Washed by the Water ~ Start at the Cross

Several years ago our family changed churches and in a small town that always leaves a lot of speculation and wonder.  The church that we were attending is a wonderful church – wonderful people who love Jesus and I believe that the Word of God is shared inside those walls. 

I also know that it is okay for your desires and needs to change and it is okay to seek different avenues. However the church we now attend can definitely be misunderstood – and I was one of those people who really did not understand the beliefs of this new church.  I felt love and warmth when I entered the doors but I was very concerned about what I thought they believed….

So we started asking questions and one of the families that helped us simply said Start at the cross.  So that is what we have done – anytime a question comes up about what we believe or don’t believe – we go back to that answer Start at the cross. 

This week has had a myriad of events that could be potentially emotional…. The week began with us in College Station helping Son two find an apartment, then we got to see our nephew who just became a member of the Coast Guard (he leaves for training on May 17^th), and the week will “end” with my dear friends moving.  Yes the same family that helped us on our spiritual journey just 4 years ago. 

One of the first things that we all did together was witness Son two’s baptism in the summer of 2007 – in the same place on PK Lake as his brother – and as their dad.  As for me – I was baptized in the FBC in Perrin.

Have you heard the song by NeedToBreathe – Washed by the Water?  I heard it this week and I just love that song!

I am so very thankful that I made that choice to be baptized – so thankful that when things aren’t the greatest – or people don’t like me – or whatever is in front of me that I am washed by the water.  It means so much to me – more than I can even begin to share here – and in some ways more than I can put into words.  Son two and I talked this week about baptism and why we think it is important – in the end the best answer we had was – Jesus did it – he found it to be important.  Just as we read in Matthew 3:

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”  So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” ~ Matthew 3:13-17.

Start at the cross – start at what Jesus did for us – so thankful for Jesus and thankful that my dear friends took time to share it with us.  While we will miss their presence here in Graham – I know that our friendship will endure the distance – after all – we’ve all been washed by the water and our relationship is grounded in Jesus’ love for us. 

Washed by the Water by NeedToBreathe
Daddy was a preacher
She was his wife
Just tryin to make the world a little better
You know, shine a light
People started talking
Trying to hear their own voice
Those people tried to accuse my father
Said he made the wrong choice
Though it might be painful
You know that time will always tell
Those people have long since gone
My father never failed

Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water

Even if the Earth crumbles under my feet
Even if the ones I love turn around and crucify me
I won't never ever let you down
won't fall, won't fall, won't fall as long as you're around me
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water

Always,

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.