Today’s Devotional Theme
Opening Heaven
Daily Scripture
Matthew 3:13-17
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?" But Jesus answered him 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. When he had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were open to him and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and alighting upon him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.""
Encouragement
Water baptism is a pivotal moment in a believer's life. Even though it is a physical act symbolizing a spiritual event, it can and should be much more. I always contend that Jesus is our Great Example and always modeled what and how we should be like. I have also always contended that if we do what Jesus did we can expect similar results. With that in mind, let's take a look at what took place supernaturally after Jesus' physical baptism. This passage of scripture shows us that immediately after Jesus was baptized that the father opened up the heavens, sent Jesus the Holy Spirit, and then spoke to Jesus in clear and concise terminology. Now, I am not guaranteeing you that the moment you are baptized you will see a dove above your head and hear God audibly. I am, however, arguing the point that God will open Heaven for you, release His Spirit in your life more deeply, and begin to communicate to you more clearly. Time and time again I have individuals I have baptized declare to me how immediately after being baptized they began to understand scripture more clearly. They also had a keener sense of the operation of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They were at the beginnings of living supernatural lives. All of this, because they obeyed God's Word and were baptized.
Apply God’s Word
There are two ways to apply today's encouragement. The first is for those of you who need to be water baptized. Obey God in baptism and then expect Him to open the Heavens in your life because of your obedience. Secondly, if you have been baptized already and don't sense an open Heaven in your life, pray. Pray to your Father according to this scripture to petition Him for Heaven to open, the Spirit to descend on your life, and the Father to speak to you more clearly. Whichever category you identify with, we look forward to hearing how God begins to supernaturally influence your life from today forward.
Come into His Presence
Father, those of us that have followed Jesus' example of baptism petition You for an open Heaven, a release of Your Spirit in our life, and open lines of communication with You. Lord, for those of us who are about to enter into baptism, we set ourselves in expectation of You opening our lives to the supernatural realms of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen! |
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