonians 1:11

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

Romans 1:8-9

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

1 Thessalonians 5:17

pray without ceasing,

Point #5: You can change from known tongues to unknown tongues.


Note re praying in unknown tongues only: it’s important to still pray in your original language.

Note after sharing the sermon: the following song was shared after the conclusion of the message. I thought it was really powerful; as such, below are the lyrics to the song:

Don’t Stop Praying by Matthew West

[Verse 1]

What’s your impossible? Your “I need a miracle”?

What’s got you barely hanging by a single thread?

What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt?

You beg for a breakthrough but no sign of breakthrough yet

[Pre-Chorus]

When you’ve cried and you’ve cried ’til your tears run dry

The answer won’t come and you don’t know why

And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time

[Chorus]

Don’t stop praying

Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name

Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door

And let your knees wear out the floor

Don't stop believing

’Cause mountains move with just a little faith

And your Father’s hеard every single word you’rе saying

So, don’t stop praying

[Verse 2]

He's close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends

[Pre-Chorus]

When you’ve cried and you’ve cried ’til your tears run dry

The answer won’t come and you don’t know why

And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time

Oh, do it one more time

[Chorus]

And don’t stop praying

Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name

Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door

And let your knees wear out the floor

Don’t stop believing

’Cause mountains move with just a little faith

And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying

So, don’t stop praying

[Post-Chorus]

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

Oh-oh

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

No, don’t stop praying

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

Oh (Oh)

[Bridge]

Don’t stop praying for the prodigal

Don’t stop praying for the miracle

Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen

Don’t stop praying that addictions end

Don’t stop praying for deliverance

Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen

Oh, don’t stop praying for the sickness healed

Don’t stop praying for His power revealed

Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen

No, don’t stop praying for the Kingdom come

Don’t stop praying that His will be done

Hallelujah, hallelujah and amen

[Chorus]

Don’t stop praying

Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name

Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door

Let your knees wear out the floor

Don’t stop believing

’Cause mountains move with just a little faith

And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying

So, don’t stop praying

[Post-Chorus]

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

No, don’t stop praying

(Don’t stop, don’t stop praying)

Don’t you give up now (Oh)

No, don’t stop praying

Reading through the Bible 2025: what does "visiting one's iniquity" mean?

 Confession: This post is a little belated. I'm now going through the Book of 1st Samuel and reading about the events that took place in Samuel's lifetime, as well as that of Israel's first king, Saul. In this post, I don't have a whole lot to say, as this particular topic is still somewhat new to me, at least in terms of exploring in Scripture. This time, I'll simply share what did come up, and for now I'll leave it to you, the reader, to explore on your own. I may come back again in the future and delve further into this.

The below is is a phrase that has come up quite frequently across the "Law" portion of God's Word, including in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. I wanted to explore the phrase "visiting the iniquity" (especially given its consistent context of an individual's iniquity affecting subsequent generations). I will say that I'm grateful for AI and ChatGPT, at least for now (I expect that it will become corrupted at some point in the future, especially when inputting Biblical questions like this).

Reading through the Bible 2025: Hannah's vow to the Lord (1st Samuel 1)

Thesis: Hannah’s vow to the Lord


Two things I wish to accomplish in this post:


First, to comment on reaching the book of 1st Samuel in my Bible reading plan. This is my fifth attempt at reading through the entire Bible in one year. This is now the third time that I have made it this far in Scripture. Last year, when I was going through the first sections of Scripture, I was also fighting against discouraging voices telling me that I was going to fail to read all the way through this time, “just like I had done the previous two times.” But with God’s help, I kept pushing through, not just through the books of the Torah as known by practitioners of the Jewish faith, but also the next two books that followed, the books of Joshua and Judges. (This is where I had completely fallen off before.) So when I had broken through to the beginning of 1st Samuel, that’s when I knew that this habit was going to stick. It is at this point in Scripture that I realize that I’m no longer anywhere close to the early parts of God’s story of Him and His people. I suspect that one of the lies that I had quickly fallen into previously was that reading through the entire Bible was “too hard” or “too much.” And certainly, while reading through Genesis, or Exodus, or even Deuteronomy, it can certainly feel that way! After all, at that point there are still many more books and chapters to get through, and many more characters to read about, including their births, actions, and deaths, etc. Trying to soak in and memorize all those details in one read-through would be way too daunting! That is why, this time around, I’m reading in such a manner as to not obsess over the details nearly as much, and instead try to focus on what jumps out to me. (Of course, it does help to have read through it last year with a Bible teacher providing daily recaps to help me know what to focus on!)


