Thursday, May 15, 2008

Born Again Today

. . . he gave power to become children of God who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God.. (John 1:12b, 13, NRS)

One of the greatest gifts in my life has been helping people through the childbirth process. While medicine has changed dramatically over the last three decades, the birth process remains a miracle. The dynamics of the whole room change when a child is born. I have watched old-timer physicians become emotionally moved when the baby takes the first breath, the sign of life. When you get down to it, the whole world changes when a child is born.

A second birth begins with our “yes” to receive Christ, who enters into our life through the powerful and mysterious work of the SpiritJohn writes about the ongoing power given to become children of God by being “born . . . of God.” To be born again is not only a one time event but also an ongoing process. Jesus explained:
"Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' (John 3:5-6, NRS.)

John 5:24, explains that through the second birth we “. . . pass from death to life.” Through new birth we enter into a covenant relationship, which will never end. At the same time, we have the opportunity to be born again on a daily basis.
I have a friend, Kim McLean, who wrote one of my favorite songs, "Born Again Today." The song reminds me that each day is a new day to live in Christ.

Start the day with a fresh and new perspective.
Begin today with a new perspective.
Breathe.
Receive the opportunity to be re-energized, revived, and renewed.
Ask God to bring new life to your thoughts, words, and actions.
Celebrate . . . this is a new day . . . to be born again!

By the way . . . happy "birth" day!

Learning with you to be born again today,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)