My 24 hours are more like several years leading up to a very special day, My Baptism.
For most of my young adult life I considered myself an atheist. Growing up, I could not understand the concept of faith, I did not feel a need for church and I ridiculed those who did. I had always felt that church and the belief in an all knowing supernatural being was a crutch for those who were weak and needed support. Not coincidentally, my life up to the day of my Baptism was a complete mess.
The end of my atheism began when my second wife was diagnosed with Cancer. About 4 months later, she passed away. When she left me, she left me in the hands of God.
I was baptized in Charlie Millers creek by Pastor Paul Mundey of the Frederick Church of the Brethren. I was 47 years old and I can say that growing up, I had never understood the need for a Baptism. I can also say that the water of that creek in July was very COLD. The Brethren believe in full emersion Baptisms. I can also say that upon rising out of the water for the third time, in the name of the Holy Spirit, I had such a rush of warmth envelop and fill me from within that words cannot describe my joy. In that moment I knew that the spirit of the Lord was with me and though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I no longer would fear evil for he was with me and I was comforted for life.
Prayer: Dear God, we are thankful for the warmth and joy that you bring into our lives. Help us to make our baptism a beginning of our ministry, so that we may help others find that same joy and warmth. Amen.
Prayer Concern: those who have yet to know a relationship with God.
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