Second, to share an example of believing God for something, again, not because of our faith; but because in response to a fervent prayer and request, including in this case a vow, a word—a promise, even—was received from the Lord. Below is what Jesus told His disciples regarding faith and believing for things:

“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/mrk.11.22-24.NKJV

Hannah, at the beginning of the book of 1st Samuel, made a similar prayer request and acted in the same manner of faith. She also made a vow, something that God has made clear is extremely important to follow through upon doing so:

“Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.””

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/1sa.1.11.NKJV

Hannah got confirmation that her prayer will be answered. The below passage is her response to Eli (who was the temple priest at the time) who had accused her of being drunk when in reality she had been praying silently and with tears the words from the above passage:

“But Hannah answered and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/1sa.1.15-18.NKJV

Hannah rejoiced not because the answer to her prayer had yet manifested but because it was promised. She then worshiped God and took the necessary steps of faith in order to do her part in making the promise happen:

“Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.”

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/1sa.1.19.NKJV

Then the promise materialized:

“So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.””

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/1sa.1.20.NKJV

And her son Samuel was indeed dedicated to the Lord:

“Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young. Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, “O my Lord! As your soul lives, my Lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.”

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/1sa.1.24-28.NKJV

• So, Hannah had a fervent prayer request borne out of a place of deep pain.
• She also had faith in God, to believe that He would honor her request if she had found favor with Him.
• She made a vow, I believe because even though she had not yet received that confirmation, she knew that if He were to indeed favor her, her request would be granted. From that place of faith she made a vow because she loved Him.
• Upon receiving by word of that confirmation, she rejoiced and worshiped Him, and then committed her part in the request to bring forth that promised son.
• Ultimately after Samuel was born she fulfilled her initial vow, that she would dedicate her son to God. Samuel ended up serving Him all the days of his life.

I think this is a huge stumbling block for a lot of people, professing believers of Jesus as well as non-believers, this kind of thinking (and not just faith). I’ve been guilty of falling short on developing this type of mentality. Not only so, but I’ve even bristled at it when this idea was presented to me. I’ve been blessed to be at a church that regularly preaches on the importance of faith and not “expecting proof” (my words for it) of God moving or providing. Given my life story and a plethora of unanswered prayers, including prayers that I thought were good (some of which have indeed been confirmed Biblically as such), developing this muscle of “believe it before you see it” has been full of not just difficulties but outright failures, oftentimes taking many many many reoccurrences of failure and consequence (often including loss) before I begin to be able to learn whatever it was that God was trying to teach me. (That’s still going on even now, I’m sorry to say.)


That’s why the truth of God’s faithfulness is so good. Our salvation is not counted on anything that we might do rightly, specifically on our own strength, but rather on Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. We need His faithfulness and His forgiveness to cover what we cannot cover ourselves.

“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/2ti.2.11-13.NKJV

Postscript: God continued to bless Hannah even after she gave birth to Samuel and dedicated him to the Lord:

18 But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “The Lord give you descendants from this woman for the loan that was given to the Lord.” Then they would go to their own home. 21 And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:18-21, NKJV 

Devotionals from my Bible app: God as Your Creator (Genesis 1:1)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1, NKJV

Note before sharing the devotional: And, as a follow-up from the post a few days ago, here is Genesis 1:1. Once again, the devotional below refers to Jesus as the Word. In other words, Jesus is the Bible, and the Bible is Jesus. Although this reference doesn’t occur super-often in Scripture, I think this is a very key concept that one must grasp.

Although this isn’t central to the devotional below, here is something else that Jesus has to say that is still very important for believers to understand:

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58, NKJV

God as Your Creator


Have you ever paused to reflect on God as your Creator?


God is unlike any other that is, was, or will be. He alone is able to fully sustain that which He creates. And He alone is able to create, merely by speaking it into existence.


