BY REV. DORAL PULLEY
Scripture – “Though he were a Son, he learned obedience through the things that he experienced (Hebrews 5:8).”
Denial – I AM not exempt from the process.
Affirmation – I align my mind with the Divine Order of the universe.
How often do you take a bath or a shower without soap? Probably not too often, right? Repentance and water baptism are like soap and water. They go together. Repentance cleanses your consciousness from any error thinking and baptism washes away past thought patterns.
Not only did Jesus repent, he was also baptized. He went to the Jordan River with the full intention of being baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-16). Once Jesus made up in his mind that he was going to live a new life filled with ministry and miracles, he washed away his old life through the waters of baptism. When approached, John did not feel worthy to baptize Jesus as he felt Jesus should baptize him. As Wayshower, Jesus insisted that John perform the baptism. Jesus was clear that even he was not exempt from the process.
Baptism is not limited to a one-time experience. You don’t have to wait for a new year, birthday, anniversary, or special ceremony to be baptized. You can be baptized or baptize yourself as often as you feel the need to wash away that which no longer serves you. Each day is an opportunity for you to have a new beginning and a fresh start.
Reflection Question – Have you ever been baptized or seen a water baptism? What was that experience like for you? What did the experience mean to you?
Prayer Activity – Take a bath or shower visualizing yourself being cleansed from your past and starting anew.
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Today’s Church Tampa Bay, 940 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg (Staybridge Suites) and 5107 North Central Ave., Tampa
