This is a photo of the Jordan river taken several years ago when I was in Israel.  What a peaceful place.  Believers from all over the globe tend to congregate here, and each day there are baptisms performed for all who would like to re-commit their lives or simply be re-baptized in the river where Jesus stood.  There is indeed something powerful and precious about walking where Jesus walked and experiencing the areas where His ministry and miracles took place.  

Something that dawned on me yet again while in that place is that His presence remains with us wherever we are!  Though being in that land was an adventure of great spiritual meaning, the reality of His living inside my heart is all the more life-sustaining and inspiring!  He promises to take up residence within our heart when we ask Him to be our Lord and Savior.  His constant companionship through the Holy Spirit is an enormous treasure!  The Bible says that the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead suddenly comes to live and dwell inside us!! There is something incredibly great about that!  

Baptism by water is something Jesus modeled and instructed us to do out of obedience.  In some ways it is like a ceremony for others to witness that He has washed away our sins as we have asked Him to forgive and accept us as we are.  He is gracious and merciful to do just that!  He also promises to baptize us with fire, which is a word that describes His power and passion that takes up residence within our hearts when we invite Him to do so!  I don't know about you, but I want the whole heavenly package - the forgiveness - and the fire!  

Lord, forgive us.  Wash us clean in the waters of Your love and baptism.  Fill us with the power and fire of Your Holy Spirit so that we can represent You in the highest and holiest way!  

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."  Romans 8:11