“Genesis” means “beginning,” and it’s where we read about God’s first creation. If you dig deeper into the pages of Scripture, you learn about power by which God creates.


Take John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.”


Or Colossians 1:16: “For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”


The writer of Hebrews assures us that, “by faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:3 NIV).

This “Word” is Jesus Christ, and through Him, God brought everything into existence. The ultimate redemption of all God’s promises will come through that same Word—Jesus Christ.


Reflect on that truth for a moment: The same power that spoke the universe into existence is the same power that will bring about the redemption of all things promised.


Today, take some time to reflect on God’s role as Creator, and allow it to fill you with great hope. Because He’s not just any creator; He’s your Creator, and He holds the very universe—and your life—in His hands.


https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.1.1.NKJV


Note after sharing the devotional: one of my many ongoing projects is to write or rewrite pop/rock songs I’ve written with Biblical lyrics. I have noticed how recent Christian pop music has (gradually) moved away from expressing Biblical truths and from focusing on praising and worshiping God, to talking about oneself while referencing God. (I hold the opinion that there isn’t anything inherently wrong about it, with the caveat that those songs should be marketplace songs, not church songs.) I hadn’t understood this so clearly before as I do now, but even then, I’ve noticed for a long time how much more difficult it has been for me to write Christian music that doesn’t directly quote Scripture. I used to reason that, due to my upbringing in the Anglican choral tradition, I put myself in a spot where I completely relied on someone else to write the words (lyrics still aren’t my strong suit to this day). Having grown in my faith over the years and growing in awareness of various different things, I have found that the only way to truly worship the Lord is either to quote Scripture directly, or praise Him in such a way that it still involves reflecting the Word back to Him. One of the times that I felt that this worked really well was a song I wrote in 2013 titled Messenger Song, in which with God’s help I created a “found poem” based on text from Malachi, chapters 3 and 4.

The first verse of Messenger Song goes thusly (and yes, this song and these lyrics are copyrighted):

God has ordered you

His covenant it stands

His covenant with you is life and health

Stand in awe of Him

Revere His great Name

Let true instruction be in your mouth

Your lips should guard His truth

His people should seek it from you

You are His messenger

And neither should you edit His voice 

Honor your Father, and serve your God

The direct words from the book of Malachi show God directly addressing His people from the first-person point of view (and as such, the original version of these lyrics were from that view! I changed them to present God in the third person because I didn’t feel comfortable singing these lyrics -- or having this song presented -- as if I or whoever was singing was standing in the place of God). 

The bridge also shows an urgent message from the Lord to His people (yes, also copyrighted):

See, God’s day is coming

Those against Him will perish

But for you who love Him and keep His commandments

The sun of righteousness will rise

with healing in His wings 

And you will tread down your enemies

As I completed this song, I got this sense that this message was for the church. Makes sense, since the book of Malachi is addressed the Lord’s people of Israel, after their post-exilic return and re-settlement into Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, but before Jesus’s arrival. Aside from posting this on Bandcamp, I otherwise haven’t performed this as there didn’t really seem to be any kind of opening at my church at the time to share this (and I don’t begrudge the Vineyard for this; this is simply an acknowledgement of where things were at at the time).

Last fall, I remade one song that was originally a song of darkness, and provided lyrics to another song that was also half-written a few years ago but the original lyrics I had put together just didn’t feel right (it would have been a marketplace song, at best). But having come across a couple of Bible-based podcasts talking about how various churches and Bible translations (especially across the 20th century) have been trying to strip away various verses across Scripture, verses that are central to the faith and almost impossible to twist, I felt it was imperative that I write music that included at least one of these verses, quoted directly (or almost directly) from Scripture. One of those verses (which isn’t in either song) comes from Acts 8:37 (NKJV):

Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

The other reference, which I included in one of the above-mentioned songs (I cannot share the lyrics as the pieces are still in progress compositionally), comes from 1 John 5:7 (NKJV):

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

Read the footnotes for yourself for each to see what Biblegateway says. I’m not entirely sure when these verses were stripped away, whether it was the 20th century or far earlier. Regardless, it doesn’t matter. The Word is the Word.

