On the same spiritual journey, but riding a “different” horse

I met a new friend while on the movie set.  His name is Jack.  We are both extras working with the movie.  That’s about all we have in common.  You see, he’s tall, very dark, and very, very, handsome.  I’m, well, sort of tall……….  He’s the lead singer in a rock band, and he’s very, very good. He’s done this for years, has a strong following, and he makes a career playing and writing his music.  I ah, well, I play the Indian flute.  But rather than seeing how we were different, the focus from both of us was what we have in common.

As plain as the nose on my face, this is what I saw.  Sure enough, I see what you ladies see in this man.  He’s physically attractive.  He’s got the look.  Guys, He’s got the “it” factor as well.  He leads a rock band, writes music, he’s a man’s man.  I watch as he talks with other guys.  He’s easy going and fun to be around.  Other guys respond to him and his manner.  Guys, you would be envious of this man.  Seeing all of this myself, I also saw his heart.  We shared with each other about our lives, our children, how both of us try to communicate with other people.  He uses a guitar and music to get his message across to others.  I was truly surprised when from his heart he shared his frustration of being unable to “reach” some people with his music.  He gave the example of playing a song and within 15 seconds seeing people on the dance floor stop and begin texting to other people, (on the same floor).  What Jack didn’t know was how I’ve been frustrated myself with how the world today seems to make it harder to truly connect with others.  Sure we’ve got more technology, but we were in agreement that in this modern world it is becoming harder and harder to truly connect with others.  Whether a hard driving energetic singer like Jack, or a wilderness preacher like me,  lots and lots of distractions out there to keep us away from our passions to share with people.

Imagine how our Lord and Saviour must feel.  Where does He fit in all the mix of your life?  Do the distractions in your life rob you of time that could be spent with God.  Isn’t this what our spiritual journeys should be about?  Time between you and God.  The relationship (very personal) between you and Jesus.  Distractions can come from a cell phone with all it’s texting.  Life, (the very gift from God), can also become a distraction, if we allow it to be. Keep God in your life’s journey.

Acts 8:36-38New Life Version (NLV)³⁶ As they went on their way, they came to some water. The man from Ethiopia said, “See! Here is water. What is to stop me from being baptized?” ³⁷ (*Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The man said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”) ³⁸ He stopped the wagon. Then both Philip and the man from Ethiopia went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Something else Jack shared with me the next day was this.  He had never been baptized.  He knows what you have to believe.  He knows what baptism represents.  He asked if I baptized people.  I was surprised, startled.  Remember, we are on a movie set.  The only thing around is a horse watering trough.  And it’s empty.  We need some water!!!!!!!

Jack, this is for you my friend.  You name the place and time.  It doesn’t have to be a baptism in the chlorinated, sanitized, compartmentalized, and sometimes impersonalized baptistry  pool of some 1st Church of wherever.  The baptism needs to be in your heart (that’s personal).  Then the water symbol of baptism can be done anywhere.  Pick a spot man.  A mountain lake in Colorado, a local river or stream, the neighbors’ swimming pool.  Just long as it’s deep enough to dunk ya!  Bring your friends.  Bring your family!  Bring your guitars, we will celebrate!  We will party!

If you don’t know that there is a God that loves you and wants to connect with you in spite of all the “distractions”,  then you don’t know Jesus.

If you don’t know that you can say Lord help me and Believe in Him with all your heart, and that He’ll be with you on your very own journey, well………. then you don’t know Jack.

See Ya!

Dan Ainsworth  wilderness preacher