“Spiritual birth is requisite to a humble faith that grows over a lifetime into a vibrant love for God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 11, 2021
You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God. John 3:7-8, The Message
I have been in a book club for seven years with two Bills and a Larry. The Bills are both sailboat captains, whom Larry and I have twice experienced in action. How they harness the wind is mesmerizing. Watching them constantly adjust the sails to make room for the invisible gusts makes me giddy with the awe of a child. And when my eyes move away from the horizon’s steadiness, I am subject to the motion sickness of an older adult, ha! Thankfully, my stomach settles and I gain relief from the belief in an unchanging, bold beauty that remains constant.
Believing is seeing! This is how Jesus illustrated the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person seeking a spiritual experience. Nick, don’t overthink your relationship with God, Jesus might have reminded the learned religious leader. Watch with eyes of faith how the wind of the Spirit blows and then hoist your sail of trust and obedience as you follow its every changing direction. Start with belief in being born from above, so you have peace and security below. Spiritual birth is requisite to a humble faith that grows over a lifetime into a vibrant love for God.
“Afterward, their son [John] grew up and was strengthened by the Holy Spirit and he grew in his love for God” (Luke 1:80).
Have you succumbed to God’s love through the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart and mind? Ask the Spirit to strengthen your spiritual stamina and grow your heart of love. And He will. Lean into the Spirit to guide you in wise decisions and to pray on your behalf when you are unsure what to pray. And He will. If you have yet to truly experience a spiritual birth from above, confess your sins and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and watch the Holy Spirit lead you into a lifelong love and obedience to God. And He will. Relief comes from belief in Jesus Christ!
I like how the writer Jane Rutter describes relief from belief in Seasons of the Spirit: When enjoying what we do, the wind seems a breeze that floats about, gently cooling and refreshing us. But, when life becomes tedious or overwhelming, when we lose sight of its purpose, our efforts are like fighting a blinding wind that leaves us dry and stripped down. We ache for relief. Relief, however, comes only through belief, in accepting that the wind will always change direction.
“And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” (Romans 5:5, TPT)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the relief my belief in you provides as my refuge for protection and my rock of stability, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
In what situation do I need to see with fresh eyes where the Holy Spirit is working in my life?
Related Reading
Song of Songs 5:5; Isaiah 42:1; Luke 2:25; Romans 15:30
Worship Resource
Canyon Hills Worship: Spirit of God
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