To wrap up these remarks, I say all the above to say that it was through these discoveries that God helped me make the connection of Jesus being one and the same as the Word (i.e. the Bible). I think this is a foundational truth, one that I’m sure many will not want to hear. I will say also that it gives this statement by Jesus to the Pharisees a bit of a different flavor (at least for me, for I previously only saw it as a mark against legalism, which it still is; but it is so much more than only that!):

But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:38-40, NKJV

He’s not saying to not spend time in the Word (in fact He’s saying the opposite!); what He is saying is that it’s not enough only to read the Word to gain knowledge for yourself, whether of the Law or anything else. Reading the Word must involve spending time with it like a relationship, to let it shape you, and not the other way around. No other book can do this (and I’ve known of many bookworms through my years who have elevated other great literary works of art to the point that they act as if they have a relationship with these other books, while devaluing the Bible because they have equated elevating it to legalism. Regardless, this type of other-book-elevation is indeed yet another form of idolatry).

Jesus is the Word. He was also there at the beginning of time, as stated below.

He was in the beginning with God. John 1:2, NKJV

Prayer: God, thank You for being the creator of all things. You hold the entire world in Your hands and still care for me. I have hope for today, knowing that You designed me on purpose for a purpose. Let me reflect Your power to others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Devotionals from my Bible app: Masterpieces in Process Proverbs 27:17)

Note before sharing the devotional: lately, I’ve been praying to be able to hear more from the Holy Spirit, and I’ve been watching YouTube podcasts and sermons (and receiving prayers over the internet) to this end. God has been speaking to me about some things, and it has been both good and challenging. A line that stands out to me today from this devotional is as follows: we can also be sharpened by the dearest friend we have—the Holy Spirit. That’s what’s happening. And in fact, I’ve been experiencing a bit of this in my marriage as well. There are some things that have come up that I’ve had to hear which have been hard in the moment, but what I’m also noticing is that, more often than not, God Himself has also been behind it. Lately, I’ve been starting to keep a log of things that have been happening, and it’s now to the point that I need to write many things down in order to keep up. I’m starting to experience what it’s like when things are moving in the spiritual realm but not yet manifesting in the physical realm.

Masterpieces in Process


There’s a verse in Proverbs that’s often quaintly quoted when referring to a close friendship or marriage…

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Yes, we want to encourage each other, cheer each other on, and sharpen each other emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But when you truly think about the implications of such a description, this verse is anything but quaint.


Iron is sharpened through heat and friction, through cutting and slicing. As it is beaten, it is reshaped into something beautiful and purposeful and even better than before.


Sharpening is purposeful, but it can also be painful. It’s intentional friction that often results in a purer, stronger, sharper character. We aren’t sharpened by thoughtless, careless, or unintentional relationships, but we are sharpened by those who lovingly help chip away the excess junk—who can recognize and visualize the masterpiece God wants us to become.


We can be sharpened by mentors, pastors, spouses, teachers, and friends. But we can also be sharpened by the dearest friend we have—the Holy Spirit. The part of God who’s considered the third “person” of the Trinity, the One who does the refining work. The Holy Spirit is like a personal and professional metal-worker who is skilled and deliberate, focused and detailed, trustworthy and true.


“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”


When we surrender to God’s refining work inside of us, we can help others see the work of art in themselves. So today, allow God to sharpen you. Ask Him to reveal the parts of your life that need to be refined, and then surrender to the work He wants to do inside you.

Note after sharing the devotional: to the questions listed in the last slide above, God has been providing answers to both. I would also add that sometimes part of the sharpening is being put in a position to potentially sharpen another person. Considering that I’m non-confrontational by nature, this definitely is true!

Prayer: God, thank You for Your Word, which reveals areas of my life that desperately need Your correction. Send people into my life who will walk with me and sharpen me, as iron sharpens iron. Guide my tongue, so I speak with loving truth and intention to others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Music compositional update: on concerti and symphonies

 

As I continue checking off various compositional goals (most of which are piano-related), I periodically like to take stock of my overall portfolio to date, which includes pieces completed, pieces in progress, and pieces that I would like to write but haven’t begun yet. A fourth category includes a vague idea of what I hope to write but not only haven’t begun but haven’t even conceptualized. Concerti and symphonies headline this list. Now, before I proceed in explaining this further, let me throw in a disclaimer: when I was in high school and college, I in fact wrote quite a few such pieces, and in many of these instances I’m speaking about completed pieces, notationally speaking. So why would I include these “completed” pieces as part of a category I describe as “not only not begun but not conceptualized”? I do so because, while these are completed pieces, I also wrote them in high school, before I had received any formal compositional training, and also had written them exclusively on my music notation software instead of by hand and without having researched some important things about the instruments for which I was writing.

