Are You Fresh for Everything? | Diff's Pilgrimage Notes

Jan 20, 2021 at 6:03 AM

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3, NIV)

Obeying God lets me live in His light (corrects my inside and outside), but it doesn’t bring a lively life. Only being led by the Holy Spirit can produce love for God. Only then can I listen to God’s words and follow them willingly. That’s when life becomes fresh.

I’ve had experiences of “listening and acting” for God, not out of fear or reverence, but out of feeling God’s love and wanting to respond. It feels natural. But these experiences are too few; I need more.

I am sure I am born again. A reborn person should have a new perspective on everything from before being born again: environment, situations, people. Things don’t change, but my perspective should be fresh.

I have a question about being born again. Is it about salvation, or about sanctification? If it’s about salvation, it should be a one-time thing, not something that happens daily. I think being born again is about salvation. If it’s about salvation, then what’s reborn is our “status” — from sinner to being seen by God as righteous, no longer belonging to the world or the flesh, but belonging to God’s kingdom and the Holy Spirit.

So, I should view everything in life from the perspective of my “new status” after being born again, today. But even though I’m born again, sin still entangles me, confuses me, and blinds my “new” vision. I think I must put off the old self and put on Christ Jesus today.

Thank God:

Thank God for hearing YJ’s book club sharing at WD. It increased my understanding of “sinner.” “Sinner” isn’t defined by human standards but by God’s. So, there’s no using our own eyes or preferences to say this person is better than that person regarding “sin.” Everyone’s the same. This erases bias against people (even if some feel like thorns. Who’s to judge them?).
Thank God for my wife preparing meals for me daily. Meals are ready on time. But sometimes, I get annoyed and criticize her (sometimes internally) over small things that don’t go my way. Really need to repent;
Thank God for His protection. I’ve managed to get up for devotions at 5:30 AM for three weeks now. Starting the day by facing God and consuming His Word is the source of strength for the whole day, both in life and work. Lately, I’ve felt this deeply. Also, thanks to XF for suggesting I write three things to be grateful for each day. Besides gratitude, it helps me quickly review yesterday’s people and events, slowing down my aging. Before, I couldn’t remember how I spent even the day before! :)