Baptism
Day 517, Saturday, Jan. 10
Acts 19:1-22
As he preaches in Ephesus, Paul asks believers there what baptism they have received. When they say they have received the baptism of John, Paul says, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Hearing that, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” This reminds us of the baptism of Jesus himself, which was not one of repentance (Jesus was sinless), but one where the Spirit of God descended, bringing power.
When these disciples are baptized in the name of Jesus, they prophesy and speak in tongues (or other languages). While gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy are heavily emphasized in some Pentecostal and charismatic churches, they are often underemphasized in more mainline churches.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Psalms 59:6-17
They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths—the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.
They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Prayer focus
God, fill us with your Spirit, so that we may receive and speak your wisdom and use all of your gifts to bless the world.