The Purer the Vessel, the Greater the Flow

Think about those who must have Coronary Artery Bypass surgery because one or more blocked coronary arteries are preventing normal blood flow. Then on a less physical note, consider a kitchen sink pipe that becomes clogged because of an abundance of grease or other substances. But, most important are our vessels (our spirits) that become filled with kunk and junk that prevents a free flow of God's joy, peace, love and all the other Fruit of the Spirit from flowing in our lives.

We all desire God's ultimate "stamp of approval" on our lives. There are times when it's easy, and even seemingly harmless, to make little compromises in doing the RIGHT thing. You know... when we lose our patience with the cashier who is taking FOREVER to check out customers because she talks so much or when we falter in our ability to love those who are so unlovely to us, or watching "dark" and "immoral" movies or TV shows, or gossiping or telling little white lies. It's the little things, that over time, that cause our consciences to become seared, and what was once a clean, pure vessel, now starts getting clogged and that free flow of God's blessings with a joy-filled, peace-filled life, and God's "stamp of approval" seem to be held back.

Again, this is that "tweaking" and "course correction" time, when we realize the LITTLE THINGS do matter. Don't we want the flow out of us to others to be abundant in encouragement, comfort, joy and love? And, don't we want God's flow back to us to be the same?

It just makes sense to get out God's roto-rooter to clean-out and purify our vessels -- our pipelines -- because, "The purer the vessel -- the greater the flow!" Oh how I desire that flow -- freely flowing -- in and out of my life! How about you?

Marked & Branded in Baptism

Day 40 of Photo Inspirations -- Baptism Weekend
Over 150 people were baptized at the LifeChurch.tv Jenks Campus​ this weekend. There are few things as significant and inspiring as witnessing precious people expressing their faith in Christ by being baptized.   They've  put the past behind them and they openly confessed they're brand new, clean, forgiven and living in the "Jesus" camp now.   Being a follower of Christ has so many benefits --  acceptance into the family of God, limitless love, God's unmerited favor, grace, forgiveness of sins and purpose in life.

It's quite humbling to get into the water in front of everyone. There's a huge pool that is set up at the front of the auditorum.  Those being baptized climb a ladder and descend down the other side into the water of the pool.  A huge crowd of people are witnessing this beautiful act and are enthusiastically cheering them on.   We're identified with Christ, and just like He was baptized to identify with us, we're baptized to identify with Him. He was buried and rose again, and guess what? We get buried under the water and we rise again. This baptism experience is our way of publicly witnessing our faith in Christ, being forgiven of sin and expressing our willingness to be a fully devoted follower of Christ.  

When Jesus was baptized, He came out of the water, (Matthew  3:16-18), the heavens suddenly opened for Him, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and came down on Him. And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him!"   And, for all those 150 who were baptized this weekend at LifeChurch.tv Jenks -- they received God's "stamp of approval" and God was more than likely saying about each one...."This is my beloved son. This is my beloved daughter.  I take delight in in them!"  

I'm so thrilled that I received that stamp of approval, myself, many years ago and it is my greatest defense against the enemy when He tries to tell me I'm unworthy or not forgiven, or not loved.  Too bad for him -- I've been MARKED & BRANDED with that "stamp of approval"!  How about you?