One other thing I notice about my compositional portfolio to date is that, categorically speaking, the vast majority of the pieces written fall into one of three categories: 1.) solo piano works (including sonatas, sonatinas, suites, and standalone pieces); 2.) choir compositions (both a cappella and with organ); 3.) lyricked pop songs (with Biblical text, with non-Biblical-but-otherwise-Christian-inspired text, and with outright secular text). I have recently been building out my instrumental-ensemble portfolio, but even then these are single-movement pieces, consistent with how things work in the jazz genre.

I’m pretty sure I’ve shared this story before on the blog, but it is good to repeat (I wrote the below on June 23, 2019, with a few modifications for today’s post):

The short story: I believe that God may have told me “write Me a symphony.”

I believe that God sometimes speaks to me through license plates. Sometimes. On March 4, 2019, I saw a license plate that read “SYMFONY.” Unfortunately, I do not remember the context, in terms of what my conversation with God was at that moment while driving. And, to be fair, that license plate could have been referring to anything: “write Me a symphony,” “go audition for a symphony,” or simply referring to the fact that the owner of that car works for the symphony. I don’t know. What I do know is this: I decided to take the plunge and began sketching out a symphonic movement. I don’t yet know if this is a first movement, a second movement, or a third movement. (Or even a fourth!) Given that this particular document is simply a sketch at this moment, it is at best “a” movement.

In 2011, I wrote a 2000s-style piano pop/rock song titled “Blessing in Disguise.” As of today, that song has not made it past the “composed but never recorded” stage (and considering that this was a secular song that only briefly referenced God once or twice, it will likely stay that way). In 2014, I decided to take the chords (the only part of that song that I really liked, anyway) and turn it into a solo piano ballad of a piece. I eventually found myself writing a brand-new melody, and soon with it, new sections. It was like I had found an old wineskin that still had some life in it, and I made new wine with it! Then, after a couple of recordings, one at home, and a second at a friend’s house, the sketch went back into storage, and waited. And waited. And waited.

Reviving this sketch a third time was my first logical choice when I felt the prompting to begin sketching this symphony. In 2019 I didn’t consider myself all that good at creating new material in a short amount of time, let alone enough to write a symphonic movement, and so my fallback was typically to delve back into my storage unit of musical ideas that I had sketched and compiled over the years. In the sketch that I’ve completed to date are the Exposition and the Recapitulation, with both T1 (Tonal Area 1) and T2 (Tonal Area 2) completed, which gave me the opportunity to combine my sketches from both the original grapevine that is “Blessing in Disguise,” as well as the stem that is the reconstruction in 2014 as a solo piano ballad, and figure out to stretch these ideas so as to take up a reasonable-length symphonic movement.

 

For context, these aforementioned sketches were created right before I went through my worst compositional drought (although, to be fair, I was well on my way there by this point). Since then, the only thing I’ve sketched out is a super-basic set of sketches for the intro and first tonal area of the exposition for a blues-structured piano concerto.

But back when I was in high school, I notated sketches for two symphonies, one complete piano concerto, and fragments of another two piano concerti, plus a third that I’m intending to convert into a saxophone concerto (the middle movement features the saxophone prominently, while the first movement seems to not be able to make up its mind as to whether it is a symphonic movement or a piano concerto).

In college, that output dropped. Among other things, my professors challenged me to write smaller-ensemble compositions and allowed me only to write one large-ensemble piece (which was the requirement for the highest-level composition class before the rest of this part of the major was moved to lessons). It did give me good training grounds for how to write for other types of ensembles, including using the “short score” approach, which would ultimately bear fruit beginning my band years during the 2010s.

