Warriors Arise: April 30, 2023
Psalms 113 (NKJV)
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord!
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord's name is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
6 Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
7 He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
8 That He may seat him with princes—
With the princes of His people.
9 He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
Yesterday, I started to share a verse that grabbed my attention, "Who is like the Lord our God?" That makes me stop and really acknowledge the Lord, my God. There is no one like the Lord, my God. Today, is such a day of celebration. We are preparing to worship God and there are six people who are coming this morning to be baptized. This is so exciting! There is no one who is like the Lord, our God. As excited as I am to celebrate each baptism. I know God is ready to shout and cheer for each one. Just like with His Son, He wants each one to hear His voice of approval.
Matthew 3:13-17 (NKJV) 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.”
Jesus was baptized to be obedient to God's plan for His life. Baptism is for each one of us, to fulfill all righteousness. In Christ, we are righteous. Righteousness is right living, choosing right. Jesus was choosing right, to humble Himself, to be baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus was perfect, having no sin; yet, He still fulfilled righteousness to be baptized. It was obedience. It was humbling. He was perfect. He was baptized by John. Why did John preach repentance? Generally, we preach what we have been through. Maybe John felt more convicted about his sin because he grew up with Jesus, the perfect One. Could you imagine being John, growing up with Jesus? No wonder he preached repentance. Something perfect side by side with something not, causes the flaws of the imperfect thing to be more pronounced. Jesus isn't something; He is someone. He was perfect when He walked the earth. He is perfect today. Through believing Jesus Christ is who He is and did what He did - living a perfect life here on earth, in obedience to God allow Himself to be crucified for our sin and three days later rise victor over sin and death, walked the earth until it was His time to return to heaven and take His place at the right hand of the Father- we are saved. Jesus followed His Father's plan and humbled Himself to be baptized, Holy Spirit decended upon Him, and God affirmed Him, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
I anticipate God speaking to each one when they come up out of the water. It is a time of celebration. It may not be audible to us; but as long as they know God is speaking to them, I don't have to hear it. I pray for each one to experience the Father's delight in their baptism, recognize His voice and actively listen for Him to lead them throughout each day, for the rest of their lives. I can't wait to sing, "This is Our God"!
Who is like the Lord our God? There is no one. He is waiting with baited breath and heart beating strong for all those who will say "Yes" to Him. He anticipates relating to each one of us. His love is precious and empowering. His words of affirmation bring freedom and give us the opportunity to dream on His level. He desires for each one to wake up. When we come out of the dark, receive Salvation, honor Him through baptism, and walk the fullness of the dreams He has for us, He is overjoyed; whirling about heaven, because He is so delighted in you and me.
Who is like the Lord our God? He is for us. He waits for us. He sets us up to win. He defeats our enemies and draws us out of the pit of darkness and the prison of despair. There is no God like our God. I will worship You for there is no one like my God.
Father, what a day of celebration. I know You are ecstatic to celebrate each one who has chosen You, by receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I picture You on the edge of Your throne ready to whoop and give a shout of joy as each one gets baptized. I pray for the word You will speak to be heard by each one. I pray they know You are pleased with them. Come, Father, and speak over each one. You are the Lord our God and there is no other in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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