Pause

What does it take to bring something into being, something that simply did not exist? Can you imagine a time “before time?”

The God we worship is not only unconcerned about such constraints; God works totally outside our perceptions of time and space.

This is the God who awaits you now in quietness. Seek the freedom to be in touch with your Creator.

Listen

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:6-8

Think

“Fashionista” is probably not a word used to describe John, although today fur is a popular trim on many coats. While John could have been a fashion trendsetter, his dietary habits have not taken hold. John was peculiar enough in his dress that Mark noted it in his Gospel.

Often it takes someone willing to stand out from the crowd to be noticed and heard. John shared a vision that was far different than many prophets of his time, or those claiming to be so today. John claimed that someone much greater than he was coming. John was open to a new way of thinking and a new way of doing.

John talked about one who would baptize with Spirit, not just water. In our culture, much is made of those who are rational, with well-thought-out concepts and well-drawn schematics. God can use those types, but in the case of announcing Jesus to the world, God used someone who our culture might very well cast aside.

Brian Foreman

Pray

God of the unique, when I judge, forgive me. When I rationalize myself away from serving you, have mercy on me. When I find the courage to take a bold creative stand, thank you for your faithfulness to me. Amen.

Go

Creator God we sing, a hymn of joy we’re making;
Our grateful love we bring, as the new day’s light is breaking.
God made the sea and land; the sun and stars came rolling
From God’s own loving hand, their Creator’s love extolling.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Creator God we sing: Alleluia!

From "Cantemos al Creador" by Carlos Rosas