Aside from life events and from my more immediate goals of completing piano sonatas and 6-to-8-person band pieces, the other main stumbling block with symphonies has to do with the question of how big and complicated do I want the ensemble to be? As I listen to Baroque-era pieces, particularly by Johann Sebastian Bach, or Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach, or even Johann Christian Bach, I’m finding that one blessing of having a much smaller orchestra is that it places more of a premium on tightness of rhythm and tempo, which is not too different from jazz and rock ensembles today (which, because of experience, I have a greater comfort level with them). Similarly, both types of ensembles rely heavily on a consistent bass line throughout (with jazz’s upright bass or rock’s bass guitar merely continuing the role of the Baroque-era basso continuo but with the help of a modern rhythm section), which I find I like a lot. Although I see myself likely to preserve the large-orchestra structure in the symphonic pieces I’ve already written, I could also see myself over the long term preferring a smaller orchestra, if for no other reason than not having to worry about writing parts for all 100-plus different instruments or whatnot.

One other thing I might point out is that, in this post-COVID era, people have tended to prefer a downsized orchestra, either for reasons of medical concern or even financial.

I’ll close this post with a positive note: I had to dig up the binder with the printed-out, partially completed short score of that symphonic movement sketched in 2019 to write out the notes from the first page. This led to my starting to review the music and to hearing it in my head again. As a result, ideas began popping into my head as to how to write the development. This is exciting, and I hope to be able to put pencil to paper soon on this. I also know that I must balance all my obligations, especially unto the Lord; as such, I may not be able to follow through as quickly on this as I would like. But I just wanted to mention a gratitude that, unlike in 2019, ideas have been coming more easily to me than they used to. Praise the Lord for that!

Reading through the Bible 2025: circumcision of the heart

Although I'm now in the book of Judges (and beyond), here is a post from my reading from the book of Joshua that I wanted to share. This entry will be set up as a reverse-engineer of the topic of Biblical circumcision. First, the New testament verse:

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:28-29, NKJV

Now, for the Old Testament passage from a recent reading:

“At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way, after they had come out of Egypt. For all the people who came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness, on the way as they came out of Egypt, had not been circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord—to whom the Lord swore that He would not show them the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” Then Joshua circumcised their sons whom He raised up in their place; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way. So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/jos.5.2-9.NKJV

It is still about circumcision of the heart. Here is one instance of God's promise when we do this:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 1 Peter 5:6, NKJV

Devotionals from my Bible app: The Best Word (John 1:1)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1, NKJV

Note before sharing the devotional: recently, I’ve been experiencing a sort of fatigue with blog-posting. As a confession, this devotional was in my queue for posting for a little while, pending my sharing some thoughts. But sometimes that part just isn’t there. I will comment this time only to say that I love this verse, as it is a New Testament restatement of Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NKJV) I don’t believe you can have one without the other. Further, throughout all Biblical books co-authored by John the disciple (whether the Gospel of John or any of his three letters later on) regularly reference Jesus as the Word. For some, this might be considered a stretch, but what this means is that Jesus is the Bible, and the Bible is Jesus.

[Final confession: after writing the above, I just now glanced below at the devotional which basically said almost the exact same things. I’m not going to take any credit for the information shared or even the idea that I was “on the same wavelength” as the devotional writer below. I’m going to only give credit to God that both the devotional writer and I were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the same thing. I say this also to say that when a truth is confirmed twice, especially when each instance is independent of the other, it means that God really wants to highlight this to whoever is reading this. Be blessed, in Jesus’s name.]

The Best Word


One of the most powerful verses in Scripture is found in John’s gospel:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1 ESV

As you keep reading, it becomes abundantly clear that the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, identifies Jesus Christ as the “Word.”


From the first sentence in the Bible, we learn that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) Now, John explains, “In the beginning was the Word…” And not only was Jesus there in the beginning, but “the Word was with God…” And not only was the Word with God, but “the Word was God.”


So if Jesus has existed from the beginning, if He was with God, and if He was God, then that makes Him much more than a good person, a moral teacher, or even a prophet.


John claims that Jesus is fully man and fully God. Which seems ridiculous—unless, of course, it’s true.


The truth is, God loved the world so much that He gave up His divine privileges, was born into human skin, and died a criminal’s death—so that the people He loves could have eternal life. People like you.


