Jan 12

The first, foundational relationship with God is described in the third chapter of John. Jesus calls it being born again. All new Christians abide here, but for varying degrees of time.

To the new Christian, the relationship is both new and wondrous. It is like Noah and his family stepping out of the ark and into a new world. The old world with all of its evil is gone, drowned by the waters of baptismal regeneration (1 Ptr. 3:20-21).

But we know from Scripture that sin once more sprang up, even in God's chosen people of the ark. So it is with us who have experienced the new birth of John 3. We still have the capacity to sin. That is why we cannot afford to wait around in the third-chapter-of-John relationship with Jesus. We must move on to the next level, the next chapter (both figuratively and literally).

To stand still spiritually is to risk the flood waters again. We must move out from the ark and be about our Father's business, which is to live a new life in a new world. He will lead us to the high ground of safety and growth found in chapters four and seven of John, the chapters that describe the other two, deeper relationships with our Lord. It is my prayer that these devotions will be a part of the way which He uses in accomplishing this in you.

Scripture for today: John 3:3-8
Thought for today: Everything but God has a beginning.
Prayer for today: Lord, thank you that You are my beginning. Thank you for providing means for me to grow beyond this beginning, as well. I desire to grow in you. Help me to do this. In Jesus name, Amen.

JAN 12