Born Again

There is nothing more precious than a newborn. You stare in amazement wondering how you can possibly take care of this helpless little bundle. Then you start to see similarities between the baby and you or your partner. The baby has your eyes, gramma's nose, dad's smile and Uncle Harry's curly hair. Every day that the baby grows, some feature changes until you finally see the established family resemblance.
So it stands to reason that if God is Spirit and we are born again in His Spirit, then we should resemble our Heavenly Father. Oh we won't look like Him, but we should certainly display the traits of His character. And as we spend time in His Presence should we not become a reflection of His grace and love? Would our speech not reflect His and our motivations be bathed in His likeness?
As I stare at myself in the mirror, I am sad to say that I see me...covered in God's mercy... but still me. That is the journey that I am on. When people see me do they see my Abba daddy? Do they see a person who desires to reflect the God of the universe? I am born again, but I'm not finished growing....I am only a shadow of my Father...look hard, be patient...I'm developing!
As I reflect on how we use this "born again" phrase, I am reminded that birth is a labor of love. No different for God's labor of birthing us into His Kingdom. Gardenfire has reminded me that my spiritual birth has cost God. We didn't come out right the first time....this is our redemption...treat it with care.

Offer

I shop..don't we all..and tend to tarry now and then in my favorite stores. However, I have friends who have made shopping a career. They read the newspaper flyers, scour for coupons, email for rebates, and dash from store to store taking advantage of their long hours of research. I find that exhausting. But I do believe in finding a bargain.
If we were shopping for a plan of salvation with as much diligence as the shoppers mentioned earlier, would we find God's offer to be the best? Let's see: believe..repent...receive. Yeah, that sounds like a bargain to me. So, as I see it, God has the best offer for my future...eternity with Him. Now that's an offer I can not refuse!
But remember to act now...God's offer has an expiration date.

Love Is

Gardenfire has chosen to highlight one of the most quoted scriptures found in the Bible. These verses, or variations of them, can be found on napkins, pictures, decorative plates, in songs, poems, place mats and, of course, these verses can be heard at weddings. Yes, God's definition of love is plastered everywhere. But you know what's strange? You don't see alot of people living like they get these verses. Maybe that's why Gardenfire brings it to our attention. Sort of "In your face". So that we might walk the walk and talk the talk. It's pretty hard to wear an "I Love You" t-shirt and cuss somebody out or be rude to someone. This Gospel message reminds us to live as if we believe that God sent His only Son for whoever believes! Use this Gardenfire shirt to remind yourself and the rest of us, your brothers and sisters in Christ, that we are the hands...feet...and voice of God to a dying world. What say ye?

Soak Up The Son

When asked what kind of a getaway we would like to have, many of us dream of white beaches...green-blue crystal clear waters...and plenty of warm sun. The thought of leaving a hectic life behind for the peace and serenity of a tropical island is, I must admit, alluring. But when our souls are needing a vacation..a respite from life's demands, where do we go? Where is our place of soul-resting.? Where can our spirits refresh from the daily grind?

That's a no brainer!!! Run to Jesus! He is our comforter and shield against all that buffets us. Go soak up the SON. Christians often make the simplest things hard and the hardest things to simplistic. But this is as easy as it gets. Run...don't walk...run into the arms of Jesus and let Him take care of you.

River Of Life

A friend called recently to tell me that she was "flowing in the river". "You know", she said, "when you're floating down a river you are not aware of how fast the water is moving. You just relax and go with the flow...you don't know where you are going to end up, but the ride is great!"
What a wonderful analogy for what happens when you jump in the River of Life! Just go with the flow, relax in God's presence and trust Him to
bring you to the most amazing places. Doesn't matter if you don't know how to swim...the buoyancy of God's love will keep you afloat...Jesus is your traveling companion and the Holy Spirit will keep you from harm. What a way to go!!!! Kudos to Gardenfire, once again, for inspiring us to look everupward for grace and direction.

To Know And Be Known

Most of what drives us in life is the need to be loved, appreciated, and understood... Another way we are "made in His image". That need was so strong in God, that He created a being that could communicate with Him, walk along side of Him, and desire to spend time with Him. Of course, that being is us.
Then, we spend a life time looking for just the right helpmate, just the perfect group of friends, most rewarding jobs, even extreme hobbies or interests. All to feel loved...have someone to share with...and have companionship. How strange that we don't realize our need for God and His need for us!
To know God and be known by God is the single most important criteria for our "happy-ever-after". Let's not look all around when the answer is staring us in the face. Search for God...find God...and start living!!! He is most certainly looking for you!!!

Fishers Of Men

I do not make any claims to being a true fisherman, but have enjoyed many a day throwing a line and waiting for dinner to snatch my worm. I have never caught a huge fish, nor the most fish, nor have I ever won a prize for fishing. But the experience of fishing has always brought a sense of relaxation and contentment.
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. Are we to hook them? Lay in wait until an unsuspecting mortal comes by then snatch them from the water..perhaps mount them on the wall as a trophy?
I think not. Instead, Jesus calls us to be armed with the word...ready in the Spirit...and allows God's Mercy to snatch them from the pool of death into the light of salvation. It is the diligence and commitment of a true fisherman to which Jesus is referring.
He was speaking to men whose livelihood depended on their ability to fish. It is their unyielding work ethic for which we as Christians must strive. The dogged determination to follow through whatever it takes.
I once heard the term..due diligence and find it appropriate here. Unending..non-stopping..complete focus on bringing the lost to Jesus. Be ye therefore fishers of men for God's Glory and for the sake of their Salvation in Jesus Christ!