Remember: He’s not just another name from history, He’s the very Creator of life.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for who You are. You are eternal, and that You are the Creator of everything that exists. Thank You for loving me enough to die on the cross for me so that I could have eternal life with You. Help me to live in worship of who You are. In Your holy name, Amen.

Sermons from Good News: Water baptism

Church 3/30/2025


Offertory scripture:


Jeremiah 17:7 (all translations are NKJV, except one where translation is referenced)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.

Sermon message:


Thesis: Water baptism


Point #1: Baptism and communion are the two ordinances (decrees) given to the church by Christ.


1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The bread and wine are pictures of Christ’s body and blood.


Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Point #2: Baptism is the outward and public act that symbolizes important and spiritual truths.


Colossians 2:12

buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Romans 6:3-6

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Point #3: Baptism is a public act declaring one’s faith.


John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Water baptism indicates that the Christian life should not be lived alone but rather in community.


Acts 2:41

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Point #4: Baptism doesn’t save people; saved people get baptized.


John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:18

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Believing is what counts.


Romans 10:9-10

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Mark 16:15-16

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 8:36-37: Philip and the Ethiopian

36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

[Verse 37 is so powerful is that certain heretical translations have redacted that verse.]


Point #5: Why should believers be (water) baptized?

Because we want to follow Jesus’s example.
Jesus comes to John the Baptist to be baptized.


Matthew 3:13-15

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

We want also to be obedient to Him.


Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Point #6: How should believers be baptized?

Baptism in Greek is a transliteration: to dip, to immerse, to submerge, to bury something.


Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Back to the Ethiopian that Philip baptized:


Acts 8:32-39

32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;

And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.

33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away,

And who will declare His generation?

For His life is taken from the earth.”

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

Matthew 28:19 again

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Point #7: We do not baptize infants; we dedicate them.


We believe that what saves an individual is believing in Jesus Christ and receiving Him as their Lord and Savior.


Why we dedicate instead:


1 Samuel 1:27

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.

Luke 2:22 NKJV

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

Luke 2:22 AMP

And when the time for their purification came [that is, the mother’s purification and the baby’s dedication] according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [set apart as the Firstborn]

Mark 10:16

And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Baptism comes once you believe for yourself, after you are able to understand the significance of committing your life to Jesus.

Note after sharing the sermon: my church is holding its first baptism in the new (permanent) location. Apparently, it has been a while since the last one, and I haven’t witnessed any in the time since I first joined five years ago.

In short, I agree with the points of the sermon: baptism is an outward act symbolizing a commitment to Jesus Christ that was already made by the person. As such, it is not baptism that saves a person, but baptism is a sign of a person publicly declaring their faith and commitment to Him. Sprinkling water on an infant (or toddler) doesn’t count, for two reasons: 1.) the child is not yet old enough to understand what it means to receive Jesus as Lord, King, and Savior, let alone commit to following and obeying Him throughout his or her life; and 2.) only fully immersing oneself in water represents one’s death to their old way of life (worldly and full of sin) and the start of their new life in Christ in a way that “a little sprinkle here, a little sprinkle there” cannot.

The above are all reasons why I went ahead in 2013 to decide to get baptized, because prior to that point, I had never been fully immersed in water for my baptism previously (I had water sprinkled on me when I was 2 years old, and that was it).

However, one interesting point not captured in the sermon notes above because it occurred after the formal part of the message was concluded, was the idea that anyone who wants to get baptized can (and perhaps even should? ...trying to deduce that part of it), even after having demonstrated this act before as an adult. I prayed about it briefly, and the sense I got was that 1.) it was unnecessary since I’ve already been water baptized as an adult, and 2.) my potential choosing to do it this time would be more for show and for attention rather than a genuine lead by the Lord. My understanding is that one does it once, shortly after they first get saved; if I were to do it a second time, what would it say about the the last eleven years? That I actually wasn’t saved before, but am now? In some cases, that might actually be the truth (and thus necessitating a second water baptism, or a third, etc), but I would personally prefer that the discernment and decision-making processes be between the individual and God. As for me, to reiterate, I’m not getting any kind of prompting from the Holy Spirit to do it, and in fact am feeling prompted not to do it, at least not at this time.

It will be a wonderful time of praising God and celebrating those who are reaffirming their faith, as well as perhaps a few first-time baptizees taking this step as well.