Baptism Is Making a Difference
A 366 Day Devotional
by
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January 1
Baptism Is Living My Story
Thank God no matter what happens.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG)
From the moment I was born, I unknowingly embarked on my life's journey—a journey I wasn't expected to survive. My father, a missionary in the remote regions of Brazil, delivered me without medical assistance. A blister formed on my head soon after birth, swelling to a life-threatening size within an hour. Without hesitation, my father baptized me and crafted a wooden contraption to stabilize my head and the blister for two months. Miraculously, the blister vanished, leaving behind only a quarter-sized birthmark. My mother would often say, "God rescued you for a reason."
This birthmark has become a tangible part of my life's narrative—a symbol of my baptism. Being baptized infuses my daily existence with purpose and gratitude. Hence, I've resolved to share 366 facets of my life's journey, starting today. As Mary Appelt Graves aptly put it, "Thank God no matter what happens. I am baptized and living my story." Her words resonate deeply with me.
Writing about my baptized life in these daily devotions feels like a blessing—a chance to reflect on my turbulent youth, my struggles as a workaholic young father, and various close calls. Despite internal battles, including moments of self-doubt about my suitability for pastoral work, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences.
Yet, amidst my own struggles, I've witnessed the suffering of others across different countries and states—from Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Israel, Kenya, to every corner of the United States. Serving as a lay leader in churches in Kansas and Missouri, I've seen firsthand how embracing our individual stories strengthens communities. Additionally, it's crucial for churches to attain financial sustainability to support their missions.
Helmut Thielicke once wrote, "Tell me how much you know of the sufferings of others, and I will tell you how much you love them." Today, as someone who's been baptized, I recognize the grace of God in my life. Regardless of circumstances, I remain thankful. I invite you to join me in sharing how we, guided by the Spirit of Christ, navigate our individual narratives together through baptism.
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About the Book
Baptism is Making a Difference provides daily reflections on how Baptism gives meaning and focus to everyday living. Using selected Bible verses and stories from his own experience, the author identifies how remembering his Baptism affects his own life. He invites you to experience the difference that remembering your Baptism can make in your own life and relationships.
About the Author
Born in the interior of Brazil to missionary parents, Ed Kruse came to the United States when he was nine years old. He spent most of his adult life in ministry. He was a pastor in West Virginia and Iowa where both congregations doubled in membership. He has worked as a Diaconal Minister in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois, including a national position as Director for Stewardship in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He owned and operated a successful healthcare franchise for 20 years and most recently has developed his own company to work with congregations in the areas of stewardship, spiritual gifts and conflict management.
Ed earned a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from Upper Iowa University, an M. Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, and a D. Min. from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
He has written numerous articles and four previous books:
How to Have a Happy Home
A doctoral thesis, Peaceforming: A Narrative Approach to Conflict
Unwrap Your Gifts and Use Them, An Introduction to Spiritual Gifts Ministry
Wake Up, Church, Opening Your Eyes to Transformational Ministry
which he co-authored with Dr. Bill Steadman.
Ed is retired and lives in Minnesota with his wife, Barbara. They have been blessed with six children, 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.