Gods Rain

Here in the heat of Texas we have had torrential rains. Like 8-10" folks. Power-outages at our home lasted 16 hours. Flooding streets, muddy shoes, and deafening thunders shook my house. I had a lot of time to think and to be still. I had time to have personal worship with my King. I feel refreshed. I feel renewed. Was it a stressful time? You bet it was at times. Explaining to a 5 year old why we have not lights, hot water, or why we cannot open the refrigerator is not an easy task. Waking my babies up to take PJ's off so they will not be too hot was not fun either. Filling their time in the dark with raging storms outside the window was tough too. BUT - I was OK. I was refreshed and renewed!

I thought about the water that washes us clean. I reflected back to June 21, 1989 when I walked with my dad to the front of the church and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God who died for MY sins. I remember my baptism like it was yesterday - I remember how I felt as I came out of the water - refreshed and renewed.

God's rain the last two days has had me reflecting on His power to wash us all clean. I wanted to soak in it and feel the clean. I read a verse that I want to share:

1 Peter 3:13-22

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[b]; do not be frightened."[c] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[d] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Just soak that one in. I have read it several times and really thought about how I want to apply it to my life.

I praise God for He is SO very good in my life. I am a sinner - but I am saved by His Grace.

I pray all of you are able to wash in God's love and grace tonight.

Blessings;

Amy Q