You must be born again

The picture shows Richard, the proud daddy, when my grandson Zachary was born.  The Bible says that we are born again into GOD’s family and become the children of GOD when we believe in JESUS.  We know there is rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:10) when someone is saved and born into GOD’s family.  How do you think GOD the FATHER feels when someone comes to CHRIST JESUS and is born as HIS child?

“JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily (I assure you that the truth of the matter is), I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD.  Nicodemus replied, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born. Jesus answered, Verily, verily (I assure you that the truth of the matter is), I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5). Read the entire chapter of John 3 to find out how JESUS explains it).

But how do you get born again?

“Whosoever believes that JESUS is the CHRIST (promised Messiah) is born of GOD: and every one that loves HIM that begat (GOD the FATHER) loves HIM (JESUS) also that is begotten of HIM (GOD the FATHER)” (1 John 5:1).

Who has the right to be called the child of GOD?

“But as many as received HIM (JESUS), to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS (JESUS) name” (John 1:12)

“For whatsoever is born of GOD overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our FAITH. Who is he that overcomes the world (system, thought patterns, standards), but he that believes that JESUS is the SON of GOD?” (1 John 5:4-5).

“If thou shalt confess with your mouth the JESUS is LORD, and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness (see Romans 3:21-22); and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

How do we get that kind of FAITH?

“So, then FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

When we hear the truth from the Word of GOD and receive it as truth we have FAITH. If we suppress the initial awareness of truth, we refuse the love of the truth and do not get FAITH (Romans 1:18-20).

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of GOD, which lives and abides (lasts) forever” (1 Peter 1:23).

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

Have you been born again?  I hope so.  If you want to but are not quite sure how, ask GOD to show you and carefully reread this outline.

Hugs

Sharon

What’s the next step?

Almost a whole month of this new year is gone and my heart is still full of questions as to the next steps I should take.  As I came before the LORD, I thought it was just between the two of us as I journaled my thoughts hoping for clarity.  But now I feel strongly nudged to share these thoughts with you.

Paul stated, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Our LORD told Paul, in effect, “Your whole life is to be overpowered and subdued by ME; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but MINE.” … “You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…” (John 15:16).

I remember my heavenly vision LORD, I clearly remember that day YOU spoke directly to me “You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…

Late summer 1970 under that pine tree on a mountain near Loyalton, California YOU spoke to me through YOUR word.

Isaiah 50:4-5 The LORD GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: HE me wakens morning by morning, HE wakens mine ear to hear (listen) as one who is taught.  The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious; I have not turned away.

YOU also gave this warning:

Isaiah 50:10-11 Who among you fears the LORD (that is you, Sharon) and obeys the word of HIS servant (the Bible)?  Let the one who walks in the dark (does not know what is ahead), who has no light (does not know what to do), TRUST in the name (character) of the LORD and RELY on their GOD (to take care of what needs to be done). 

But now, all you who light fires (brainstorm ideas) and provide yourselves with flaming torches (formulate your own plans), go, walk in the light of your own fires (ideas) and of the torches (plans) you have set ablaze (concocted). This is what you shall receive from MY hand: You will lie down in torment (you will suffer).

LORD, way back then, over 50 years ago now, I was so confused and down and it was so exciting to hear those words directed to me as I read YOUR word.  It was like water to my thirsty soul that I had meaning, that I had a purpose. The call for my whole life to be overpowered and subdued by YOU; with no end, no aim, and no purpose but YOUR’s I totally embraced although I had no idea what I was getting into or where YOU would lead.  But those words lifted me from despair and gave me hope..

YOU have taught me through YOUR word and YOUR servants during years alone while the kids were at school, then came the adventures, studies, camp, work at the space center, the 10/40 and teaching and then writing.  Never have I felt the call about YOU opening my ears to hear/listen more clearly than I have since YOU brought me to Pueblo.

YOU know I’ve questioned where I’m at and what I’m doing (teaching) yet writing has become such a joy.  Please direct and confirm the specifics of what YOU want for like JESUS I come to do YOUR will O LORD. 

“Show me YOUR ways, LORD, teach me YOUR paths. Guide me in YOUR truth and teach me, for you are GOD my SAVIOR, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).

I know YOU are my Master; I am confident in and trust YOUR infinite wisdom, YOUR complete knowledge of what is needed and how to bring it about, YOUR unsearchable understanding of how we feel and will react, I am amazed at what YOU create and do, I trust YOUR dynamite unlimited power. I am awaiting YOUR counsel, those directions/ instructions I need to take the next step whether forward or back, for I fear only YOU my LORD and my Redeemer.  I rely on YOU to work out all the details that need to be done as YOUR use whom YOU choose to do what YOU want done. Keep me from deception I pray in JESUS precious name. AMEN