Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say
to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." —John
3:3
{CHAMBERS} “Being born again by the Spirit is an
unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, and as surprising as God
Himself. We don’t know where it begins— it is hidden away in the depths of our
soul. Being born again from above is an enduring, perpetual, and eternal
beginning. It provides a freshness all the time in thinking, talking, and
living— a continual surprise of the life of God. Staleness is an indication
that something in our lives is out of step with God. […] Freshness is not the
result of obedience; it comes from the Holy Spirit. Obedience keeps us “in the
light as He is in the light…” (1 John 1:7). Jealously guard your relationship
with God. Jesus prayed “that they may be one just as We are one” — with nothing
in between (John 17:22). […] If you are depending on something else as your
source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.”
{ELGIN} Do you
remember the feeling when you purchased something that you really wanted? A car maybe.
There was excitement, joy perhaps.
You were protective of it.
Wanting no harm to come to it. But, as time passed, the newness wore
off, you grew accustomed to it. When you
saw it or used it, it no longer had the same effect on you. And over time, perhaps you became complacent
about it. This could describe a
relationship with a person as well as the possession of some “thing”. It is our nature, our old nature anyway, that
is at work. And we must be on our
guard. To have a successful marriage
requires that you make and keep it a priority.
Marriage requires sacrifice on your part. (Ephesians
5:25) Intentionality. To live out
your life of faith successfully requires the same. (Matthew 16:24) It’s a daily
effort. But if you are reading this, I
guess you know that already. Press on my
friend.
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