We need divine revelation

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Galatians 1, 2; Proverbs 10

Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV)

11 I want you to know brothers that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Good morning!

Our grandson Andrew Joseph was baptized in Christ yesterday afternoon. It was a beautiful service. We gathered together to witness this holy mystery. Andrew Joseph is a precious gift of God, and we give thanks for his life and the promise of all he will become in the Lord.

The deacon reminded us that the act of baptism is not something we do for each other; rather, it is something Christ does in and for each of us. When little Andrew was just six weeks along in our daughter Rachel’s womb, she began to hemorrhage, and we wondered whether Rachel would miscarry. At three months into her pregnancy, we made an emergency trip to the hospital. We waited, for what seemed to be an eternity, while the medical team performed a pelvic ultrasound. We were praying they would find a heartbeat, but oh, there was so much more going on inside her womb. We were pretty sure the pregnancy had ended until we got a sneak peek at the baby, jumping up and down for joy inside his mother. That child was bouncing off the uterine walls in constant, rhythmic motion! He looked like a little Jack-in-the-Box! I laughed out loud when I saw the living presence of my grandchild in the secret place. This was all the reassurance I needed to know that this boy would not only survive, but thrive!

Six weeks after Rachel gave birth to a healthy seven pound eleven ounce baby boy, she was diagnosed and treated for an aggressive cervical cancer. At one point during the baptismal service, the deacon laid hands on Rachel’s head and prayed specifically for her. There was more than one miracle occurring in this very room. New life had been graciously given to not just one, but two. The mother and the son are survivors! Miracles can and still happen today.

Paul told the Christians at Galatia that the Gospel he preaches is not something men made up in their heads. It is not wishful thinking on the part of a humanity longing for something more. It wasn’t something taught to him at synagogue. He received the Gospel by divine revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. When Jesus Christ reveals Himself to you, it is a divine revelation! When you open your heart to Him and ask the Lord to become your Savior, Redeemer and friend, a holy mystery occurs. God uses all of us to teach others about the love of Christ and what He can do for the world. But only Christ can actually do the work we speak of. It is not within our power or authority to do anything other than to go and tell the Good News. If you have met the Lord Jesus Christ and He is living inside your heart today, then you can understand that it is His gift of grace and salvation alone that makes the difference.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commanded His disciples, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV). The Great Commission has begun in the life of our Andrew Joseph. May the Great Commission continue to grow in your heart, as you seek to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ with your life.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a divine revelation from Jesus Christ! He is waiting to reveal Himself to you in a way that will change your life forever. If you will ask Him, the good work that was Christ begun in Paul can continue on in and through you today. Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior right now.

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

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