In the Presence of the Gospel

Today was a very special day. I went to church with my daughter and family. My oldest grandsons, Seth and Everett, were going to be baptized. They had been working hard on the baptism booklet the Pastor had given them as well as writing out their own testimonies. They were nervous but so were my son-in-law, daughter and I. The nerves also held a lot of excitement as we were all anticipating this event.

There were going to be 10 people baptized today at Evident Church. The Pastor said that there would be worship and baptism today only. This was the baptism celebration Sunday. After the first group of worship songs, Seth was to be first of the group with Everett following him. Since Evident meets in a school, a portable round tub was brought in with the chairs in a semi-circle all around it.

As Seth stepped into the tub he dropped his testimony into the water which brought laughter as the Pastor pulled it carefully apart so that he could read it. Seth gave a clear indication of his belief in Christ alone for his salvation. He spoke of Christ dying for him and the blood shed paying for his sins. He made it clear that he wanted to please God in his life. Just before the Pastor put him under the water, I looked over to see Everett giving Seth a thumbs up (both thumbs). I was trying to hold them back but the tears came by the time Seth came out of the water. When he was coming out of the tub and down the steps, there was Everett patting him on the back and smiling as people clapped and cheered.

Then it was Everett's turn. He has never been know as a subtle child. He went up the steps and jumped into the tub splashing water everywhere. The Pastor likened it to a cannonball! Everett read his testimony which was full of language about his sin and his need of Jesus. He talked about what God did for him through Jesus and made it clear that he wanted to live for the Lord. Before the Pastor baptized Everett, he shared that he had a conversation with both boys through Skype. During that conversation they had talked about the testimonies but then talked a bit about the superbowl. He said that Everett said, "Can we get back to talking about the Lord now?". What a joy to know Everett's priorities! When he came up out of the water, he raised both hands in excitement and praise.

These two boys have committed themselves to follow Christ. I know they will not be perfect but they know the conviction of the Spirit and can repent. What does the Lord have for them in the future? I don't know but I do know He has called them to Himself to be younger brothers of Jesus, co-heirs with Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit and set apart to be Holy. What a joy for me to have been witness to this. Praise be to our God and Father who continues to call people to Himself!! May these two boys be the instruments He uses for His purposes in the future!

Another Lesson From Everett

My seven year old grandson, Everett, is always teaching me something. I wanted to pass this on to you. My Dad was having surgery on a Thursday, partial knee replacement. My daughter has all of the kids signed up for an Enrichment program for homeschoolers which meets on Thursday. On Wednesday my daughter mentioned to Everett that the next day would be his class. Everett said, "Family is more important than class." Barb asked him what he meant and he replied, "I can't go to class when my poppie is going to have surgery." With that statement his lip began to quiver as the tears were right at the surface. She promised him to take him over to see his poppie before the surgery and then after. This was satisfactory to him.

A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.

Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.

Wisdom from Everett

My grandson, Everett, is seven years old. He was recently visiting with us and had a conversation with me about being a Christian. He said the following:

"Grandma, I am a Christian. You can know that Jesus died for your sins but you have to really believe it and tell God you believe it. Then you will be a Christian."

He also said, "When I grow up I am going to be a preacher or FBI."

My grandson is learning a lot about God. He is being taught well by his parents. I am very proud of them. When Everett said these things to me, I let him know that we will be looking for fruit in his life as he grows. He said that he wanted to bring God glory not himself.

Later before we all had lunch together, Everett asked to pray. He prayed beautifully never mentioning the food but thanking God for Jesus and how he paid for our sins. He apologized to God for our continued sin. Then he said this...
"And God our Uncle Gabe is not a Christian. We want him to be a Christian and we will do everything we can to make him a Christian but you have to do it."
I could barely speak after his prayer. No one had mentioned his uncle, my son and yet he remembered him. Isn't that fruit?

Everett wants to do what is right but still struggles as we all do. (see my former post) Through his instruction from home and the Holy Spirit, I believe he has quoted scripture without really knowing it.

Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

Amen and amen...Thank you Everett. God has granted you wisdom. May God grow you up in Him. But whether you are a preacher or FBI or something entirely different, you can honor God with your life. And me??? I will be the proud Grandma.