A New Creation

3.7.12

A day I have been praying for for a very long time. A day I knew would come. But not at my urging. It is not enough for me to want. It is there, it is always there. Grace, a free gift to all, just sitting there, waiting to be claimed. But it must be claimed. Man must make the choice to claim the grace and all the spiritual blessings that come along with it. Such an amazing gift. Even more amazing that it is free, of no cost to us. It just takes a commitment. A commitment that is made in the heart first. But that act of public confession, it seems unimportant or perhaps unnecessary or just misunderstood. Some times is it just embarrassment that you have failed to yet complete that step. Or it could be a multitude of other reasons. The act of public confession is an important step. Not in the commitment you have made in your heart. Not in your love for Christ. Not in the Holy Spirit indwelling your heart. But an important step. A completion. A witness. Not so much for yourself, but for others. It is an act of obedience. Today Brad was obedient. Today Brad became a NEW CREATION. Today Brad is fully able to claim ALL the spiritual blessings he has IN CHRIST.

How did he come to this act of obedience? Really only he can say. I have seen God's hand on him since the moment we met. From my eyes, I have been privileged to see God at work in his life for the past 11 years. God has even allowed me to play a small part. What a privilege. What a joy.

What a special day. He chose a Wednesday. He chose to have an email sent out late Monday afternoon to just our small group to invite them to come a few minutes early to small group to share in our joy. I do not think he was prepared for the response. I started to receive texts about their excitement for Brad and our family. One of my favorites came from Monica, "When I told Annie (Kennedy's 4 year old friend), she asked who would baptize him? Then she said, do you think he will pick me?" We belong to a special church family. I knew many would make an effort to be there early to witness, and they did. Several men were very sad they were going to be out of town, they called Brad to tell him just that. Good News travels fast. A good friend, an old friend, a faithful friend heard and texted me the morning of wanting to know when and where, their family was coming. I told two other good, faithful, old friends at BSF that morning. They said they would not miss it. And they did not. And two elders, who have special places in our hearts heard and they came, on very short notice. How special that was to both Brad and I.

A sweet friend, Byron, was gracious to do the honors. Such sweet words spoken by him. Such kind, sweet words spoken by so many.

When Brad stepped out into the baptistry I know he was overwhelmed with the number of people who were there. So many, and so many children crowded as close as you could get. Presley front and center, Kennedy close by. A day they will never forget. A day I will never forget. A day Brad will never forget. A day the Lord will never forget. A day one of His chosen claimed his gift of grace! What a glorious day!