Why was Jesus baptized?

Why was Jesus baptized?

Jesus' baptism story is in three books (Matthew 3:23-17, Mark 19-11, and Luke 3:21-23). Each author tells something unique that they noticed.

Matthew noticed that Jesus asked John to help Him and when John tried to refuse Jesus pointed out that His baptism fulfills righteousness now.

Mark noticed that when the dove ascended from heaven that heaven tore open. 

Luke noticed that Jesus prayed when He was being baptized.

All three spoke of Jesus, the Holy Spirt, and the Voice of Heaven (the Father).

All three pointed out that the Father Said, "This is my Son, whom I love and am well pleased!"

Then Luke lets us know that Jesus' ministry began. 

Based on what you just read, why was Jesus baptized? 

Why would it be in the Bible for us to read about? 

What do learn from this true story?

Many years ago, I caught the truth that obedience fulfills righteousness in the moment. This was a huge truth for me to meditate on. I started asking myself, How can I fulfill righteousness now? 

For some, it could be you need to know Jesus, for others it could be getting baptized. For some, it could be seeking help to fulfill righteousness in the moment, and others it could be listening to the voice of God and the truths that He speaks over you. Some might need to be aware that the Holy Spirit is present and at work.

It is so much fun to be in the Word, to be with Jesus, and be transformed! 

Shalom y'all!

Jesus is Risen and Gives the Great Commission

What I love about asking these simple questions when I study the Bible is that it allows me to hear from God directly what He needs me to hear. 

I don't know about you, but sometimes obedience us hard, scary, and overwhelming. 

How can I? Who am I? 

You know the question reel in your brain. But, then God sends the reminder, "Do not be afraid!" 

I may not have an angel appearing, but the consistent study and listening to His Word brings about His authority in me. It is one crazy thing. A mystery. I cannot explain and I cannot achieve it on my own. Yet, BUT GOD! Somehow, obedience happens in me and I am walking in it before I know a change has happened. 

I never had it on my list to teach nations. Yet, God brings me people from different nations that ask me to teach them. 

Have you ever read the Resurrection and the Great Commission passage and simply asked, "How does this apply to me? What do you want me to go? Who do you want me to teach or disciple?"

Trust His presence! Trust His authority! Trust His Word! And remember, it is never ever about me! 

Father, please show me the who and the where. I will obey Your how!

Generosity comes from the Latin root of noble birth

(Image taken from braveheartedbeauty.com)

Did you know that the word generosity comes from the root words "to be of noble birth"?

Aristotle is quote as saying that generosity is seeking to be noble in your actions. But the more I study generosity, the more I realize it is so much more than giving monetary. It is giving of words, time, talent, treasure, and hope.

In the moment, when I want to be sparky generosity is being kind because it is the noble thing to do.

When I feel I have no time and I have someone that has a legitimate need in their life that I can meet, it is the noble thing to do it.

When I see an opportunity to give and feel compelled in my spirit to give, I do so without expectation of return. In fact, it is best it not be known I gave. This one us hard to do with our world of record keeping. But it is noble to find ways to give without being seen.

It is when I see an opportunity to be a blessing and bring about noble influence in a situation through guided conversation, encouragement, etc. While seeking the noble outcome even when it means sacrifice on my part.

Generosity comes from noble birth because our God is a generous God. He is who gives us our noble birth and the ability to be generous. 

Father, will You please teach me how to be generous and live out of my nobility rather than my poverty. In Jesus name, amen