Are You Fresh for Everything?

January 20th, 2011 by JDVaughn Leave a reply »

January 20, 2011
 
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
 

Sometimes we are fresh and eager to attend a prayer meeting, but do we feel that same freshness for such mundane tasks as polishing shoes?

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. We say to ourselves, “I have to do this thing or it will never get done.” That is the first sign of staleness. Do we feel fresh this very moment or are we stale, frantically searching our minds for something to do? 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). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don’t pretend to be open with Him. Are you drawing your life from any source other than God Himself? If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone.

Being born of the Spirit means much more than we usually think. It gives us new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything through the never-ending supply of the life of God.

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January 20, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

 One of the indicators of my connection to You is the freshness with which you allow me to see the world and my place in and out of it. I know that I am intimately connected to You when the same old things surprise and amaze me.  

When I am truly connected to You I know I am fresh in the Spirit . It is one more indicator of my daily connection.

And God says…”When you are engaged and connected with Me as a little child, you are captivated and intrigued by everything. Every experience is like brand new as you observe Me operating in and around your life. You can live in the moment, in eager anticipation of life that is directed and controlled by Me…all things work for good for those that love Me and are called according to My purpose..

Galatians 5:22-25 (The Message)

 22-23But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely

 

Journal DJR 1 20 11
Good Morning, Lord. Once again, you and Oswald hit me with an obvious truth that I so easily forget and need to be reminded of. … If things get stale or stressed, it’s an indication of my Connection … it needs some tightening up. This is a truth that hides in plain sight. It goes along with the rest of what we’ve been learning. Staying curious, Expecting to deliver a miracle, staying on the balcony with you. Etc. All good life rings to hang on to when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm.
Yes, you can always remember that if our relationship gets distant, I’m not the one that moved. You are learning the path back. These metaphors, balcony, delivery boy, walking with me, etc, are helpful for humans. Use them. More.

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