Heaven is Torn Open - Mark 1:9-11 Post 2

Heaven: closed to us for ages. The gates slammed shut in ancient days and we were left on the outside of all we had known, locked out.  I was locked out.  And now...here You are, coming up out of the water, seeing heaven being torn open.  

Heaven is torn open for You.  The Spirit descends like a dove on You.  I'm happy for You - but what good does that do me? 

Why was Jesus Baptized? - Mark 1:9-11 Post 1

While John is telling people about the coming king, the king actually comes. (Mark 1:9) Jesus came, and was baptized by John.  

You had no sins to confess and repent of.  You don't need forgiveness.  You are  the One who will achieve this forgiveness we are repenting for.  And yet You come and are baptized.  Why?

Water Is Not Enough Part 2 - Mark 1:1-8 Post 9

Last week, I shared some of my thoughts about Mark 1:8 and John the Baptist's statement: "I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." This week I'm posting Water Is Not Enough, a song I wrote in response to the same verse.   The pictures in the video are all of water in some of the places that our family has had the privilege of living or visiting.  (Lyrics for Water is Not Enough.)

Water Is Not Enough Part 1 - Mark 1:1-8 Post 8

 Water.  I need water.  Water quenches my thirst.  Washes me - my skin and hair feel clean after water.  Water sustains me.  Without it there would be no food, neither vegetables or dairy products or grains or meats.  Without water, I would die.

John baptizes with water  (Mark 1:8) - a beautiful visual and physical experience expressing a deeper reality.  

My Hysterectomy in Siberia Part 6

Rowanberries in Novosibirsk, Russia

"When I awake, I am still with you."  Ps. 139:18

 I was in a little pain, not exactly comfortable, but I was ok.  I was on the other side of my adventure.  And ...still with You.  I would have still been with You either way.  But...I am here, and still with You. 

Joey left to go home.  I told him to sleep and not to come back until Thursday.

Do I Give God's Messengers His Place? - Mark 1:1-8 Post 7

I love the messengers in my life.  I love the people and the music and the books and pastors and podcasts and nature and my cup of coffee in the morning and all these things that remind me that Your mercies are new every morning.  They speak to me about ways I have not known You yet, ways I could know You.  They whisper to me to relinquish what I have not yet let go of.  Sometimes they just call to me to sit before You and know You.